Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

University of Wisconsin Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin Madison is seeking applicants for the Assistant Professor position in the Department of Bacteriology. The successful candidate will develop a research program focused on harnessing microbial species to create sustainable bio-based alternatives.

This position involves teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, contributing to curriculum innovations, and mentoring students. It offers the chance to work in a vibrant research community with extensive support and collaboration opportunities.

Qualifications

• Excellent academic record and commitment to research.
• Vision for an innovative research program.
• Skills for high-quality undergraduate and graduate instruction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and direct an extramurally funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
• Mentor graduate students and supervise research.

Skills

Microscopy

Microbial natural product chemistry

Synthetic biology

Biotechnology

Education

PhD in microbiology or related fields

Job description

Job Summary

We seek applicants at the Assistant Professor level to launch a research program in the New Bioeconomy. Applicants may be interested in a broad range of study systems, with a goal of harnessing natural and synthetic microbial species and communities to create powerful functional systems. The untapped metabolisms of microbes (including bacteria, archaea and fungi) are a rich source of relevant biotransformation capacity. Successful candidates will mine the genomic potential from these underexplored organisms, possibly through the application of generative AI to metabolism, structure, and synthetic biology. This hire will support ongoing teaching needs and may develop new courses in quantitative microbiology, microbial bioeconomies, and/or microbiome engineering.

This position will benefit from existing strengths within the department and college. One third of department faculty members are active in complementary areas. The Department of Bacteriology has an excellent infrastructure for support of new faculty in the Microbial Bioeconomy area with staff scientists in Biocomputing and the Microbial Natural Products Discovery Hub. Extensive collaborative opportunities are available within a diverse and supportive research community using cutting‑edge multidisciplinary approaches, including the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (https://www.glbrc.org/). UW‑Madison is a top‑ranked research institution that provides a world‑class environment to develop an outstanding research program by affording excellent facilities and a vibrant place to learn and teach. The City of Madison and its surrounding communities are ranked among the best places to live in the country, with a wide range of social, cultural, and outdoor activities, and career opportunities for family members.

The successful candidate will lead innovative research programs aimed at creating bio‑based alternatives to conventional materials, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. Teaching loads and responsibilities will include graduate and undergraduate courses aligned with department and college expectations.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop and direct a well‑recognized and extramurally funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses and contribute to curriculum updates and innovations to educate a diverse student body.
• Mentor graduate students and supervise their research.
• Participate in departmental and university faculty governance.
• Contribute to professional and public service, and participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts with other departments, schools, and colleges.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an excellent academic record, a vision for an innovative and impactful research program, the skills to implement it, and a commitment to high quality and inclusive undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in microbiology, microbial natural product chemistry, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or related fields, with expertise related to developing biological systems for producing renewable materials, chemicals, and fuels for growing the bioeconomy.

Education

PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, agricultural/biological engineering, or related fields, with expertise in developing biological systems for producing renewable materials, chemicals, and/or fuels required by position start date.

Department

Department of Bacteriology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (https://bact.wisc.edu/)

Compensation

Negotiable; Academic (9 months).

How to Apply

Applicants must upload a single .pdf file comprising a cover letter, a 2‑page statement of research, a 1‑page teaching interests statement, and a curriculum vitae. Applicants must also provide contact information for three references. The deadline for assuring full consideration is October 15, 2026; however, positions may remain open and applications may be considered until all positions are filled.

Contact Information

Katrina Forest – Department Chair
[e-mail]
(608) 265‑3566

Institutional Statement on Diversity

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin‑Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy‑related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre‑employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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