Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Plant Biology

Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Plant Biology

Qualifications:

Assistant or Associate Professor at the Department of Biology, Penn State, University Park campus.

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 and offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences serve as a hub for life sciences research, including the Plant Institute, the Interdisciplinary Graduate Degree Program in Plant Biology, and shared core facilities with expertise in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other technologies.

This position features a competitive start‑up package. Applications submitted electronically by 24 August 2026 will receive full consideration. All applicants 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 and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students within teaching and learning spaces.

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

The Biology Department sits at the nexus of the life sciences at Penn State, where a highly collegial, interdisciplinary culture removes barriers to collaboration, enhances the value of discoveries, and enriches daily experiences. Biology is a welcoming community whose goal is to help all students, postdocs, staff, and faculty thrive. Our educational mission is to produce lifelong learners and a science‑literate public, and to train the next generation of scientists and problem solvers.

As part of our land‑grant mission, we focus on benefiting our local and global communities. Our research has tangible, positive impacts on food security, health, economic development, sustainability, and conservation.

Questions about the position and the Department of Biology at Penn State may be directed at the Chair of the Faculty Search Committee, Prof. Michael Axtell, by e‑mail at mja
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Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with…