Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track

POSITION: The Department of Biology at Colorado State University invites applications for a faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the field of Plant-Microbe Interactions to join a dynamic department of diverse faculty whose research spans from the subcellular to ecosystem levels in both animal and plant systems.

We seek a creative, collaborative, and visionary plant biologist to establish an internationally recognized research program at the forefront of plant-microbe interactions aimed at understanding how these interactions contribute to plant function. We are broadly interested in applicants who integrate cutting-edge cellular, molecular, genetic, genomic, physiological, ecological, synthetic, system biology, and AI approaches to advance our understanding of interactions between plants and their associated microbial communities.

Examples of potential areas of research include but are not limited to: plant-soil feedback mechanisms, microbial modulation of plant traits, chemical and cellular signaling pathways between plants and microbes, mechanisms of microbial-mediated stress resilience in plants, engineering of plant-microbe interactions to improve plant health, and use of AI in developing predictive models of plant and soil health based on microbial composition.

This tenure-track position involves undergraduate and graduate teaching (approximately 45 percent), research and mentoring involving undergraduates and graduate students (approximately 45 percent), and service/outreach (approximately 10 percent). The applicant will be expected to develop a strong extramurally funded and collaborative research program. Colorado State University provides a highly supportive environment with opportunities to collaborate with faculty across campus and to participate in programs such as the Colorado State Microbiome Network (https://microbiomenetwork.colostate.edu/), the Graduate Degree Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (https://cmb.colostate.edu/), the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (https://ecology.colostate.edu), and other interdisciplinary programs. For more information about CSU in general and the Biology Department in particular, please visit the Biology Department website: https://www.biology.colostate.edu.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will establish and sustain an innovative, extramurally funded research program focused on fundamental questions in plant-microbe interactions. They will disseminate research findings through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences. The faculty member will contribute to the department's core teaching mission at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. They will also have the opportunity to develop a new advanced graduate-level course in their specific area of expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in biology, or a related field and evidence of a successful research program in plant-microbe interactions as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications. Preferred qualifications include postdoctoral experience, intellectual leadership, evidence of successful grant writing, teaching/mentoring experience, and engagement in service/outreach activities.

SALARY: Salary range is $83000-93000

POSITION AVAILABLE: As early as August 16, 2026.

UNIVERSITY AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: Consistently included as one of the best places to live and work in the country, Fort Collins provides the breathtaking backdrop and home to Colorado State University. The community of about 173,000 is situated along the beautiful front range of the Rocky Mountains. Colorado State University (CSU) is a land-grant institution encompassing 57 academic departments in 8 colleges, housing more than 75 majors. It is one of the fastest-growing research universities in the country, with annual research expenditures of over $400 million and an enrollment of over 33,000 students.

There are also several state and federal research agencies in Fort Collins that contribute to the intellectual environment of the university. These include the Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research Unit, the State Forest Service, the US Forest Service, the US Geological Survey, the National Wildlife Research Center, the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The University of Colorado in Boulder, the University of Colorado Health Science Center and Denver University in Denver, and the University of Wyoming are all within a one-hour drive.

To apply, submit a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, a 3-page research statement, a 2-page statement of teaching philosophy, and three representative publications. In addition, provide the names and contact information of three references and request them to submit letters of recommendation.

For a full position announcement and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/165524. Applications received by 11:59 pm on October 12, 2025 will receive full consideration. Reference letters should be submitted by October 19, 2025, to ensure full consideration. No mail-in applications or letters will be accepted. Application materials of finalists, including letters of reference, will be made available for review by the entire faculty of the Department of Biology.

CSU is an EO employer and conducts background checks on all final candidates.