Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Plant Biology

Application Instructions

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

The Department of Biology at Penn State, University Park campus, invites applications for a tenure‑track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The search is open to any area of plant biology, an area of strength in our department and across Penn State. Successful candidates may work at any level of organization, from the molecular to the ecosystem level.

Innovation in cutting‑edge research approaches, including, but not limited to, cell and molecular biology, physiology, omics, bioinformatics, and fundamental research relevant to pressing societal challenges, is a key criterion.

The successful applicant is expected to develop and/or maintain an independent, externally funded, and internationally recognized research program, leading to groundbreaking advances in their field; to provide excellent, innovative instruction to undergraduate and graduate students in the life sciences; and to contribute active service to the department, college, university, professional community, and the public.

Competitive applicants for the rank of Assistant Professor will possess a Ph.D. in biology, plant biology, or a related field before beginning employment at Penn State; will demonstrate potential for developing an externally funded and collaborative research program; and will demonstrate the potential to contribute to the Department’s and College’s teaching and service missions.

Candidates seeking the rank of Associate Professor should have the same qualifications as the assistant professor, as well as a strong track record of scholarly achievement, external funding, and demonstrated success in teaching and service.

Penn State’s University Park Campus brings together a vast array of researchers presenting exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences serve as a hub for life sciences research at Penn State, bringing together scientists from across the University to address fundamental questions and societal challenges. The Huck Institutes supports Centers and Institutes, including the Plant Institute;

graduate programs, including the Interdisciplinary Graduate Degree Program in Plant Biology; and manages shared and core facilities with instrumentation and expertise in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other technologies.

This position features a competitive start‑up package. Applications submitted electronically by August 24, 2026, will receive full consideration, and should include the following:

• A brief cover letter that highlights the applicant’s most relevant qualifications for a faculty position at Penn State.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• Two statements addressing:
  • Research accomplishments, plans, and vision, including anticipated funding strategies (up to 3 pages, including figures and references).
  • Teaching experience, philosophy, and/or interests (up to 3 pages). Share how you would contribute to creating/maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students within teaching and learning spaces.

Application materials may comprise no more than 4 documents, each with a size limit of 5MB. Applicants may need to combine materials to meet the 4‑document limit and should ensure all documents are uploaded and correct prior to final submission.

Penn State provides a competitive…