Basic Science Investigator in Pediatric Cancer 

Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics

Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah 

The Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah (U of U) School of Medicine, and the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), have several immediate openings for a Basic Science or Translational Research Investigator in Pediatric Cancer Research. Selected candidates will have a tenure track appointment in the Department of Pediatrics, with a concurrent appointment as a lab investigator at HCI. The appointee will join a superb faculty with strengths in cellular therapies, cancer genetics and epigenetics, tumor modeling, and experimental therapeutics.

The Department of Pediatrics, HCI and Primary Children’s Hospital (PCH) have collaborated to make a significant investment and strategic commitment to expanding Pediatric Cancer Areas of Excellence, with the goal of fostering a sustainable culture of discovery. In support of this collaboration, pediatric oncology research has been allotted significant space in the newly built Primary Children’s and Families’ Research Center at HCI. Pediatric Areas of Excellence of highest interest include cell therapy, cancer genetics, epigenetics, tumor modeling, and experimental therapeutics. Candidates whose cancer research interests are aligned with these fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology is located at PCH, which is ranked by U.S. News among the top 20 programs in the nation (https://medicine.utah.edu/pediatrics/hematologyoncology/). The program has focused expertise in Oncology, Hematology, Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Population Sciences, Cancer Control, and Pediatric Cancer Genetics and sees over 260 newly diagnosed children annually. The Department of Pediatrics ranks among the top 15 Pediatric Departments in NIH funding and has a premier Research Enterprise providing infrastructure, faculty mentoring, and grant writing support. The U of U also has a robust biotechnology and venture commercialization program.

HCI is an NCI -designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), supporting and fostering a vibrant cancer research enterprise in a collegial environment. HCI has an outstanding history of academic achievement and impact and a commitment to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, and service. Our integrated health system and HCI’s participation in the ORIEN network of leading cancer centers provide opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations in basic and translational laboratory-based cancer research, epidemiology and cancer biostatistics, as well as population-based studies of childhood cancers and outcomes. In addition, U of U Health and HCI are home to valuable shared resources, such as the Utah Population Database with more than 16 million records linking genealogies, health records, and vital statistics. U of U Health and HCI provide access to state-of-the-art equipment and services through exceptional core facilities (www.cores.utah.edu), including genomics/metabolomics/proteomics, a GMP -certified cell therapy and regenerative medicine facility, and a comprehensive biospecimen repository.

Qualified candidates are expected to hold a M.D., D.O., or Ph.D. degree, and must have focused training in basic and/or translational science directly related to pediatric cancer. Outstanding applicants will be expected to develop an independent laboratory-based research program focused on basic and translational studies in areas relevant to pediatric oncology. Qualified candidates at the Assistant Professor level should have a track record of innovative research, a demonstrated ability to attract sustained research funding, and peer-reviewed publications of impact in the areas of cell therapy, cancer genetics, epigenetics, tumor modeling, and/or experimental therapeutics. Outstanding candidates who additionally have an extensive track record, and an established history of extramural funding will be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. Candidates who desire to participate in patient care, must also be Board Eligible/Board Certified in Pediatric Hematology Oncology. The successful candidate will be expected to supervise Graduate / Medical Students, Residents, Clinical Fellows and/or Postdoctoral Research Fellows. The selected candidate will receive a faculty appointment in the Department of Pediatrics on the Tenure Track at the academic level commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

Interested individuals can apply at https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/189207. Applicants should submit a cover letter containing a description of professional experience, the names and contact information of three professional references, a curriculum vitae, and a three-page research plan by January 15, 2026.

For additional information about the position, please contact Michael Pulsipher, M.D., at michael.pulsipher@hci.utah.edu.

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, diversity, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission. 

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

The Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah (U of U) School of Medicine, and the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), have several immediate openings for a Basic Science or Translational Research Investigator in Pediatric Cancer Research. Selected candidates will have a tenure track appointment in the Department of Pediatrics, with a concurrent appointment as a lab investigator at HCI. The appointee will join a superb faculty with strengths in cellular therapies, cancer genetics and epigenetics, tumor modeling, and experimental therapeutics.

The Department of Pediatrics, HCI and Primary Children’s Hospital (PCH) have collaborated to make a significant investment and strategic commitment to expanding Pediatric Cancer Areas of Excellence, with the goal of fostering a sustainable culture of discovery. In support of this collaboration, pediatric oncology research has been allotted significant space in the newly built Primary Children’s and Families’ Research Center at HCI. Pediatric Areas of Excellence of highest interest include cell therapy, cancer genetics, epigenetics, tumor modeling, and experimental therapeutics. Candidates whose cancer research interests are aligned with these fields are strongly encouraged to apply.