Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Bioengineering Materials

Application deadline: October 15, 2026; position open until filled.

About the role

The Department of Bioengineering at the Knight Campus seeks an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor specializing in Bioengineering Materials (Polymers/Biomaterials). The department is particularly interested in candidates whose work advances polymer chemistry and biomaterials design for applications such as functional polymer synthesis, biomimetic and bio-derived materials, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, regenerative medicine, and medical devices. Research involving microphysiological systems and microfluidic platforms that leverage advanced materials to model biological processes, enable high-throughput screening, or facilitate translational applications is also of strong interest.

The Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact is a bold initiative designed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into innovations that improve lives in Oregon, the nation, and beyond. Building on the University of Oregon's tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration, the Knight Campus advances research partnerships, industry engagement, and experiential training for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in bioengineering materials, polymers, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, medical devices, tissue engineering, or related areas.
• Develop innovative materials-based approaches that advance translational bioengineering applications.
• Mentor trainees at all levels (undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, postdoctoral).
• Teach and develop courses using evidence-based pedagogical methods.
• Foster an inclusive environment through research, teaching, mentoring, or service.
• Build collaborations across UO colleges and departments, other Oregon universities, and industry.
• Pursue extramural funding from government agencies, foundations, industry, and philanthropy.
• Translate research discoveries into applications that improve human health.
• Contribute to service and leadership in academia, research societies, government, and/or industry.

Requirements

• Doctorate in Engineering, Biology, Human Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science, or a related discipline from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Evidence of successful mentoring of trainees at any level (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, postdoctoral, peers).
• Record of research excellence appropriate to career stage in bioengineering materials, polymers, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, medical devices, tissue engineering, or related areas, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and extramural funding.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, as evidenced through research, teaching, mentoring, or service.

Preferred Qualifications

• A nationally recognized track record of scientific achievement as evidenced by an outstanding publication record and other external indicators relevant to career stage.
• Demonstrated expertise in bioengineering materials, including polymers, biomaterials, biomimetic or bio-derived materials, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, medical devices, or related areas.
• Experience developing innovative materials-based approaches that advance translational bioengineering applications, such as regenerative medicine, disease modeling, microphysiological systems, or microfluidic platforms.
• Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments with the ability to build successfully at multiple interfaces (e.g., UO colleges and departments, other Oregon universities, and industry).
• Demonstrated experience with large government agencies, foundations, industry, and philanthropy, including strategies to attract funding sufficient for the individual’s research program and ambitions.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research discoveries into applications that improve human health.
• Demonstrated ability to diversify the pipeline of participants in science training and careers.
• Demonstrated success in a pedagogical environment using evidence-based pedagogical methods.
• Demonstrated service contributions and leadership in academia, research societies, government, and/or industry relevant to career stage.

About the Department

The Department of Bioengineering is the largest academic unit within the Knight Campus. Faculty expertise spans regenerative medicine, human performance, biofunctional materials, medical devices and biosensors, neural engineering, and synthetic biology. With the opening of its second research facility, the Knight Campus has doubled its capacity for biomedical research and technology development, expanded space for academic programs and startup incubation, and launched a state-of-the-art BioFoundry. Together, the two facilities provide more than 360,000 square feet dedicated to research, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Benefits

The University of Oregon offers a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit the university’s benefits website.

About the University

The University of Oregon is building a faculty committed to meeting the needs of a changing student body and creating essential knowledge for society. The university encourages applications from individuals who want to join an institution committed to addressing complex problems at all scales and fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue. Goal 03 of the university’s strategic plan, Oregon Rising, is to "Create a Flourishing Community," emphasizing holistic development, well-being, resilience, trust, belonging, and a shared commitment to one another.