New Brunswick, N.J., August 6, 2025 - Following a national search, Joseph Contessa, M.D., Ph.D., has been selected as the chair of radiation oncology for Rutgers Cancer Institute, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He will also serve as associate director for translational research at Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center together with RWJBarnabas Health. Contessa takes over for Dr. Bruce Haffty who recently chose to step down from the position he has held since 2005.
Contessa joins Rutgers from Yale University, where he served as professor of therapeutic radiology, co-leader of the Yale Cancer Center Radiobiology and Genome Integrity Research Program, and vice chair for basic science research in therapeutic radiology, among other leadership roles. He is an internationally recognized physician-scientist whose career spans over two decades of excellence in clinical radiation oncology, translational cancer research, and academic leadership.
He has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on over 20 grants and has published more than 70 peer-reviewed manuscripts in leading journals such as the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Nature Communications, and Science Advances. Contessa’s leadership extends through service on multiple National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections and journal editorial boards, as well as invited speaking engagements at major academic centers and cancer symposia. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Investigation and a recipient of the Harrington Discovery Scholar-Innovator Award, among numerous other honors recognizing his innovative contributions.
“I’m honored to join the exceptional team of physicians and scientists at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Rutgers University and look forward to continuing our leadership in advancing radiation therapy research and care,” stated Joseph Contessa, M.D., Ph.D. “I’m also grateful for the opportunity to return to my home state and contribute to the Department and Center’s mission of delivering innovative treatments and expanding access to clinical trials for patients in New Jersey and beyond.”
Contessa is a member of several major professional organizations, including the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), and the Society for Glycobiology (SFG). Nationally, he serves as Chair of the NIH Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology Study Section and is a member of the NCI Head and Neck Cancer Steering Committee.
“Dr. Contessa’s exceptional leadership and expertise will enhance and propel the high level of excellence in radiation oncology established at Rutgers Cancer Institute by Dr. Bruce Haffty, an international leader in radiation oncology,” said Steven K. Libutti, M.D., William N. Hait director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and senior vice president, oncology services, RWJBarnabas Health. “Under Dr. Contessa’s directorship, the Department of Radiation Oncology and its faculty will continue to transform cancer research and care for the communities we serve.”
Haffty will continue to serve as the system director of radiation oncology for RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute and will see patients at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, the state’s only freestanding comprehensive cancer hospital.
“Dr. Contessa’s expertise in radiation oncology, cancer biology, and the development of novel therapeutics brings extraordinary value not only to Rutgers, but to the people of New Jersey,” said Brian L. Strom, M.D., chancellor of Rutgers Health. “His leadership will accelerate the translation of cutting-edge cancer research into more effective treatments, helping us deliver the highest level of care to patients across the state. This is precisely the kind of talent we seek to attract—those whose work drives discovery while directly improving the health and lives of New Jersey’s communities.”
“I want to express my deep appreciation for the exceptional leadership and the medical teams that have shaped our outstanding Department of Radiation Oncology. As we look ahead, we are confident that Dr. Contessa will continue to elevate the field—advancing innovative research, training the next generation of clinicians and physician-scientists, and enhancing cancer care for patients,” said Amy Murtha, M.D., dean of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
“Dr. Contessa’s appointment reflects our commitment to recruiting distinguished leaders and marks an exciting new chapter for our academic and clinical missions at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School,” said Robert L. Johnson, M.D., FAAP, dean of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “His internationally recognized expertise will strengthen our work in cancer research, expand opportunities for scientific discovery, and enrich the training of future physician-leaders. We look forward to the collaboration and innovation his leadership will foster across the Rutgers campuses and clinical partnerships.”
###
About Rutgers Cancer Institute
As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, provides patients access to the most advanced cancer treatment options including clinical trials close to home at the RWJBarnabas Health facilities throughout the state including the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center - the state’s only freestanding cancer hospital - and University Hospital in Newark. Our groundbreaking cancer research is the engine that drives access to the most advanced cancer treatments, where our discoveries become your care. Learn more at cinj.org.
About Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
As one of the nation's leading comprehensive medical schools, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, research, health care delivery, and the promotion of community health. Clinical services are provided by Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-affiliated faculty physicians as part of Rutgers Health and the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. Together with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the medical school's principal affiliate, they comprise one of the nation's premier academic medical centers. In addition, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School has 34 other hospital affiliates and ambulatory care sites throughout the region.
Part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School encompasses 20 basic science and clinical departments, hosts centers and institutes including The Cardiovascular Institute, the Child Health Institute of New Jersey, the Institute for Neurological Therapeutics, and the Women’s Health Institute. The medical school maintains educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels on its campuses in New Brunswick and Piscataway and provides continuing education courses for health care professionals and community education programs. To learn more about Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, visit rwjms.rutgers.edu.
About Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Established in 1954, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, annually graduates around 170 skilled physicians and offers MD/PhD, MD/MPH, and MD/MBA programs. Committed to excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community engagement, NJMS comprises 20 dynamic academic departments and collaborates with healthcare partners, including University Hospital. NJMS is also the #1 National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded institution in New Jersey for basic science and clinical work. With renowned faculty, a student-run clinic, and over 50 cutting-edge centers and institutes, NJMS invites you to explore its rich history and academic programs at njms.rutgers.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Patti Zielinski
848-932-0551
Patti.Zielinski@rutgers.edu