Assistant Professor - Surgery

About the role

The Department of Surgery at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, seeks an innovative tissue engineer or regenerative medicine scientist at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor (tenure track‑eligible) to establish an internationally recognized program in regenerative surgery with emphasis on cardiovascular tissue engineering. The successful candidate will have a track record of funding from the National Institutes of Health, a strong publication record, and experience as a principal investigator managing a multi‑disciplinary team. They are expected to develop collaborative research programs spanning regenerative medicine, biomaterials, stem cell biology, biofabrication, and translational large‑animal models, and to work closely with the department’s cardiovascular surgery, transplantation, and biomedical engineering programs to create biologically integrated therapies that promote myocardial recovery in patients supported with next‑generation mechanical circulatory support devices, including wireless ventricular assist devices. The candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of surgeons, physician‑scientists, and engineers committed to translating innovative technologies from bench to bedside. The department is willing to offer a start‑up package for the appropriate candidate and is committed to their success.

Responsibilities

• Establish an independently funded tissue engineering laboratory.
• Develop NIH‑funded translational research programs.
• Collaborate with cardiac surgeons, plastic surgeons, transplant surgeons, and biomedical engineers.
• Develop regenerative strategies to promote myocardial recovery during mechanical circulatory support.
• Participate in large‑animal translational studies.
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, medical students, residents, and junior faculty.
• Develop multidisciplinary collaborations across Penn State College of Medicine and University Park.
• Publish in high‑impact scientific journals.
• Participate in technology development and commercialization.

Requirements

• PhD or comparable scientific degree in a relevant discipline (or ABD status for a PhD) to be verified at time of hire.
• Demonstrated track record of funding from the National Institutes of Health.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience as a principal investigator managing a multi‑disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Cardiac tissue engineering
• Biomaterials
• Stem cell biology
• Extracellular matrix biology
• Mechanobiology
• Biofabrication and 3D bioprinting
• Drug or biologic delivery systems
• Regenerative medicine, wound healing, and reconstructive surgery
• Translational cardiovascular research

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)