Assistant Research Professor Non-Tenure Track Faculty

Assistant Research Professor Non‑Tenure Track Faculty

Join to apply for the Assistant Research Professor Non‑Tenure Track Faculty role at Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement.

Announcement Number: FAC - VA - 26033
Contact:
Patrick Secor (406‑994‑6046, patrick.secor)
Classification

Title:

Instructor

Working Title:

Assistant Research Professor Non‑Tenure Track Faculty
Position: 0.8 FTE,

Contract:

Non‑Tenure Track, Salary commensurate with experience. Recruitment Type:
Open. Term:
Fiscal Year Semester (dates as provided).

The Assistant Research Professor will lead independent, innovative research on microbial physiology, bacteriophage biology, and microbe–host interactions within the Secor Lab. This position offers the opportunity to drive mechanistic discovery in a collaborative, highly interdisciplinary department supported by state‑of‑the‑art research facilities.

• Work independently to develop and carry out research in the areas of:
  • Microbiology
  • Microbial physiology
  • Microbe–host interactions
• Lead mechanistic studies of bacterial communities, bacteriophages, and their roles in animal hosts using molecular, genetic, cellular, and imaging‑based approaches.

• A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbial Ecology, or a related field.
• Strong publication record in areas related to microbial physiology, host–microbe interactions, microbiome research, bacteriophage biology, or related microbial systems.

• Demonstrated capability to perform innovative and rigorous research.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and synthesize relevant scientific literature.
• Ability to develop a research plan with defined goals and design sound experimental approaches.
• Proven ability to produce research suitable for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Strong scientific writing skills for manuscripts, reports, and grant proposals.
• Ability to learn, adapt, and implement emerging experimental techniques.
• Experience working in a research laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with standard software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe, Prism, etc.).
• Ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences.
• Strong collaborative skills and willingness to participate in team‑based research.
• Experience supervising or mentoring trainees.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and effective research environment.
• Ability to achieve project objectives within established timelines.
• Strong theoretical and empirical foundation in microbiology and microbial physiology.
• Demonstrated experience with some of the following:
  • Analysis of microbial communities and microbial gene expression.
  • Molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques.
  • Fluorescence or confocal microscopy.
  • Imaging‑based analysis of microbial dynamics.
  • Quantitative biochemical assays.
  • Animal models used to study microbiome or microbe–host interactions.

• Microbial or phage‑driven modulation of host physiology.
• High‑resolution or live‑cell imaging of microbes or host tissues.
• Immunological assays relevant to microbe–host studies.
• Characterization of microbial surfaces or secreted proteins.
• Quantitative analysis of microbial behavior or microbial interactions.
• Experience working with multiple organismal systems (e.g., vertebrate, invertebrate, or gnotobiotic models).
• Prior leadership in maintaining specialized laboratory facilities or core resources.
• Experience conceptualizing or contributing to competitive research proposals.

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Number of Vacancies : 1
Desired

Start Date:

Open
Applications will be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Screening will begin on January 8, 2026.

This position is not eligible for new…