"Assistant Professor, Microbial Ecology"

Job Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Microbial Ecology.

We seek a passionate and innovative individual to study the evolution and adaptation of complex microbial communities in the environment. The successful candidate will investigate how these communities function and their critical roles in global processes.

The ideal candidate will have a proven potential to establish a robust, externally funded research program primarily in the field of microbial ecology and contribute to the department's teaching mission.

This position is part of a faculty cluster hire funded by support from the Simons Foundation designed to stimulate research in the basic sciences across New York State.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess a Ph.D. degree or an equivalent foreign qualification in ecology, biology, or a closely related field. Postdoctoral experience is highly preferred. Applicants for the Assistant Professor position should demonstrate potential for future excellence in research, scholarship, and teaching. We are especially interested in candidates with a proven ability to write grants and secure external funding focused on microbial ecology.

We welcome applications from exceptional candidates, especially those who possess skill sets that address fundamental problems in ecology. We desire a candidate who complements existing strengths at RPI and can leverage platforms such as the Darrin Freshwater Institute and the Jefferson Project at Lake George.

We are looking for individuals experienced in broad areas of microbial ecology and evolution who can contribute to the teaching mission of the department. All applicants must meet the stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $108,000 - $118,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts at https://careers.rpi.edu/en-us/job/495556 to create a brief online profile with contact information for 3 professional references. Please be ready to upload the following:

• Cover letter (please use the link for "letter of interest"
• Curriculum Vitae
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness + this could be course evaluations, surveys, feedback, or anything else that speaks to your ability to teach effectively. + In the absence of this type of documentation, please upload a statement of your teaching approach
• Statement of research
• Statement describing your contributions to a welcoming and inclusive learning community.

You may disregard the supporting documents links.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Job Posted Date

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications received by December 15, 2025 will receive first consideration.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

Rensselaer is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities. RPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.