'Genius' Chicago Prof Quits After Accusations He Imposed Himself Sexually on Drunken Student

A prominent scientist hired last year at the University of Chicago for his reputation as a biology researcher — and hailed as both “genius” and “jerk” by students — quit his job recently over his scurrilous reputation as a sex fiend.

Jason Lieb, a noted molecular biologist who’s secured millions of dollars in grant money to study DNA, genetics and genomics, was accused of committing sexual acts on a drunken, incapacitated student during a school retreat and making unwanted advances on several female graduate students, reports the New York Times, citing university documents.

The university hired Lieb despite rumors of inappropriate conduct during his previous jobs at Princeton, where he worked for just seven months, and the University of North Carolina, where he spent 13 years.

Lieb’s students held mixed opinions of their professor, according to reviews on RateMyProfessor.com:

• Dr. Lieb is my favorite teacher at UNC. His class is hard, but he is also the smartest man I have ever met. If you’re looking to learn Biology, this is the guy. If you’re looking for a good GPA, keep looking ...

• Dr. Lieb is a genius.

• Nice guy in person, but he was seriously delusional about his teaching. Glossing over the most important things and going into great detail about everything that won’t be on the test.

• Bad professor. It seemed to irritate him when people asked questions in class, especially if they were really lost. Tests were ridiculous, especially the final. Overall, he came off as a jerk to me.

His jerkiness may have extended beyond the classroom to his behavior with female graduate students, however.

According to the Times report:

Dr. Lieb’s behavior at Chicago became widely known because it took place in part at a crowded party attended by dozens of graduate students and several faculty members. As students returned to campus from the resort in Galena, Ill., where the retreat was held, faculty and staff received multiple harassment complaints that universities are obligated to investigate under the federal law that guarantees all students equal access to education.

Many of the graduate students at the party would have been candidates to work in Dr. Lieb’s laboratory; some already had.

After the allegations of misconduct at the retreat arose, the university investigated. Sarah Wake, assistant provost and director of the office for equal opportunity programs, recommended Lieb be fired.

“In light of the severity and pervasiveness of Professor Lieb’s conduct, and the broad, negative impact the conduct has had on the educational and work environment of students, faculty and staff, I recommend that the university terminate Professor Lieb’s academic appointment,” reads a letter she wrote obtained by the New York Times.

Lieb resigned before action could be taken against him. Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.