Assistant Professor of Microbiology in Biological Sciences

Position Summary

The department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama invites applications for three tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor level in Microbiology, as part of a microbiology focused cluster hire. The appointment will begin on August 15, 2026.

Detailed Position Information

The successful candidates for the positions will be expected to establish and lead a research program focused on microorganisms. The search is open to all areas of microbiology, with particular interest in, but not limited to, host-pathogen interactions, microbial disease ecology, microbiomes, bacteriophages, or synthetic biology. Research expectations include developing and sustaining an externally funded research program, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants should also demonstrate the ability to collaborate with faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences, as well as across other departments and research institutes (e.g., Alabama Life Research Institute or the Alabama Water Institute). Teaching responsibilities include basic undergraduate courses in microbiology or biology and graduate courses in the successful candidate’s area of expertise.

More information about the department can be found on the department’s website https://bsc.ua.edu/.

The minimum qualifications for these positions are a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in microbiology, biological sciences, or a closely related field, postdoctoral experience, and an outstanding track-record of scholarly publications commensurate with the applicants’ career stage.

Questions about the positions should be addressed to the co-chairs of the search committee, Dr. Julie Olson (jolson@ua.edu) and Dr. Melanie Higgins (mahiggins1@ua.edu).