Assistant or Associate Professor of Biology

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Biology with a focus on Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. We seek candidates working with iPSC-derived neural cells, organoids, and organ-on-chip systems to study neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders.

Responsibilities include establishing an independent, funded research program, teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring trainees, and contributing to departmental

Qualifications

• PhD required in Biology or Neuroscience.
• Tenure-track faculty position at University of Kentucky.
• Expertise in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience.
• Experience with iPSC/organoid models encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Establish independent research funded by extramural grants.
• Develop and teach undergraduate courses including Developmental Neurobiology.
• Mentor graduate students and postdocs; supervise students.
• Provide service to department, university, and profession.

Skills

iPSC-derived neural cells

Cerebral organoids

Organoid models

Genome editing

Imaging

Transcriptomics

Proteomics

Electrophysiology

Computational approaches

Education

PhD in Biology/Neuroscience

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title Assistant or Associate Professor of Biology

Requisition Number FE05009

Working Title

Department Name 8E000:College of Arts & Sciences

Work Location Lexington, KY

Type of Position Faculty

Position Time Status Full-Time

Tenure Track Status Tenure Track

Required Education

A PhD in Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field is required at time of appointment.

Required Related Experience

N/A

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Job Summary

The Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, with expertise in the field of Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research incorporates induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural cells, organ-on-chip, and/or cerebral organoid models to study mechanisms of neurodevelopment, neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders, neuronal function, neural circuit development, or related areas of neuroscience. We encourage applications from candidates using iPSC/organoid models in conjunction with complementary experimental approaches such as genome editing, imaging, transcriptomics, proteomics, and electrophysiology, as well as computational approaches. Consideration will also be given to strong research programs using invertebrate model systems focused on the topic areas listed above.

The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of an ability to obtain extramural grant support, communicate their research, and effectively teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities for the successful candidate will include: (1) establishment of an independent research program that is supported by awards from extramural agencies; (2) contribution to the teaching mission of the undergraduate program, which will include the development and teaching of a course on Developmental Neurobiology; (3) teaching and mentoring of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; and (4) service to the department, university, and profession. We will offer a competitive start-up package and laboratory space for this faculty position.

The Department of Biology is a highly collaborative with research strengths in neuroscience, regenerative and developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and circadian rhythms and biological timing. Our faculty and trainees use a diverse array of biological model systems and mathematical and computational tools. Our faculty also collaborate with life science faculty in the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Agriculture, Public Health, and Arts and Sciences, as well as the Markey Cancer Center, the Sanders Brown Center on Aging, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science.

The anticipated Distribution of Effort will be 30% teaching, 60% research, and 10% departmental service. This position will be a 9-month appointment with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2027.

A PhD in Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field is required at time of appointment.

Questions about this search should be addressed to Ann Morris, Professor and Chair, Department of Biology, University of Kentucky [e-mail].

Application review will begin on 10/15/2026.

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ medical coverage and in addition, offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Open Until Filled

Yes

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulations concerning smoking.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.