Assistant Professor- Microbiome

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Florida in Tampa seeks four well-funded microbiome investigators to advance host-microbiome interactions, infectious diseases, immunology, cancer, and related fields. The Institute of Microbiomes aims to expand externally funded research and multidisciplinary collaborations.

The roles require a doctoral degree (or MD/PhD) with strong publications, NIH funding history, and an established record as a PI. The work encompasses research, teaching, and strategic program development.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in microbiology or a closely related field with a record of teaching and research excellence.
• MD or MD/PhD with current NIH funding at or above one R01 and/or comparable grants; high-impact publications.
• H-index above 20 and at least 5 years of PI leadership at a renowned institute or university.

Responsibilities

• Carry out cutting-edge microbiome research and publish results; lead a research group as principal investigator.
• Teach medical and graduate students; participate in seminars and curriculum development.
• Contribute to strategic planning, faculty recruitment, and mentorship; manage program milestones.
• Collaborate across USF Health and the Morsani College of Medicine; engage in grant submissions.

Education

Doctoral degree or highest degree in field

MD or MD/PhD with NIH funding history

Job description

The USF Institute of Microbiomes is a strategic research initiative positioned to advance USF Health's national reputation in microbiome science, translational medicine, and precision health. Recruitment of high-caliber microbiome investigators is essential to support the Institute's continued growth, expand externally funded research programs, and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborations across the Morsani College of Medicine and USF Health. This posting aims recruit four well funded researchers to enhance the Institute's ability to conduct innovative research in host-microbiome interactions, infectious diseases, immunology, cancer, metabolic disorders, and other emerging areas of biomedical science.

Minimum:

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. For Associate/Full Professor - Normally will have produced creative work, professional writing or research in refereed and other professional journals, and be a recognized authority in the field of specialization.

MD or MD/PhD; history of continuous NIH funding or other high profile international grants; current NIH funding at the level of at least one R01 and or greater than $350,000 in direct costs per year or other comparable international grants; H-index greater than 20; at least 5 year experience as a principal investigator in a highly renowned research institute or university.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

• Research-Carry out research in microbiomes, publish, obtain high level grants, including NIH grants. Principal investigator, head of a research group. Contribute to recruit faculty and mentor USF scientists and MDs. Develop philanthropic relationships, contribute in defining strategic plans, scientific and recruitment priorities.
• Teaching-Provide didactic, benchside, and bedside teaching of medical students, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows and provide college-wide seminars. Participate in training and mentoring of Medical Students/Graduate Students/Postdoctoral Scholars, sit on Dissertation Committees, Course instruction and/or course curriculum development, Grant writing and professional development in Scholarly Activities (i.e. publications, review papers, etc.)
• Administrative-Contribute to define the strategic research orientations on microbiome investigation at USF health, contribute to establish community relationships for philanthropy, contribute to recruit new faculty and mentor faculty members in planning, research and grant submissions.
• Responsible to a Chair or other appropriate higher-level administrator of a State university.
• Responsible for teaching, research, service, and related administrative activities.
• Responsible for academic advising and related activities.
• May represent the university, college/school, or department.