Professor and Ira R. Cohen Chair in Computer Science and Cancer Research

Siebel School of Computing and Data Science - Professor and Ira R. Cohen Chair in
Computer Science and Cancer Research
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a full-time, tenured Full Professor and Ira R. Cohen Chair in Computer Science and Cancer Research, an endowed chair position. All applications of computer science to cancer research, including theoretical approaches and applied, are of interest. The selected recipient will be a member or associate member of cancer.illinois.edu (CCIL).

Successful candidates should have established a significant record of computer science research related to cancer biology and/or treatment, and will have achieved distinction in their research. Candidates are expected to maintain an impactful research program in cancer research, teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and provide service to the school, the university, and the profession.

The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science graduate program in computer science is ranked fifth in the nation . Our school has more than 145 faculty covering the full range of both theoretical and applied computer science research, with 27 ACM Fellows, 26 IEEE fellows, and 3 members of the National Academy of Engineering (see the full list of national and international awards ). We also lead 3 NSF AI Research Institutes , and participate in many interdisciplinary research collaborations across campus, the nation, and the world.

Faculty and students at Illinois benefit from access to world-class experimental and computational facilities across campus, including: cancer.illinois.edu , Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology , Coordinated Science Laboratory , Materials Research Laboratory , Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab , Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology , and National Center for Supercomputing Applications .

A doctoral degree or equivalent terminal degree in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, or a related field is required at the start date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $170,000 - $250,000 for a 9-month service basis, paid over 12 months. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization options.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by April 30, 2026 . Applications may be reviewed as they are received. Those submitted after the stated deadline may still be considered until the position is filled. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. A start date of August 16, 2026, is anticipated; however, this is negotiable.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information:

To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at . The application package should include the following materials uploaded as a single PDF file in the Resume/CV section: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) research statement, 4) teaching statement, 5) service statement, and 6) names and contact information for three professional references (no letters required at this time). The research, teaching, and service statements offer a chance to share your motivation, approach, experience, leadership, impact, and vision in each area, including how you would support the university’s land-grant mission ( boldly.illinois.edu ), through campus, community, or professional engagement. For further information regarding application procedures, please address questions to [email protected] . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

Founded in 1867 as Illinois’s flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university’s legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

We have an active and successful Dual Career Academic Couples Program and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff ( provost.illinois.edu/faculty-affairs/work-life-balance ).

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .