The Rockefeller University consists of independent laboratories which are separate academic and budgetary units headed by faculty members at the ranks of Assistant Professor, Head of Laboratory; Associate Professor, Head of Laboratory; and Professor, Head of Laboratory. Assistant and Associate Professor, Head of Laboratory appointments are tenure-track. Full Professors are the only tenured appointments at the University. Head of Laboratory appointments are made by the President on the recommendation of a search committee, following a search conducted in a designated area of research or discipline, as part of The University's overall academic plan. All Head of Laboratory appointments are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.

The academic appointments listed below are non-tenure track and are made to an established laboratory at the written request of the Head of Laboratory. Individuals holding academic appointments at the University must have attained the terminal degree in their field of scholarship, either a Ph.D., M.D. or D.V.M., or their equivalent. Academic Appointments administered through this office include the following titles:

Individuals interested in obtaining an academic research position at the University should consult the University website at www.Rockefeller.edu/research/heads.php for a listing of the scientific research areas at the University. An application should be made directly to the head of that laboratory with a letter of research interest and a curriculum vitae.