Assistant/Associate Professor - Plant Synthetic Biology of Biotic Interactions

Montgomery County Maryland; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic individual to enhance their department's research and education efforts. This role focuses on developing innovative synthetic biology approaches to improve plant protection and beneficial microbial interactions. The successful candidate will engage in impactful research that contributes to the regional bioeconomy while also fostering teaching and mentoring opportunities. Join a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing knowledge in plant biology and biochemistry, and take part in collaborative initiatives that drive significant advancements in biomanufacturing and plant health. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the field while enjoying a competitive salary and support for research endeavors.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, or related fields is required.
• Postdoctoral experience in synthetic biology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strong, externally funded research program in synthetic biology.
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring.

Skills

Synthetic Biology

Plant Biology

Molecular Biology

Genetics

Teaching

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology

Postdoctoral Experience

Job description

About This Role

We are seeking an outstanding colleague to advance our department and college goals to conduct world-class research and education, and to achieve societal impact. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong, well-recognized, externally funded research program using synthetic biology approaches to improve plant protection from biotic stress or to enhance beneficial microbial interactions with plants. Approaches that integrate advanced principles of synthetic biology with plant immunology, scale to appropriate levels for validation or take advantage of computation for hypothesis testing are encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities include contributing to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring. The candidate should complement and expand our strengths in plant biotic interactions and plant genetics research. Research that can impact the Kansas and the national bioeconomy are desired. This position has a preferred starting date of August 2025, with a competitive salary and start-up funds commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This position will complement the Biomanufacturing hiring initiative at Kansas State University (https://www.k-state.edu/biomanufacturing/related-initiatives/multidisciplinary-hiring-initiative/). The faculty member hired for this position will have the opportunity to collaborate with new faculty in the area of Biomanufacturing, as well as existing faculty on campus that have core expertise in plant biology and biochemistry, genomics, bioengineering, crop improvement and developmental biology. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with a separate faculty member being hired in the area of plant synthetic biology that will be housed in the Division of Biology. The research and teaching activities will further synergize regional collaboration aimed at promoting biomanufacturing with public and private partnerships across the region.

About Us

The Department: The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University comprises of a large and diverse group of scientists with an excellent reputation in research, teaching, and extension. Our strengths are in applied plant pathology, microbiology, biosecurity, disease diagnosis and management, host-parasite resistance genetics, pathogen and microbe genetics and genomics, and biotechnology. Additional information can be found at http://www.plantpath.k-state.edu.

The University: Kansas State University is located in Manhattan amongst the scenic Flint Hills, 125 miles west of Kansas City and 50 miles west of Topeka. Kansas State University was founded as a land-grant institution in 1863 and currently has an enrollment of greater than 20,000 students.

Worksite Option

This position is on-site on employer premises or designated assignment location.

An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review. Review K-State’s remote work policy details for more information.

What You'll Need to Succeed

1. A Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, plant biology, plant pathology, or related fields.
2. Postdoctoral experience related to synthetic biology.
3. Demonstrated excellence and originality in research.
4. A commitment to advancing inclusion and representation in research and education.
5. A track record in securing external funding and experience in teaching are preferred.

Sponsorship eligibility: This position is eligible for sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Research statement describing research interests, accomplishments, vision and approach to interdisciplinary collaborations (3 pages max)
4. Teaching statement describing teaching experience and philosophy (1 page max)
5. Contact information for three professional references

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Harold Trick, Ph.D. Tel: [phone]; E-mail: [e-mail]; Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, 1712 Claflin Rd, 4024 Throckmorton Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.

Screening of Applications Begins

Screening of applications will begin April 30, 2025, and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. A background check will be required before the final appointment.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

Salary is commensurate with experience and consistent with the position sought.