Assistant Professor

American Association of Blacks in Higher Education; North Carolina; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in North Carolina is seeking a tenure track Assistant Professor in Plant Molecular Biology. The ideal candidate will focus on molecular mechanisms fundamental to plant biology and demonstrate a commitment to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Responsibilities include research, funding acquisition, and active community participation. An application including a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and references is required, with the position starting in July 2026.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree required.
• Post-doctoral research experience necessary.
• Commitment to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Build an active research group and secure competitive external funding.
• Participate actively in the scientific community at UNC-Chapel Hill.
• Teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Skills

Research funding capabilities

Teaching commitment

Molecular biology techniques

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent degree

Job description

Overview

The Department of Biology at UNC Chapel Hill is searching to hire a tenure track Assistant Professor to study critical questions in Plant Molecular Biology. We seek candidates who focus on molecular mechanisms that illuminate fundamental aspects of the biology of plants, including their interactions with other organisms. Candidates should work across scales, using transdisciplinary approaches including genetics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and/or omic approaches. Research programs that leverage model systems and/or have direct relevance to sustainable agriculture are particularly desirable.

Research Environment and Collaboration

Successful candidates will have opportunities for synergy with other units at UNC such as the curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, the Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program, the Departments of Geography, Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Applied Physical Sciences, the NC Botanical Garden and Herbarium, the School of Data Science, the Institute of Convergent Sciences, The Galapagos Center, the Institute for the Environment, and the Carolina Biodiversity Collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Build an active research group and secure competitive external funding.
• Participate actively in the scientific community at UNC-Chapel Hill.
• Teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
• Post-doctoral research experience.
• Commitment to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Application Details

Applicants will need to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a research statement (≤ 3 pages), teaching and mentoring statement (≤ 1 page, uploaded as “Teaching Philosophy/evaluations”), and 3 representative publications (uploaded as “Writing/research Sample”, and two additional documents). Please provide the names and contact information for four references in the cover letter. The online application will prompt applicants for referee names and emails. Referees may receive automated emails with instructions for submitting letters of recommendation at a future phase. For best consideration, please submit your application by 11/15/2025. The position will be effective on or after July 1, 2026. For further details contact [e-mail].

To apply visit https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307414

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.