Position Description

Director

Center for Cancer Immunology

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Cornell University, Ithaca, seeks a Director of a new Cornell Center for Cancer Immunology. The Center will bridge current efforts in Immunology and Cancer on the Ithaca Campus, with strong ties to affiliated programs at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.

The new Director will be a visionary who will foster and extend the current campus-wide efforts in Immunology and Cancer to stimulate interdisciplinary research focused on understanding complex interactions among various cell types within the tumor immune microenvironment, and the role that this unique milieu plays in cancer progression and its mitigation. Special emphasis will be placed on discovery-motivated and use-inspired research that advances immunotherapies against cancer, including but not limited to immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies, and vaccines. The new Center will create a vibrant intersection among scientists and engineers in bridging the fundamental biology of the immune system and of cancers, complementing ongoing efforts in patient-oriented research focused on novel therapeutics to combat a wide range of cancers.

The Center for Cancer Immunology will be headquartered in Atkinson Hall, a new research building in the heart of the Ithaca campus adjacent to many units housing cancer and immunology researchers. Atkinson Hall has state-of-the-art wet and dry lab space designed to create collaborative synergy. In addition to the Center for Cancer Immunology, Atkinson Hall will house a new Department of Computational Biology, the Atkinson Center for Sustainability, and the Cornell Masters in Public Health Program. As such, Atkinson Hall will be the epicenter for inter-disciplinary cutting-edge research focused on providing real solutions for animal, human, and global health.  

The Director and Center will benefit from complementary, interdisciplinary units at Cornell focused on fundamental research in human health. These include the Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology; Cornell Center for Immunology; Cornell Center for Vertebrate Genomics; Cornell Stem Cell Program; Cornell Center for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education; and Cornell Center for Precision Nutrition and Health; as well as the Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation and the Meyer Cancer Center based at Weill Cornell Medicine.

The Director will oversee the Center’s day-to-day operations, as well as developing the long-range vision for the Center, leading recruitment efforts of approximately 12 Center-affiliated faculty members to build a community of cancer immunologists within Atkinson Hall. It is expected that the Director will interact broadly with departments, colleges, and centers across Cornell, including those across Cornell’s Ithaca campus as well as the Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Tech campuses. The Director will report to the Vice President for Research & Innovation, and hold a tenured faculty appointment in an academic department on Cornell’s Ithaca campus.

Cornell seeks candidates with a PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent, who are internationally respected researchers in Cancer Immunology. This stature would be reflected by a track record of creative and impactful research, effective leadership of teams, inspiring teaching, notable awards and service, and sustained extramural funding. The candidate will share in Cornell’s commitment toward ambitious, innovative, collaborative, and inclusive research and education.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications in Spring 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. For further information about this position, please email the committee chairs: Drs. Deborah Fowell and Robert Weiss. 

Cornell University is a vibrant research university, located along one of the beautiful Finger Lakes of New York. Ithaca  is a vibrant city with museums, theaters, and a diverse selection of restaurants. It is within driving distance of several large metropolitan centers, award-winning wineries, and both cross-country and downhill skiing areas. Ithaca is a nature-lover’s paradise with many opportunities for outdoor activities. Easy campus-to-campus bus transportation allows one to explore or develop collaborations  at our Medical College (Weill Cornell Medicine) and Technology Campus (Cornell Tech) in New York City while enjoying the “Ithaca is Gorges” lifestyle.