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

This position is part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative, specifically the RISE-THRIVE (Transforming Healthspan through Research InnoVation and Education) effort, which focuses on immunology and healthspan research. The successful candidate will join a growing team in the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Transplant & Cellular Therapy Division within the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

About the role

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is seeking a Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Cellular Therapy Physician Scientist with a research focus in Hematology/Oncology. This role emphasizes translating basic science discoveries into clinical practice and engaging 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.

The research focus of the faculty member should align with one or more of the following 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

This is a full- or part-time position (50%-100%) and requires onsite work at a designated campus location. The position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations, requiring an initial caregiver check and renewal every four years.

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 the School of Medicine and Public Health.
• 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.

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.
• Eligibility 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.
• Research focus within the specified areas: Tumor immunology, cancer immunotherapy, cell therapy in oncology, Transplant Immunology, Regenerative medicine, Neuroinflammation, Neuroimmunology, or Healthspan Research.
• Experience teaching and mentoring learners.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national/international conferences.

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. Since 2015, the Department of Pediatrics has ranked among the Top 20 pediatrics departments receiving NIH funding.

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. The division emphasizes the integration of research and teaching into clinical care, offering access to cutting-edge treatments through institutional and multi-institutional clinical trials. Division members are also responsible for training medical students, residents, and fellows.

About the initiative

The Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative addresses significant, complex challenges of importance to Wisconsin and the world. Through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased student and educational opportunities, RISE aims to strengthen UW–Madison’s leadership in two distinct yet complementary areas: the science of immunology and the study of healthspan. Over the next three academic years, UW-Madison will hire 150 new RISE faculty, fostering a community of scholars working across disciplines, schools, and colleges.

Benefits

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

About Madison, WI

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 known for its high quality of life, ranking among the best places to live, work, and raise a family. Key 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 home to a thriving technology and biotech sector, including headquarters for Epic Systems, Exact Sciences, and Promega, as well as numerous startups. The city offers a rich cultural scene, abundant outdoor activities, and a strong local food culture, including the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country. Madison also boasts a dedicated athletics fan base, professional sports teams, and marquee endurance and specialty sporting events.