Joseph L. Kissil, Ph.D., Named Chair of Moffitt’s Molecular Oncology Department
TAMPA, Fla. — Moffitt Cancer Center has named Joseph L. Kissil, Ph.D., chair of its Molecular Oncology Department. The department conducts innovative research focusing on understanding tumors at a molecular level, looking at the chemistry of cancer and its gene expression and signal transduction to help uncover new targets for cancer therapies. Kissil will also continue in his role as co-leader of the Cancer Biology & Evolution Program.
“Dr. Kissil has been critical to the growth and success of the Molecular Oncology Department during his time as vice chair. I have no doubt he will continue to elevate the department in his new role,” said Elsa R. Flores, Ph.D., associate center director of Basic Science at Moffitt.
In addition to his leadership roles, Kissil has a lab that researches the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer, particularly how mitogenic and developmental signaling pathways communicate in tumor cells. Data from his research studies are utilized to help identify new therapeutic targets and develop new anti-cancer agents.
Kissil joined Moffitt last year from The Scripps Research Institute. Previously, he was a faculty member at the Wistar Institute. Kissil received his doctorate from the Weizmann Institute of Science and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with world renowned cancer geneticist Tyler Jacks, Ph.D.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 53 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. With more than 7,800 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.4 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
