Faculty Position in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Modeling in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Position Summary:

The Neuroscience Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor position in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) based modeling of neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. We seek a highly motivated scientist who will establish an innovative, independent research program leveraging iPSCs to investigate mechanisms of neurodegeneration, cellular vulnerability, and therapeutic discovery. Candidates using approaches such as single cell genomics, organoid systems, CRISPR engineering, or cell type–specific functional assays are especially encouraged to apply.

Position Highlights:

• Develop and sustain a rigorous, externally funded research program centered on iPSC‑based models of neurodegenerative disorders.
• Mentor PhD students, including supervision of thesis research, career development, and scientific training.
• Contribute to graduate‑level and medical‑student education in neuroscience, stem cell biology, neurodegeneration, or related fields.
• Participate in interdisciplinary initiatives across neuroscience, neurology, genetics, and translational research programs.
• Engage in departmental, institutional, and professional service activities.

About the Neuroscience Research Center:

The Medical College of Wisconsin's Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), part of the Wisconsin Institute for NeuroScience (WINS), is a catalyst for advancing new, cutting-edge research strategies to prevent and treat neurological disorders. We strive to enhance basic and translational neuroscience at MCW through the development of an MCW-wide programmatic plan. By integrating with MCW’s other key departments, as well as leading neuroscientists throughout Milwaukee and beyond, the NRC emphasizes the importance of collaborative neuroscience research to strengthen and differentiate clinical care at MCW and its affiliates. By fostering collaboration and engaging different perspectives, we unlock the potential to imagine boundless possibilities.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD and postdoctoral training in neuroscience, stem cell biology, neurodegeneration, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrate expertise in iPSC derivation, differentiation, organoid modeling, or disease-mechanism studies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including a record of peer-reviewed publications reflecting creativity and scientific rigor.
• Evidence of potential to secure extramural funding (NIH, NSF, foundation, or equivalent).
• Commitment to mentoring, creating an inclusive training environment, and demonstrating excellence in teaching.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative cross-disciplinary environment
• Eligibility for a faculty appointment at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Preferred:

• Experience modeling Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders using iPSC‑derived neurons, astrocytes, microglia, or mixed‑cell systems.
• Expertise in single‑cell transcriptomics, proteomics, high‑content imaging, or computational analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across basic, translational, and clinical research teams.

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement outlining past work and future directions
• Teaching and mentoring statement
• Three letters of reference

Screening will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date July 1, 2027.

For questions, please contact: Erik VanNewenhizen - Department Administrator Neuroscience Research Center, evannewenhizen@mcw.edu

Medical College of Wisconsin

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is the state’s only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. MCW consists of a School of Medicine with campuses in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Central Wisconsin, a School of Graduate Studies, and a School of Pharmacy. MCW is a major national research center ranking in the top third of U.S. medical schools in NIH funding and is the second largest research institution in Wisconsin. Academic medicine is at the core of everything we do at MCW, bringing together scientists, clinicians, students and community members to solve the most complex challenges in health and society. MCW is a diverse group of thought leaders collaborating to pioneer pathways to a healthier world. Every study we conduct and every patient we see leads to new learning and a continuous cycle of life-changing knowledge and innovation.

Approximately 1,780 MCW physicians and approximately 905 advanced practice providers care for more than 484,000 patients of all ages annually at Froedtert Hospital, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Children’s Wisconsin, and many other hospitals and clinics throughout eastern Wisconsin, representing more than 5.1 million patient visits annually.

The beautiful, safe and modern campus of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC) houses Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Wisconsin, Curative Care Network, Versiti Blood Research Institute and the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division. These member entities share a common mission of excellence in patient care, medical education, biomedical research and community service.

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All of our endeavors at MCW, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: acting in Caring ways – engaging in Collaborative efforts – approaching our world with Curiosity – advancing Inclusive practices – demonstrating Integrity in all we do – treating everyone with Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences and perspectives through merit-based processes, and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you.

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The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

About Us

Together, we can build a healthier world.

A student, an educator, a scientist and a community leader — alone, they can do many things. Together, the question isn’t what they can do, but what can’t they. The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) brings together the most inquisitive, passionate minds in science, medicine, education and community engagement to tackle today’s toughest challenges in health and society. Academic medicine is at the center of where scientists, physicians and students work hand-in-hand with the community to ask the most important questions and fuel the cycle of innovation that shapes the future of medicine.

Medical College of Wisconsin

The tireless pursuit of knowledge and the power of academic medicine is at the core of everything we do at MCW. Bringing together the world’s top scientists and clinicians, inspired students and invested communities, we are driven to solve the most complex challenges in health and society. With around 1,600 full-time and part-time faculty and approximately 3,500 full-time employees, MCW is home to a diverse group of thought leaders working in collaboration to pioneer pathways to a healthier world and drive a continuous cycle of life-changing discovery.