Assistant Professor of Microbiology (Microbe-Animal Interactions), Fall 2025
- Employer
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Location
- UTK
View more categoriesView less categories
- Faculty Jobs
- Professional Fields, Veterinary Science, Science & Technology, Agricultural Science & Extension, Life Sciences
- Position Type
- Tenured & Tenure-Track
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
Location:
UTK
Open Date:
Aug 1, 2024
Description:
The Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is seeking candidates for a tenure-track faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level using molecular, genetic, biochemical, ecophysiological, computational, mathematical modeling, and/or cell biology approaches to study microbes (prokaryotic, eukaryotic, or viral) associated with animals (including invertebrates), with a preference for non-human animals. This could be in the context of laboratory or field-based studies. Competitive applicants will meet minimum requirements of a PhD or equivalent in a related field and at least two years postdoctoral or similar professional experience at the onset of the position. The successful candidate will have established a record of research that includes significant scientific advancements related to microbiology in their field, as evidenced through peer-reviewed publications and other contributions. Faculty in this position are expected to establish an innovative, externally funded research program and contribute to the departmental teaching and training mission at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to the following:
- Microbe-animal interactions focused on microbes at the individual or community level.
- Classic or novel microbe-animal model systems, including but not limited to zebrafish, Drosophila, C. elegans, planaria, sponges or other existing or emerging model systems.
- Systems that investigate early metazoan–microbe symbiosis and evolution of multicellularity.
- Microbial impacts on animal populations in the natural or man-made (i.e., built/urban) environments. UT is located near the Smoky Mountains, one of the most biodiverse locations in the US.
- Microbe-mediated animal responses including disease resistance, pathogen suppression, enhanced survival, developmental biology, or behavior of the host.
- Mechanistic studies of positive, negative or symbiotic microbe-animal interactions (e.g., mutualism, commensalism, predation, competition or parasitism) in the context of evolution, resilience or sustainability in natural, model or agricultural ecosystems.
Qualifications:
Minimal requirements include a PhD or equivalent in the discipline or a related discipline and at least two years of postdoctoral experience or similar professional experience at the onset of the position.
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants should submit a (i) cover letter; (ii) CV; (iii) contact information for at least three references (iv) research statement describing research accomplishments and future plans (not to exceed 3 pages total, not including references); and (v) teaching philosophy and courses qualified to teach (not to exceed 1 page) at http://apply.interfolio.com/149771. As they address their qualifications for the position in their application, candidates may describe how they would help promote students’ access to and inclusion in their teaching and research statement. Review of applications will begin October 25, 2024. References will only be contacted for candidates who are shortlisted for the position.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.
Organization
Working at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee is one of the nation’s oldest and most storied public universities. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee’s flagship land-grant institution includes the statewide Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute in Tullahoma. The university embodies excellence in teaching, discovery, scholarship, research, creative activity, outreach, and engagement. Known as the Volunteers, we lead with a spirit of selflessness, empathy, and courage, and strive to be champions for diversity, equity, and inclusion
UT Knoxville is a Research 1 university with 11 academic colleges and more than 900 programs of study. With an enrollment of more than 30,000 students, our academic programs are repeatedly ranked top in their class. The university co-manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the country’s most prominent national lab, driving innovation in advanced manufacturing and materials, national security, and more. We are closely connected with our communities through outreach and extension efforts across Tennessee and through partnerships with non-profits, corporations, and industries—regionally, nationally, and around the globe.
The city of Knoxville is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The modern, thriving community is surrounded by gorgeous lakes and hundreds of miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails. Situated along the banks of the Tennessee River, our beautiful features an eclectic music scene, internationally recognized festivals, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of diverse cultural activities. Knoxville is located within a day’s drive of Atlanta, Nashville, Asheville, Charlotte, Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a population of more than 850,000 people. The region houses many leading corporations and organizations, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pilot/Flying J, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Regal Cinemas, along with HGTV, Food Network, and other networks owned by Discovery Inc.
As a member of the UT family, you will be surrounded by top-notch faculty, staff, and students from around the world. You will be part of a diverse campus community that is passionate about changing the world and cheering for the Vols on game day.
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