Hci Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Microbiology & Immunology/HCI Asst, Assoc, Professor

The Division of Microbiology and Immunology (M&I) in the University of Utah’s Department of Pathology and the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) invite applications for a new tenure-track faculty position at any level that focuses on microbiome science with relevance to cancer biology, prevention, progression, or treatment. While the research should have the potential to advance our understanding of cancer, candidates are not required to currently work in cancer models. Particular areas of interest include, but are not limited to, host-commensal interactions (bacterial, viral and fungal) as they pertain to any cancer type, microbiota-immune interactions that influence cellular division, death or maintenance, commensal bacterial/fungal genetics in cancer, dietary interactions with the microbiota, microbial metagenomics, metabolism or ecology. The role of microbes in influencing/regulating cancer therapies/immunotherapies is also of interest.

The primary criteria for selection will be excellence and creativity in research and scholarship which includes a successful track‑record of publications and funding consistent with rank. Successful candidates will be expected to establish a rigorous, independent and collaborative research program within the microbiota and cancer field that complements both HCI and M&I division goals. Candidates must have a MD, PhD, or DVM. Faculty rank will be commensurate with experience and appointments will include competitive salaries and start‑up packages.

Successful applicants would have their academic appointment in the Division of M&I and be a member of HCI. You would join an enthusiastic and well‑funded faculty that including multiple recipients of NIH Director’s New Innovator Awards, Pew Scholars, Burrough’s Welcome Awards, American Cancer Society awards and V foundational awards among many other prestigious new and established investigator awards. Huntsman Cancer Institute is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, which means it meets the highest standards for cancer care and research and receives support for its scientific endeavors. HCI is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of the world’s leading cancer centers. The Cancer Biostatistics Shared Resource provides state-of-the-art biostatistics and research design support to clinical, translational, laboratory, and population sciences investigators at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

The applicant would be part of an emerging, university supported center with a focus on microbiota and mucosal immunology that includes faculty across 13 different departments to nurture inter-disciplinary science in the microbiota and cancer field. This center provides infrastructure to conduct gnotobiotic experiments, microbiota analysis, metabolomics, and acquisition of human samples to cultivate basic science and translational discoveries in this space.

The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, a vibrant and progressive town that sits in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain Range. This offers a truly unique mix of city life, outdoor activities and a world-class biomedical research program that houses Howard Hughes Investigators, National Academy of Science members and a Nobel Laureate. The University of Utah is adjacent to ARUP national reference laboratory, a worldwide leader in innovative laboratory diagnostics research and development.

Applications will begin being reviewed on October 26, 2026

For more information you may contact Nikki Forrest at nikki.forrest@path.utah.edu with questions regarding the administrative aspects of the application process or June Round at june.round@path.utah.edu with questions regarding the scientific aspects of the application.

• (1) curriculum vitae;
• (2) cover letter containing a description of professional experience (including scientific accomplishments, leadership roles and three references);
• (3) 3-page research plan that should include how the research might inform cancer development and/or prevention;
• (4) exemplar articles (published or unpublished) that highlight expertise in cancer and microbiota;

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.