Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Bacteriology; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative research environment

Supportive community

Strong infrastructure for new faculty

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Bacteriology, seeks an Assistant Professor to establish a research program in the New Bioeconomy. The candidate will engage in innovative research using microbial species to create bio-based alternatives and teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

The position emphasizes collaboration within a top-ranked research environment in Madison, offering excellent facilities and a supportive community. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in microbiology or a related field, experience in developing biological systems, and a commitment to inclusive teaching.

Qualifications

• Excellent academic record required.
• Vision for an innovative research program.
• Commitment to high-quality instruction and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Develop and direct an extramurally funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Mentor graduate students and supervise research.
• Participate in faculty governance.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Microbiology

Synthetic biology

Biotechnology

Mentoring

Research program development

Education

PhD in microbiology or related fields

Job description

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 with 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:

• Developing and directing a well-recognized and extramurally funded research program;
• Teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses and contributing to curriculum updates and innovations to educate a diverse student body;
• Mentoring graduate students and supervising their research;
• Participating in departmental and university faculty governance;
• Contributing to professional and public service, and participating in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts with other departments, schools, and colleges.

Department:

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

Compensation:

Negotiable
ACADEMIC (9 months)

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.

How to Apply:

Applicants will be asked to upload a single .pdf file comprising a cover letter, a 2-page statement of research, a 1-page teaching interests, and a curriculum vitae. Applicants must also provide contact information for three references within the application.
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]
[phone]