Assistant Professor position opening – Children’s Neuroscience Institute (CNI)
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine | UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Rank: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor • Start Date: August 2026 (flexible)
The Children’s Neuroscience Institute (CNI) at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We seek an outstanding scientist with expertise across the broad areas of neuroscience. Experience or interest in pediatric neurological disorders (neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative) is highly desirable.
Qualifications
- Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent terminal degree(s)
- Strong record of research productivity and innovation (pre-/postdoctoral publications, grants, or translational advances)
- Evidence of independence and a compelling vision for an externally fundable research program
- Commitment to mentoring trainees and fostering an inclusive, collaborative lab culture
- Interdisciplinary strengths welcome (e.g., genetics/genomics, systems & circuits, computation/AI, iPSC and organoids, imaging, model organisms, gene therapy, RNA biology, neuroinflammation, neuromuscular or rare diseases)
Position Expectations
- The candidate is expected to lead a rigorous, externally funded research program aligned with CNI’s mission
- Collaborate with clinicians and scientists across Pediatrics, Neurology, Human Genetics, ophthalmology and related departments
- Participate in our different graduate programs, mentor students, postdocs, and research staff
- Contribute to the broader academic community through service and (if desired) graduate/medical teaching
Environment and Resources
CNI provides a highly collaborative environment embedded within a leading children’s hospital and a major research university. Faculty have access to shared core facilities (genomics, imaging, flow cytometry, histology, computational resources) and robust partnerships across Pitt and UPMC. Competitive start-up support and laboratory space will be tailored to the candidate’s needs, with additional institutional resources for early-stage investigators available.
About the University of Pittsburgh
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is a world-renowned, research-intensive public university and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). The university’s partnership with UPMC—one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers—fosters groundbreaking collaborations in neuroscience, genetics, and translational medicine. Located in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, the university offers an exceptional environment for innovation, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement
How to Apply
Submit the following as a single PDF or via the application portal:
- Cover Letter (1 page) summarizing fit and vision
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Statement (2–3 pages)
- Contact Information for 3 references
Priority review begins January 1st, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Contact
For questions, please contact: Udai Pandey, Ph.D. (udai@pitt.edu)
Equal Opportunity
The University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh are Equal Opportunity Employers. We value and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, members of underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
Postdoctoral Fellows, Graduate students, Medical students and undergraduates: We invite applications from highly motivated candidates to join the Children’s Neuroscience Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Our research program investigates the molecular and genetic mechanisms that drive neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and rare neurogenetic conditions using innovative cellular, biochemical, and model‑organism approaches.
Interested candidates should contact us by email and include a CV and a cover letter that describes their short‑ and long‑term career goals.
