Assistant Professor; Tenure Track

Job Summary

We seek applicants at the Assistant Professor level to launch a research program in the New Bioeconomy. Applicants may be interested in a broad range of study systems, with a goal of harnessing natural and synthetic microbial species and communities to create powerful functional systems. The untapped metabolisms of microbes (including bacteria, archaea and fungi) are a rich source of relevant biotransformation capacity.

Successful candidates will mine the genomic potential from these under explored organisms, possibly through the application of generative AI to metabolism, structure, and synthetic biology. This hire will support ongoing teaching needs and may develop new courses in quantitative microbiology, microbial bioeconomies, and/or microbiome engineering.

This position will benefit from existing strengths within the department and college. One third of department faculty members are active in complementary areas. The Department of Bacteriology has an excellent infrastructure for support of new faculty in the Microbial Bioeconomy area with staff scientists in Biocomputing and the Microbial Natural Products Discovery Hub. Extensive collaborative opportunities are available within a diverse and supportive research community using cutting‑edge multidisciplinary approaches, including the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

UW‑Madison is a top‑ranked research institution that provides a world‑class environment to develop an outstanding research program by affording excellent facilities and a vibrant place to learn and teach. The City of Madison and its surrounding communities are ranked among the best places to live in the country, with a wide range of social, cultural, and outdoor activities, and career opportunities for family members.

The successful candidate will lead innovative research programs aimed at creating bio‑based alternatives to conventional materials, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. Teaching loads and responsibilities will include graduate and undergraduate courses aligned with department and college expectations.

• Develop and direct a well‑recognized and extramurally funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses and contribute to curriculum updates and innovations to educate a diverse student body.
• Mentor graduate students and supervise their research.
• Participate in departmental and university faculty governance.
• Contribute to professional and public service, and participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts with other departments, schools, and colleges.

The successful candidate will have an excellent academic record, a vision for an innovative and impactful research program, the skills to implement it, and a commitment to high quality and inclusive undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in microbiology, microbial natural product chemistry, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or related fields, with expertise related to developing biological systems for producing renewable materials, chemicals, and fuels for growing the bioeconomy.

PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, agricultural/biological engineering, or related fields, with expertise in developing biological systems for producing renewable materials, chemicals, and/or fuels required by position start date.

Department of Bacteriology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences ()

Negotiable;
Academic (9 months).

Applicants must upload a single .pdf file comprising a cover letter, a 2‑page statement of research, a 1‑page teaching interests statement, and a curriculum vitae. Applicants must also provide contact information for three references. The deadline for assuring full consideration is October 15, 2026; however, positions may remain open and applications may be considered until all positions are filled.

Katrina Forest – Department Chair
forestc.edu
(608) 265‑3566

Diversity…