Research Track - Assistant Professor in Dermatology - University of Pennsylvania

The Department of Dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania seeks candidates for an Assistant Professor positions in the non-tenure research track. Expertise is required in the specific area of genomic dataset analysis, processing human skin samples, molecular biology experience, and performing mouse disease models. We seek candidates who are willing to work in a highly collaborative environment to support ongoing projects in the laboratory and associated with the Core, train lab members, and independently design/coordinate/execute research studies in consultation with the PI (the Leung Laboratory, www.thomasleunglab.org). A three-year minimum commitment is required. Applicants must have an M.D. or Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree along with 7 years of experience in biomedical research.



Research or scholarship responsibilities may include independently performing genomics experiments from library generation through data analysis, adapting new molecular technologies for use in skin biology, processing human skin and blood samples for different molecular analyses including: 3D genome architecture, ATAC-Seq, CHIP-seq, and mouse xenografts, managing junior members of the laboratory, and helping to write grants/manuscripts.



In addition, the successful candidate will serve as a technical director of a core within the NIH-funded Skin Biology and Diseases Resource-based Center (Penn SBDRC). This core currently provides tissues and cells for translational research of the skin but is expected to evolve to include resources, training, and services to enable the above-mentioned molecular technologies, including bioinformatics analysis of resulting datasets. This role will be a portion of the individual’s effort and will require consultation and collaboration with members of the Penn SBDRC that request Core services.



The Leung Laboratory is funded by the NIH and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study how to regenerate human skin without a scar and to understand the molecular pathogenesis of human inflammatory skin diseases. Ultimately, we aim to develop new therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine and skin biology.



We routinely use single-cell genomics techniques and spatial transcriptomics to interrogate diseased human skin from the clinic, human 3D skin organoids, and mouse models of skin wounding. We recently published papers demonstrating the role of aging, neuroimmune communication, and epigenetics in mammalian tissue regeneration and human skin diseases (Nishiguchi et al., Cell Reports 2019; Wei et al., Science Immunology 2020; Leung et al. New England Journal of Medicine 2022; Bhattacharya et al, JCI 2023).



We seek candidates who embrace and reflect diversity in the broadest sense. The University of Pennsylvania is an EOE. Minorities/women/individuals with disabilities/protected veterans are encouraged to apply.




To apply, please email a letter of interest and a CV that includes three references to Dr. Leung (thomasleunglab@gmail.com). Please include 1) a statement about your interest in our lab, 2) career goals and objectives




The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action (http://www.upenn.edu/affirm-action/) and Equal Opportunity Programs, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).