Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Bioengineering: Synthetic Biology (2 positions)

University of Oregon; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oregon's Knight Campus Department of Bioengineering invites applications for two open-rank tenure-track positions (Assistant/Associate/Full Professor). Appointments are 9-month at Knight Campus, with a strong emphasis on engineering biological systems and predictive, design-based approaches.

The program seeks leaders who integrate experimental and computational synthetic biology, and who collaborate across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Doctorate required in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
• Evidence of successful mentoring of trainees at any level.
• Record of research excellence as evidenced by publications and extramural funding.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive environment and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a vigorous, externally funded research program in experimental or computational synthetic biology or related areas.
• Collaborate across units, departments, and industry to translate research into applications.

Skills

Research excellence

Mentoring

Quantitative design

Bioengineering

Computational biology

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Doctorate in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, CS, or related field

Job description

Department: Knight Campus Department of Bioengineering

Rank: Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (Open Rank)

Annual Basis: 9 Month

Positions Available: 2

Application Deadline

October 15, 2026; position open until filled

Position Announcement

• Experimental & Translational Synthetic Biology: Examples include, but are not limited to, mammalian synthetic biology; the design and construction of genetic circuits and biosensors; metabolic and pathway engineering for biomanufacturing of chemicals, therapeutics, and sustainable materials; protein and enzyme engineering; genome editing and synthetic genomics tools; engineered cells, consortia, and living biomaterials; host-microbe and microbiome engineering; cell-free and in vitro synthetic biology systems; magnetogenetics; and engineered cell and gene therapies and the platforms that support their manufacture.
• Applicants should demonstrate a research program centered on the engineering of biological systems and technologies and employ quantitative, predictive, and design-based approaches to create, modify, or control biological function.
• Computational Synthetic Biology: Examples include, but are not limited to, computer-aided design, lab automation, and autonomous experimentation for the design-build-test-learn cycle; fitness landscape modeling and sequence-function prediction; genome-scale metabolic and dynamical modeling to optimize biomanufacturing and bioprocess design; machine learning, biological foundation models, and generative AI approaches for protein, enzyme, genome, and regulatory sequence design; predictive modeling of engineered cells, microbial communities, biomaterials, and cell and gene therapy products; computational methods for genome engineering and synthetic genome design; design and analysis of engineered regulatory networks; and multi-omics integration and quantitative modeling to guide the design and engineering of biological systems.

Department Or Program Summary

The Department of Bioengineering is the largest academic unit within the Knight Campus. The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact is a bold initiative designed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into innovations that improve lives in Oregon, the nation, and beyond. Building on the University of Oregon's tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration, the Knight Campus advances research partnerships, industry engagement, and experiential training for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

Faculty expertise spans regenerative medicine, human performance, biofunctional materials, medical devices and biosensors, neural engineering, and synthetic biology. With the opening of its second research facility, the Knight Campus has doubled its capacity for biomedical research and technology development, expanded space for academic programs and startup incubation, and launched a state-of-the-art BioFoundry. Together, the two facilities provide more than 360,000 square feet dedicated to research, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Additional information about the Knight Campus can be found at knightcampus.uoregon.edu

Minimum Requirements

• Doctorate in Engineering, Biology, Human Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, or related discipline from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Evidence of successful mentoring of trainees at any level (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, postdoctoral, peers).
• Record of research excellence appropriate to career stage in synthetic biology, bioengineering, systems biology, computational biology, or related fields, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and extramural funding.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, as evidenced through research, teaching, mentoring, or service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in experimental or computational synthetic biology, including engineered biological systems, genome engineering, synthetic genomics, biomanufacturing, biological design automation, machine learning-enabled biological design, or related areas.
• Demonstrated use of quantitative, predictive, and design-based approaches to engineer, modify, or control biological function and advance synthetic biology through engineering innovation.
• A nationally recognized track record of scientific achievement as evidenced by an outstanding publication record and other appropriate external indicators relevant to the individual's seniority in the field.
• Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments with the ability to build successfully at multiple interfaces (e.g., UO colleges and departments, other Oregon universities, and industry).
• Demonstrated experience with large government agencies, foundations, industry, and philanthropy with a thorough understanding of funding opportunities and pathways, and strategies to successfully attract funding sufficient for the individual's research program and ambitions as relevant to the individual's seniority in the field.
• Demonstrated commitment to translating research discoveries into applications that improve human health.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversifying the pipeline of participants in science training and careers.
• Demonstrated success in a pedagogical environment using evidence-based pedagogical methods.
• Demonstrated service contributions and leadership in academia, research societies, government, and/or industry relevant to the individual's seniority in the field.

About The University

The University of Oregon is building a faculty committed to meeting the needs of our changing student body and creating essential knowledge for society. We encourage applications from individuals who want to join an institution committed to addressing complex problems at all scales, and critical thinking and cross-disciplinary dialogue. We believe the way to create the faculty we need is to develop the most inclusive applicant pool. Goal 03 of our strategic plan, titled Oregon Rising, is to Create a Flourishing Community. As outlined in Oregon Rising, "Flourishing is the holistic development and thriving of every individual in our diverse community achieved through growth, well-being, resilience, trust, belonging, robust connection, and sense of purpose. A flourishing community is built on collective experience and is made stronger by our shared commitment to one another."

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website .

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here .

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online .