Open Positions: Full-time Faculty in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering (BIO-1-2025)
Location: Sabancı University, Istanbul, Türkiye
Application Deadline: 01.05.2026
Active Evaluation Process: will start on 20.12.2025 and continue until the positions are filled.
Job Start Date (approximate): 01.09.2026
About Sabancı University
Established by the Sabancı Foundation in 1994, Sabancı University provides a world-class education to its students, from undergraduate to the PhD level. The university is distinguished by its innovative educational system, which is unique in Türkiye. Sabancı University began to accept students in 1999. It offers students the freedom to choose their academic program within the first two years of enrollment. As of 2012, Sabancı University is recognized as the most entrepreneurial and innovative foundation university in the University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Index, which is an index created by the Ministry of Science, Industry, and Technology of Türkiye. In addition, SU is one of the highest-ranked universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in Türkiye. As a young university, Sabancı University aspires to become an international reference point for innovation in education and research.
Position Overview
The Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences is seeking dynamic, innovative and qualified scholars for full-time faculty positions at all ranks to commence in the 2025-2026 academic year. Faculty members in the Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering program have active research programs in a diverse range of research fields such as bioengineering, plant physiology and biotechnology, cell and molecular biology, immunology, cancer biology. The program offers a dynamic and internationally competitive research environment with state-of-the-art research infrastructures (see https://bio.sabanciuniv.edu/ and also https://sunum.sabanciuniv.edu/).
The candidate’s research focus and course offerings are expected to complement those of current faculty at the program. Strong candidates with proven experience and specialization in one or more of the following fields of biology are particularly encouraged to apply: molecular biology, neurobiology, immunology, cancer/stem cell research, plant molecular biology and genetics, developmental biology, structural biology, systems biology, and biophysics.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching: The candidate is expected to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels (expected load is 3 courses/year) and supervise student projects and graduate theses. Other responsibilities include curriculum assessment and development, developing innovative practices in teaching.
Research: The candidate is expected to establish and lead an independent research program at Sabancı University, demonstrating the capability to secure major competitive research grants (e.g., ERC, EMBO, Marie Skłodowska-Curie or Horizon Europe projects) while aligning her/his research vision with international standards of excellence. The candidate will have a primary affiliation with the Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program and will be encouraged to conduct collaborative research with other programs in FENS as well.
Service: The candidate is expected to actively work in the committees to help improve the academic and administrative processes of the faculty and the university.
Qualifications
- Hold a doctoral degree from an internationally recognized and respected university in one or more of the above-mentioned fields.
- Possess a minimum of three years of postdoctoral research experience at a reputable institution.
- Demonstrate a strong record of excellence in both research and teaching, supported by publications, awards, or other evidence of scholarly achievement.
Why Join Sabancı University?
- Innovative Academic Environment: Sabancı University is a leading private institution in Istanbul, known for its world-class research facilities, with its main campus located in Tuzla, a serene suburb of the city.
- Dynamic Research Community: Engage in groundbreaking research within a vibrant and collaborative academic community. Sabancı University not only fosters a dynamic research culture with extensive international collaborations and access to global networks but also actively supports faculty applications to major international research programs such as ERC, MSCA, and Horizon Europe through its Research Support Office, with substantial internal funding for the project preparation phase.
- Career Development & Mentorship: Benefit from career development programs and mentorship from distinguished researchers, supporting your growth in academia.
- Tenure Track: We offer a tenure-track position fully compatible with international standards, for junior faculty members. Tenure may be awarded in the fourth year of the initial contract contingent upon strong performance and demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, and service.
- SUCool Incubation Center: Opportunity to join the entrepreneurship ecosystem providing generous start-up funds, training and mentoring, global business and customer development, investor access and legal support, access to national and international grant funds and Sabancı University PR support.
Compensation and Benefits Package
- Competitive Salary: A highly competitive salary based on your qualifications and experience. Salary is reviewed based on annual performance results, and annual salary increases are compatible with academic performance.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance for you and your family, private pension plan contributions, life insurance, fully furnished on-campus housing or rental support.
- Start-up Research Support: All newly starting faculty members are eligible for a substantial funding package (under the title “Integration Fund”) to initiate their research activities.
- Access to Presidential Research Fund: During the first two years of their engagement at Sabancı University, new faculty members are eligible to apply for the Presidential Research Fund support, which provides significant internal funding for preparing long-term research proposals.
- Reduced Teaching Load: Newly starting faculty members benefit from a reduced teaching load during the first two years (Assistant Professor level) / first one year (Associate / Full Professor level)
- Continued Research Support: All faculty members receive an annual Personal Research Fund to support their ongoing research activities, allocated laboratory space, and cutting-edge research facilities.
- Tuition Assistance: Full-timefaculty members receive a 50% reduction of tuition fees for their children or spouses for all undergraduate and graduate programs at Sabancı University.
- Education Support: Full-time faculty members receive tuition assistance for their dependent children who attend private / charter schools, from first through twelfth grade.
- Relocation Allowance: Relocation allowance and an excess baggage / airfreight allowance for applicants recruited from overseas.
- Additional Perks: Access to a discounted (42%) on-campus kindergarten, Health Center & medical services and sports center.
Application Process
Applicants should upload all of the following documents through the online application system at (http://crm.sabanciuniv.edu/academiccv/application.php?advertcode=BIO-1-2025 ):
- Cover Letter
- Detailed CV
- Research Statement (outlining the envisioned research activities at Sabancı University)
- Teaching Statement (in addition to the teaching philosophy, approach and experiences, the teaching statement should also include a list of all courses the candidate can offer at graduate and undergraduate levels)
- three reference letters
Sabancı University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment in education and employment. The University respects all individuals without any discrimination of gender, religion, national and ethnic origin, race, color, physical disability, physical appearance, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, age, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational, admission and employment policies, and its scholarship and university-sponsored programs.