Assistant Professor of Biology - Microbiology

The Department of Biology ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is seeking to fill a tenure-track (1.0 FTE, 9-month, 50% research, 40% teaching, 10% service) position in the area of
microbiology to start in the Fall of 2027. The department seeks colleagues with a collaborative vision who are motivated to join a community dedicated to high-quality research and teaching that emphasizes acceptance and respect of all people. As a land-grant public-service R1 university, we are invested in research programs that are potentially relevant to issues facing the state of Utah but encourage individuals with any microbiological research focus to apply.

Research areas related to Utah include but are not limited to extremophile ecology and physiology, the function and conservation of microbial communities in arid landscapes, microbial impacts on veterinary and crop science, and microbes and human health. The estimated start date will be August 1, 2027. The appointment is expected to be made at the Assistant Professor level.

For further information or inquiries, please contact the search committee co-chairs Wayne Hatch (wayne.hatch) and Carl Rothfels (carl.rothfels). Theinitialreview of applications will begin on on 2-Nov., 2026, but the position will remain open until it is filled.

The annual teaching responsibility is typically one introductory microbiology undergraduate course and one upper-level undergraduate or graduate course in an area of specialization.

Successful candidates are expected toestablishnationally recognized research programs that address fundamental questions and to be effective teachers and mentors to undergraduate and PhD and/or Master’s-level graduate students. A clear commitment to student success and student experience—both within the classroom and beyond is a central expectation for this position.

The department and university offer numerous resources to support success, including competitive start-up funding, excellent facilities, opportunities for internal research funding, core facilities in computation, sequencing, and microscopy, and cutting-edge pedagogical support through the Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in microbiology or other related life science.
• Research: A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating expertise in microbiology or closely related fields. The potential to secure external funding as needed to support a well-defined research plan that aligns with the job description.
• Teaching and mentoring:
  Ability to teach a broad microbiology course and to successfully mentor undergraduate or graduate students in research projects.
• Communication skills:
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-doctoral experience in microbiology or closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding.
• Experience with interdisciplinary or translational research, and/or participation in multi-investigator grants.
• Proficiency in advanced or emerging microbial methodologies.
• Teaching experience at the university level or formal pedagogical training.
• Experience with innovative teaching methods or technologies.
• Experience in science communication to non-specialist audiences or involvement in community outreach programs.
• Potential to collaborate with other faculty members on campus.

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Curriculum vita (CV) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”.
• Name and contact information for three professional references to be entered into the Candidate Profile.
• Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under…