Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (Tenured/Tenure-Track), MizzouForward, Synthetic Biology

Job Description

The University of Missouri (MU) seeks applications and nominations for outstanding faculty candidates with a focus on Synthetic Biology. This appointment is part of MizzouForward , the most important strategic investment to achieve research excellence and student success in the history of MU. We seek to leverage existing institutional strengths in Synthetic Biology and address national scientific priority areas through innovation and collaboration. Successful candidates will have outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research programs in any area of Synthetic Biology including, but not limited to, developing new synthetic biology tools including techniques of transformation or in vivo DNA modification, enhanced nutrient production, bioengineering, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production, understanding and engineering plant-microbe interactions, and bolstering plant and animal immunity and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Applications are encouraged from individual investigators as well as collaborative teams of investigators who may benefit from relocating their research programs to a common location. Positions are available in all units across campus and joint appointments between multiple departments are possible.

Excellent research programs at MU that incoming faculty could build on include Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, as well as the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) . IPG is recognized as one of the top fundamental plant biology research and training programs in the nation representing three colleges - Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Arts and Science, and Engineering - as well as the School of Medicine and the USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit, and seven academic divisions/departments. Facilities available for plant scientists include the Bond Life Science Center , the Plant Transformation Core Facility , a well-equipped Genomics Technology Core and Proteomics Center , modern plant growth facilities , and an imaging center and electron microscopy core . Synthetic biologists with a pharmaceutical research focus are also encouraged to engage with the NextGen Precision Health initiative . A centerpiece of our renewed focus on research excellence involves the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building. This state-of-the-art facility is available to all UM System researchers. It is located adjacent to the MU Health Care and Truman VA hospitals.

Minimum Qualification

An earned terminal degree in a related discipline

Candidates will be evaluated on the following factors

• Track record of external research funding, particularly from federal agencies
• Research portfolio and accomplishments (e.g., publication record, number of citations)
• Prestigious national and/or international awards and honors
• Interdisciplinary orientation of their work

Due to the large number of applications currently in the process, new applications will not be reviewed until later this year, likely the start of the Fall 2024 semester, with interviews following over the course of the 2024-2025 academic year. Candidates across all academic ranks will be considered. Specific academic home(s) of candidates will be determined throughout the hiring process. In the interim our MizzouForward recruitment team is happy to answer any questions about your application, the hiring process, or the initiative ( mizzouforward@missouri.edu ).

To apply for this position click here . To apply, upload your CV including extramural funding and a letter of application, describing your current research portfolio, accomplishments, and future research goals;

Current MU faculty members on a tenure track position or with tenure do not qualify to apply for this opening.

Handling of Application Materials

After initial review by the committee all uploaded materials may be shared with all faculty in the prospective home department. For affiliations and joint appointments materials may be shared with all faculty in all departments involved.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits .

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo .

Know your Rights

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

Know Your Rights English Version

Know Your Rights Spanish Version

45016