Assistant Professor of Microbiology (Molecular Microbiology), Fall 2025

Description

The Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is seeking candidates for a tenure-track faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level in the area of Molecular Microbiology investigating within bacterial, archaeal, eukaryotic microbial and viral systems fundamental processes including but not limited to gene expression and regulation, chromosomal organization, signal transduction, protein modification and secretion via wet-bench approaches. Applicants must meet minimum requirements of a PhD in a related field and at least two years postdoctoral experience at the onset of the position. The successful candidate will have established a record of research that includes significant scientific advancements to their field, as evidenced through peer-reviewed publications and other contributions. Faculty in this position are expected to establish an innovative, externally funded research program and contribute to the departmental teaching and training mission at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Gene expression control at the genomic structural level, epigenetics, and posttranscriptional processes
• Genetic defense strategies against other microbes employed by both cells and viruses
• Signal transduction mechanisms linking environmental changes to behavioral responses
• Fundamental understanding of central dogma across microbial species
• Application of these fundamental molecular processes in microbial systems

The successful candidate is anticipated to start this nine-month, tenure-track position August 1, 2025. Evidence of prior formal or informal teaching and outreach will be an advantage. The selected candidate will participate in courses such as the molecular genetics of microbes and general microbiology. UTK is a land-grant university and values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching and service, and considers evidence of these commitments in the records of applicants.

Our current faculty have broad interests in the realms of microbial pathogenesis and microbial ecology, with labs using bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and viral models, and with work in mammalian, plant, algal, and invertebrate hosts. Candidates with experimental approaches that complement or strengthen any of these areas will be given full consideration. The Department of Microbiology is an active participant and leader in the Biomembranes Community of Scholars at UTK, and has strong interdisciplinary ties to biochemistry, engineering, chemistry, veterinary, and material sciences as well as the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), and the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) in Knoxville. UTK is the flagship university of the University of Tennessee System and is designated as a Carnegie ‘Very High Research Activity’ University. A competitive salary and generous start-up package, as well as ample laboratory space, are available.

The Department of Microbiology values the quality of life of all its members and is committed to supporting the intercultural goals of the University. Knoxville is ranked as a top US city to live with an active music and cultural scene located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The University of Tennessee Knoxville was founded in 1794 and is one of the oldest public universities in the nation. There are over 30,000 students enrolled at the Knoxville campus, who train and study in a city where excellence in academia meets the natural beauty of the region and in the company of the artists, makers, and entrepreneurs that call Knoxville their home

The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.

Qualifications

Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor requires the minimal requirements of a PhD in the discipline or a related discipline and at least two years of postdoctoral experience at the onset of the position.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a (i) cover letter; (ii) CV; (iii) contact information for at least three references (iv) research statement describing research accomplishments and future plans (not to exceed 3 pages total, not including references; and (v) teaching philosophy (not to exceed 1 page) at apply.interfolio.com/149772 . As they address their qualifications for the position in their application, candidates may describe how they would help promote students’ access to and inclusion in their teaching and research statement. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2024. References will only be contacted for candidates who are shortlisted for the position. For questions, please contact molmicro@utk.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu .