"Microbiology Cluster Hire"

Position Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama invites applications for three tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor level and one position at the Associate or Full Professor level in Microbiology, as part of a microbiology focused cluster hire. The appointments will begin on August 16, 2026.

Detailed Position Information

The successful candidates for the Assistant Professor positions will be expected to establish and lead a research program focused on microorganisms while the Associate or Full Professor will be expected to lead an established 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 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 departmental website https://bsc.ua.edu/.

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).

Minimum Qualifications

Assistant Professor positions: Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in microbiology, biological sciences, or a closely related field and have postdoctoral experience.

Associate/Full Professor position: Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in microbiology, biological sciences, or a closely related field along with current or prior experience in a tenure-track or tenured faculty position (or equivalent). Candidates are expected to have a research track record commensurate with their career stage and have an established externally funded research program, as well as teach and mentor at the undergraduate and graduate levels effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

Assistant Professor positions: The successful candidates should have an outstanding track-record of scholarly publications commensurate with the applicants’ career stage.

Associate/Full Professor position: The successful candidate should have a strong record of achievement that demonstrates a national/international reputation, including an active and well-funded research program supported by multiple competitive external research grants. Candidates should also demonstrate an outstanding record of teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as a strong commitment to mentoring students and trainees.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application

Applicants should apply directly through the UA jobs website (links below). Applications should include a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, a research statement (maximum 3 pages), a teaching statement (maximum 1 page) and provide contact information for 3 references. The search committee will request letters from your references as needed. The review of applications will begin December 1, 2025, and the review will continue until the positions are filled.

Link to application for Assistant Professor positions: http://careers.ua.edu/cw/en-us/job/527650

Link to application for Associate/Full Professor position: http://careers.ua.edu/cw/en-us/job/527688