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Tenure Track Faculty - Viral Immunology

Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Feb 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a translational project you have been part of, from basic finding toward something clinically useful.

What they are checking: Whether their science can move beyond mechanism toward impact, which the department favors.

Tell me about a time you mentored a trainee who was struggling. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can grow students and postdocs, which is central to a faculty role.

Describe a time you led or joined a cross-disciplinary research effort. What made it work or not work?

What they are checking: Whether they can collaborate across basic, clinical and translational fields as the posting asks.

What would you do

How would you spend your start-up funds in the first two years?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan for equipment, people and pilot data that leads to a grant.

Your main grant gets triaged on the first submission. Walk us through what you do next.

What they are checking: Whether they handle rejection with a plan and use reviewer feedback to come back stronger.

About the work

Give us a short overview of your research program in virus-host interactions and where you want it to be in five years.

What they are checking: Whether they have a clear, fundable vision that fits the department's push into viral immunology.

What is your plan for building and keeping external funding, including which NIH institutes and mechanisms you would target first?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how to build a lasting funded lab rather than relying only on start-up funds.

How do you use New Approach Methodologies in your work, and where do animal models still matter?

What they are checking: Whether they can think critically about model choice, which the posting names as a priority.

How would your research connect with the Center for Immunology and the clinical and translational groups here?

What they are checking: Whether they see real collaboration paths, since the hire is part of a planned center expansion.

What courses or teaching could you contribute to in microbiology and immunology?

What they are checking: Whether they are ready to share in the education mission and not only research.

How do you handle biosafety and compliance for the viruses you study?

What they are checking: Whether they run a safe, compliant lab, which matters for an institution taking on viral work.

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The full job description

As published by Medical College of Wisconsin.

Position Summary: The Department of Microbiology & Immunology (M&I) at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position to expand research excellence in viral immunology. Successful candidates will establish and sustain vigorous, externally funded research programs that align with departmental and campus priorities. The search will consider candidates with expertise in a broad area of virus–host interactions, with a preference given to research programs that explore viral interactions with host immune system. Candidates with experience in New Approach Methodologies, animal models, and translational science are especially encouraged to apply. The role is part of an ambitious expansion of the Center for Immunology and Department of Microbiology & Immunology and will be a full-time, multi-year appointment with competitive salary, spacious research facilities, and substantial start-up funds. This position is located in Milwaukee , WI in our Basic Science Building. We are comprised of nationally and internationally renowned, dedicated group of faculty and staff with a strong commitment to clinical care. Position Highlights: • Visionary, collaborative, and highly motivated professionals • Preference for candidates with experience in multidisciplinary research, including basic, clinical, and translational domains • Demonstrated ability to contribute to innovative, cross-functional research initiatives • Strong commitment to excellence in graduate and medical education • Ability to work effectively within a collegial, team-oriented academic environment • Dedication to advancing the mission of research, teaching, and service within the institution Department/Division Highlights: The Department of Microbiology & Immunology (M&I) is a dynamic and growing hub for microbial pathogenesis and immunology research at MCW, with more than 40 research faculty and 40+ graduate students. We support collaborative research and training across the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus, including partnerships with MCW, Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Wisconsin, and the Versiti Blood Research Institute. M&I faculty pursue diverse research areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammation and immunology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, antimicrobial resistance, microbial pathogenesis, and the microbiome’s role in health and disease. Research is conducted in renovated, open lab space designed to support cutting-edge biomedical science and collaboration. Faculty actively engage with the Center for Immunology, Center for Microbiome Research, Cancer Center, and Center for Infectious Disease Research to build vibrant basic, translational, and clinical programs. Qualifications • Candidates should hold a PhD, MD-PhD, or equivalent with relevant postdoctoral training and a peer-reviewed publication record showing potential for extramural funding. • Candidates for Associate and Professor positions are expected to lead a well-established extramurally funded research program. • Successful applicants will be visionary, collegial, and highly motivated, with preference for those experienced in multidisciplinary research spanning basic, clinical, and translational domains. • A strong commitment to graduate and medical education is expected. How to apply: For consideration, submit a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, and research statement by March 31, 2026. Applications submitted after this date may be considered until the positions are filled. #LI-NK1 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. Commitment to MCW Values 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. Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, is located on Lake Michigan’s western shore. A metropolitan area with more than 1.6 million people, Milwaukee is an affordable, comfortable place to live, work, and play, big enough to be exciting and uncongested enough to get around easily. Milwaukee’s many neighborhoods have incredible charm, accommodating a variety of lifestyles, from high-rise apartments to small farms. Nestled along a magnificent bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Milwaukee’s downtown is home to botanical gardens, lakefront museums, a theater district, the world champion Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers, bustling nightlife, and award-winning restaurants. The lake and its harbors are skirted by scenic parklands and provide first-class opportunities for recreation, including hiking, cycling, boating, and more. A recent study ranked Milwaukee as the 15th most walkable of the 50 largest US cities. Milwaukee has all the advantages of a large, vibrant city but without the stress or cost. MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination 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.

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