Assistant Professor - Bioprocess Engineering

Auburn University; Alabama; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Bioprocess Engineering in the Department of Biosystems Engineering. This nine‑month, tenure‑track position emphasizes 60% research and 40% teaching with a projected start date of August 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will build a program using biochemical and/or thermochemical approaches to create value‑added bioproducts from agricultural materials, collaborate across departments, and teach core bioprocess courses while

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biosystems, biological, agricultural, or closely related engineering by start date.
• Evidence of independent and collaborative bioprocess research with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Eligible to work in the United States at start date.
• Preferred: extramural funding experience, postdoctoral or industry experience, and professional engineer licensure or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Establish a nationally and internationally recognized bioprocess research program.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses such as bioprocess modeling/analysis and fluid mechanics for biological systems.
• Secure extramural funding and train graduate students; collaborate across department lines.
• Develop new courses emphasizing hands‑on bioprocess engineering, biomanufacturing, separations, and downstream processing.
• Provide leadership to the profession and participate in university service.

Skills

Bioprocess engineering

Biochemical/thermochemical approaches

Computational fluid dynamics

Life-cycle analysis

Techno-economic analysis

Grant funding

Education

Ph.D. in biosystems/biological/agricultural engineering

Job description

Overview

The Department of Biosystems Engineering (www.eng.auburn.edu/bsen) in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Bioprocess Engineering. This faculty position is a nine-month, tenure-track position with 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. The projected start date is August 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally and internationally recognized program that utilizes advanced and innovative biochemical and/or thermochemical approaches to obtain value-added bioproducts such as food, nutraceuticals, polymers, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products from agricultural, biological, and forest materials. The research portfolio of the successful candidate can also include bioprocess engineering modeling approaches such as computational fluid dynamics, life-cycle analysis and/or techno-economic analysis. The successful candidate is expected to (a) secure extramural funding to support the research program and to train graduate students, (b) collaborate effectively with departmental faculty as well as those outside the department, and (c) complement existing bioprocess engineering expertise in the department. Instructional responsibilities will include teaching existing undergraduate and graduate level engineering courses such as bioprocess modeling/analysis, fluid mechanics for biological systems, and/or bulk solid handling and processes. The candidate should also be capable of developing new bioprocess engineering courses that emphasize topics such as bioprocess engineering hands-on skills, biomanufacturing, and biological fermentation, separations and downstream processing. In addition, the successful candidate will provide career counseling for students in the biosystems engineering department; transfer results of the scholarly program through recognized and peer review outlets; and provide leadership to the profession through state and national professional society participation. The successful candidate is expected to be involved in departmental, college, and university committee service.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in biosystems, biological, agricultural, or closely related engineering discipline by the expected position start date. Documented evidence of individual and collaborative research in bioprocess engineering resulting in peer-reviewed publications is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research program. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Preferred candidate should demonstrate experience in securing extramural funding, postdoctoral and/or industry experience, and professional engineering registration or the ability to pursue licensure as a Professional Engineer.

The University

Auburn University is a Carnegie R1 research institution and one of the nation’s premier land, sea and space grant institutions with an enrollment of more than 33,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Auburn University is ranked in the top 50 public universities for its undergraduate programs, and its College of Engineering is ranked 31st among public institutions offering doctoral programs. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor, approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast of Birmingham, AL and is about 60 miles northeast of the state capital (Montgomery). Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the "best small towns in American" with moderate climate and easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. For details, visit the following link: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Brendan Higgins ([e-mail], Search Chair).

The Department

The Department of Biosystems Engineering consists of 22 full-time faculty who solve problems in biological systems through innovative engineering research, teaching and extension activities. The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Biosystems Engineering with 180 undergraduate students and 55 graduate students. More information about the department and Auburn University can be found at www.eng.auburn.edu/bsen and at www.auburn.edu respectively.

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.