Microbial, Pathogens & Immunity Research Faculty

Rush University Medical Center invites applications for a faculty position within the Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity . We seek a highly motivated individual with a strong background in host-pathogen interactions, or related fields. The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain an independent, externally funded research program, contribute to the department's educational mission, and engage in collaborative research initiatives.

About the Department:

The Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity at Rush University Medical Center focuses on translational research in areas such as HIV immunology, neuroscience, and virology and emphasis on host-pathogen interactions. Our faculty are committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient care through innovative research and education. For more information about MPI, please visit our department page .

Position Overview:

Rush University Medical Center invites applications for a faculty position within the Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity. We seek a highly motivated individual with a strong background in host-pathogen interactions, or related fields. The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain an independent, externally funded research program, contribute to the department's educational mission, and engage in collaborative research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and sustain an independent research program in microbial pathogens and immunity.

Secure and manage external funding to support research activities.

Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.

Teach and mentor students, residents, and fellows in the department.

Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.

Collaborate with faculty across disciplines to advance the institution's research objectives.

Qualifications:

PhD, MD, or equivalent degree in microbiology, immunology, or a related discipline.

Postdoctoral experience with a strong record of research accomplishments.

Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding.

Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Research at Rush: Scale & Support

Research at Rush University spans all three colleges, encompassing laboratory-based studies (with and without animal subjects), computational research, community-based projects, clinical research, and clinical trials involving investigational drugs and devices. We secure funding from diverse sources including federal, non-federal, industry, consortiums, philanthropic organizations, and internal resources. In FY25 our portfolio included 346 awards totaling >$111M, with ~400 active clinical trials and 1,827 protocols approved by Rush’s IRB.

The Office of Research Affairs (ORA) is the central hub for research administration, operations, and compliance, providing oversight for IRB, IACUC, IBC/Biohazards, sponsored programs, contracts, training/education, and clinical research administration. Submissions, workflows, and study management are handled via the Rush Research Portal, OnCore, and Epic Research.

Major Cores & Shared Resources (selected)

Rush Biomarker Development Core (Luminex/automation) Flow Cytometry Core (FACSCanto II, LSR II, LSRFortessa) Genomics & Microbiome Core Facility (NGS library prep, dPCR, single-cell & spatial workflows) Proteomics Core (LC-MS/MS, PTM analyses) microCT/Histology Core (microCT40/50; bone & soft-tissue histology) Rush Imaging Research Core (3T Siemens Prisma, fMRI support) Irradiator with Multimodal Imaging Core (X-Rad 320) Clinical Retrovirology Research Laboratory (BSL-2/BSL-3, LDMS tracking)

Research Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Core (study design, EMR data, -omics analytics)
Details and director contacts are listed on Rush’s cores directory.

Compensation & Benefits

Rush offers competitive total compensation that includes base pay, benefits, and other incentive programs. The total pay range reflects a wide range of factors (knowledge/skills, experience, education/certifications/licensure, and organizational needs). This total pay range is for a full-time, 1.0 FTE employee and includes any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role. Additional compensation may include sign-on bonuses and relocation allowances. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package.

Pay Range: $90,000 – $150,000

To Apply, please follow this link and submit the following:

1. Cover letter detailing research interests and career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references

Join Rush and become part of one of the nation’s best healthcare systems.

We look forward to your application and the possibility of you joining our dynamic team at Rush University Medical Center.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.