Assistant, Associate or Full Professor (Tenured or Tenure Track)

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Bacteriology; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Bacteriology, invites applications for an open rank faculty position in Systems and Synthetic Biology. This role includes developing a research program, teaching, mentoring students, and participating in faculty governance.

The department emphasizes collaboration and interdisciplinary research, particularly in microbial sciences. Strong candidates will hold a PhD and demonstrate commitment to inclusive education. Compensation is negotiable with a standard academic 9-month appointment.

Qualifications

• Strong and collaborative research program development.
• Commitment to high quality and inclusive instruction.
• Skills in teaching and curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and direct a well-recognized and funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Mentor graduate students and supervise research.

Education

PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, biological computation, or related fields

Job description

The Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications for an open rank faculty position in Systems and Synthetic Biology. While applications from all areas of Microbiology will be considered, the department is particularly interested in candidates who seek to advance quantitative and predictive understanding of biological systems, including experimental, computational, and engineering approaches that uncover fundamental principles and, in some cases, enable the design and control of biological function. We welcome research that connects molecular mechanisms to cellular and higher‑order biological function across multiple scales. This hire will support ongoing teaching needs and may develop new courses in quantitative microbiology, systems & synthetic microbiology, and/or microbiome engineering.

The successful candidate will join a strong and collaborative department with broad and complementary strengths across microbial sciences. Current research areas include microbial metabolism, molecular mechanisms of regulation, natural products chemistry, computational approaches to microbiological ecosystems, and the bioeconomy. The department fosters a highly interactive environment, with a culture of collaboration and intellectual exchange that supports interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop and direct a well‑recognized and extramurally funded research program;
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses and contribute to curriculum updates and innovations to educate a diverse student body;
• Mentor graduate students and supervise their research;
• Participate in departmental and university faculty governance;
• Contribute to professional and public service, and collaborate with other departments, schools, and colleges.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an excellent academic record, a vision for an innovative and impactful research program, the skills to implement it, and a commitment to high quality and inclusive undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, biological computation, or related fields, with additional research training and expertise relevant to the position.

Compensation: Negotiable. Academic: 9 months.

Apply by October 1st, 2026. Position may remain open until filled.