Joshua B. Rubin

Joshua B. Rubin, MD, PhD is Professor of Pediatrics (Hematology & Oncology), Professor of Neuroscience, and Professor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. He holds appointments in the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, specifically within DBBS Cancer Biology, Molecular Cell Biology, and Neurosciences programs. His institutional affiliations include the Brain Tumor Center, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, and Siteman Cancer Center.

Dr. Rubin's research focuses on the relationship between normal brain development and pediatric brain tumor genesis, with particular emphasis on sex differences in cancer phenotypes. His work aims to develop novel brain tumor therapies with greater efficacy and reduced toxicity through studies utilizing primary tumor specimens for biological and expression analyses. His research spans neuro-oncology, glioblastoma biology, medulloblastoma, and circadian influences on tumor growth.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in sex-specific cancer biology and chronotherapy approaches. His 2025 work demonstrates integration of multi-omic techniques with clinical applications, particularly in understanding how circadian rhythms and sex differences impact glioblastoma treatment response. This represents an evolution from his earlier work toward more personalized, mechanism-based therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Rubin maintains an active research program with 14,663 citations across his career (1983-2025) and has produced 174 research outputs. His fingerprint analysis shows significant focus on Glioblastoma (100%), Tumor biology (80%), Medulloblastoma (75%), Sex Differences (72%), Ganglioglioma (57%), Brain Tumor research (54%), Neoplasms (49%), and Glioma (47%).

He is actively mentoring PhD/MSTP students through the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences and maintains the Rubin Lab, which continues to investigate the developmental origins of pediatric brain tumors. His clinical interests include pediatric hematology, pediatric oncology, brain tumors, optic glioma, and neurofibromatosis.