Job Summary

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 within a diverse and supportive research community using cutting-edge multidisciplinary approaches, including the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. 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.