Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Synthetic Biology and Computational Methods

Department: Knight Campus Department of Bioengineering | Rank: Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (Open Rank) | Annual Basis: 9 Month | Positions Available: 2 | Application Deadline: October 15, 2026; position open until filled

About the role

The Department of Bioengineering at the Knight Campus invites applications for two open-rank faculty positions in Experimental & Translational Synthetic Biology and Computational Synthetic Biology. The Knight Campus 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.

Research Focus Areas

Experimental & Translational Synthetic Biology

• Mammalian synthetic biology
• Design and construction of genetic circuits and biosensors
• Metabolic and pathway engineering for biomanufacturing of chemicals, therapeutics, and sustainable materials
• Protein and enzyme engineering
• Genome editing and synthetic genomics tools
• Engineered cells, consortia, and living biomaterials
• Host-microbe and microbiome engineering
• Cell-free and in vitro synthetic biology systems
• Magnetogenetics
• Engineered cell and gene therapies and the platforms that support their manufacture

Applicants should demonstrate a research program centered on the engineering of biological systems and technologies, employing quantitative, predictive, and design-based approaches to create, modify, or control biological function.

Computational Synthetic Biology

• Computer-aided design, lab automation, and autonomous experimentation for the design-build-test-learn cycle
• Fitness landscape modeling and sequence-function prediction
• Genome-scale metabolic and dynamical modeling to optimize biomanufacturing and bioprocess design
• Machine learning, biological foundation models, and generative AI approaches for protein, enzyme, genome, and regulatory sequence design
• Predictive modeling of engineered cells, microbial communities, biomaterials, and cell and gene therapy products
• Computational methods for genome engineering and synthetic genome design
• Design and analysis of engineered regulatory networks
• Multi-omics integration and quantitative modeling to guide the design and engineering of biological systems

Department Summary

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.

Requirements

• Doctorate in Engineering, Biology, Human Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, or 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 synthetic biology, biological engineering, bioengineering, systems biology, computational biology, or related fields, 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

• Demonstrated expertise in experimental or computational synthetic biology, including engineered biological systems, genome engineering, synthetic genomics, biomanufacturing, biological design automation, machine learning-enabled biological design, or related areas.
• Demonstrated use of quantitative, predictive, and design-based approaches to engineer, modify, or control biological function and advance synthetic biology through engineering innovation.
• A nationally recognized track record of scientific achievement as evidenced by an outstanding publication record and other appropriate external indicators relevant to the individual's seniority in the field.
• 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 with a thorough understanding of funding opportunities and pathways, and strategies to successfully attract funding sufficient for the individual's research program and ambitions as relevant to the individual's seniority in the field.
• Demonstrated commitment to translating research discoveries into applications that improve human health.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversifying 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 the individual's seniority in the field.

About the University

The University of Oregon is building a faculty committed to meeting the needs of our changing student body and creating essential knowledge for society. We encourage applications from individuals who want to join an institution committed to addressing complex problems at all scales and critical thinking and cross-disciplinary dialogue. We believe the way to create the faculty we need is to develop the most inclusive applicant pool. Goal 03 of our strategic plan, titled Oregon Rising, is to Create a Flourishing Community, focusing on holistic development and thriving of every individual in our diverse community.

Benefits

The University of Oregon offers a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off

For more information about benefits, visit the university's benefits website.