Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, or Cellular Therapy Physician Scientist (RISE-THRIVE)

Posted: 04-Aug-26 | Location: Madison, Wisconsin | Type: Full Time | Employer will assist with relocation costs.

About the Role

The Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Transplant & Cellular Therapy Division within the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is seeking excellent candidates for a Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Cellular Therapy Physician Scientist to join our growing team through the RISE-THRIVE (Transforming Healthspan through Research InnoVation and Education) initiative. RISE-THRIVE focuses on immunology and healthspan research.

We are looking for candidates with additional training in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and a track record of research focused in Hematology/Oncology. The Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative addresses significant, complex challenges of importance to Wisconsin and the world. SMPH plays a key role in RISE-THRIVE, harnessing and growing the university’s reputation as a global powerhouse in interdisciplinary health research.

The effort focuses on strengthening UW–Madison’s investments and leadership in two distinct yet complementary areas: the science of immunology and the study of healthspan—the number of years a person is not only alive but healthy. The successful candidate will translate basic science discoveries into clinical practice and actively engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives across departments, schools, and colleges. Opportunities for joint appointments within other departments and schools at the University of Wisconsin may be available, depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests.

This position is full- or part-time (50%-100%) and requires work to be completed onsite at a designated campus work location. The position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations; the selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years thereafter.

Applicants will be considered for the following titles: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Visiting Associate Professor, or Visiting Professor on the tenure track, determined by experience and qualifications of the finalist.

Research Focus Areas

• Tumor immunology, cancer immunotherapy, and cell therapy in oncology
• Transplant Immunology
• Regenerative medicine
• Neuroinflammation
• Neuroimmunology
• Healthspan Research: approaches to cancer prevention, approaches to improve transplant outcomes, or prevention of neurodegeneration

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented environment.
• Serve on research mentor committees as needed.
• Participate in administrative and committee work to support the clinical and scholarly missions of UW Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health.
• Conduct innovative research and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of clinicians and researchers to integrate knowledge into clinical practice.
• Apply for research grants and funding opportunities to support ongoing projects and innovative research initiatives.
• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications, presentations at conferences, and other forums.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations while conducting research involving human subjects and animal models.
• Teach fellows, residents, and medical students through lectures, conferences, and other educational activities.
• Deliver patient care as a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist and/or Stem Cell Transplant Physician Scientist at UW Health Kids locations.
• Commit to scholarly research, teaching, and professional service at the tenure-track level, advancing the mission of SMPH as part of the RISE-THRIVE initiative.
• Carry out independent research/scholarly activity and engage in active collaborative research to expand clinical and/or translational research in the division.
• Obtain and maintain independent extramural funding.
• Participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts with other departments, schools, and colleges.

About the Department

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is a vibrant academic department comprising more than 200 faculty members across 16 subspecialty divisions. The department promotes and enhances the health of children through outstanding clinical care, exemplary education of pediatric trainees, performance of cutting-edge research, and vigorous advocacy.

The Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Transplant & Cellular Therapy provides innovative, comprehensive, and compassionate family-centered clinical care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with primary hematologic or oncologic disorders. Division members believe excellence in clinical care is dependent upon research and teaching, embracing their complete integration through all aspects of the program. Major advances in childhood cancer treatment have resulted from well-designed clinical trials, and this program offers access to cutting-edge treatments through institutional and multi-institutional group trials.

This position is part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative, which addresses complex societal challenges through accelerated faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased student and educational opportunities. Over the next three academic years, UW-Madison will hire 150 new RISE faculty, who will join a community of scholars working across disciplines on research, teaching, and outreach. Further information about RISE can be found at rise.wisc.edu.

About Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., offering a high quality of life, strong work/life balance, and abundant cultural and outdoor activities. Highlights include:

• #1 Best Places to Live in the U.S. (Livability, 2022)
• #1 Most Neighborly City (NeighborBlog, 2023)
• #1 Best Places in the U.S. for Raising Children (DiversityDataKids.com, 2020)
• #1 College Town to Live in After Graduation (Livability, 2024)
• #2 Best City for Work/Life Balance & Mental Health (CoworkingCafe, 2023)
• #2 Best City for Bikes (People for Bikes, 2020)
• #4 Happiest Cities in America (WalletHub, 2024)
• #5 Best State to Practice Medicine (Physicians Thrive, 2025)
• #6 Fittest City in the US (ACSM American Fitness Index, 2023)
• #7 Best Cities for STEM Jobs (WalletHub, 2025)
• #8 Greenest City in the U.S. (EcoCation, 2025)

Madison is the second-largest city in Wisconsin, with a population of approximately 280,000 and a regional population of over 1 million. The city is within easy driving distance of Chicago and Milwaukee and boasts a growing technology economy, home to the headquarters of Epic Systems, Exact Sciences, and Promega, as well as many biotech, health care IT, and health systems startups. Madison offers a rich cultural scene, abundant outdoor activities, and a thriving local food culture, including the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country. The city is also home to a dedicated athletics fan base, professional sports teams, and marquee endurance and specialty sporting events.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Competitive insurance and savings accounts
• Retirement benefits

For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage.

Requirements

• WI Medical license by the start date of the position.
• Board-certified or board-eligible in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics by the start date of the position.
• Board-certified or board-eligible in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology by the American Board of Pediatrics by the start date of the position.
• Completion of a US ACGME-approved pediatric residency and accredited fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology by the start date of the position.
• Eligible for enrollment as a billing provider and for all necessary hospital privileges by the start date of the position.
• Academic credentials sufficient for appointment at the Tenure Track rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor.