Assistant Professor of Microbiology & Immunology

About the Role

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Stanford University seeks applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the University Tenure Line. We seek outstanding scientists with a doctoral degree whose research addresses fundamental and emerging questions in broadly defined areas of microbiology and/or immunology. We welcome applications spanning the full breadth of these fields.

Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to, microbial pathogenesis and symbiosis, host-microbe interactions, and immune responses. We are especially interested in candidates who bring innovative molecular, genomic, systems-level computational, quantitative, or theoretical approaches to important biological questions. Our goal is to recruit creative and collaborative scientists who will establish innovative, independent research programs and contribute to the intellectual breadth and future directions of the department. Candidates whose research extends beyond the areas highlighted above are strongly encouraged to apply.

The predominant criterion for appointment in the University Tenure Line (UTL) is a major commitment to research and teaching. Individuals appointed as Assistant Professors in the UTL will have completed housestaff training (where applicable) and one or two years of postdoctoral research experience. Their accomplishments during graduate and postgraduate training should demonstrate creativity and promise as investigators. If formal teaching experience is lacking, candidates should show a commitment to developing first-rate teaching skills during postdoctoral training.

The successful candidate must demonstrate true distinction (or the promise of achieving it) in research, the capability to sustain first-rate teaching, and excellence in patient care (if applicable). We expect the candidate to establish a thriving research program pursuing cutting-edge, foundational research at the forefront of microbiology and/or immunology, foster a supportive training environment, and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful community.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an innovative, independent research program in microbiology and/or immunology.
• Teach and mentor students at the undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful departmental community.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research and participate in university-wide initiatives (e.g., Stanford Bio-X, ChEM-H, Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub).

Department Overview

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is a vibrant community of over 200 individuals, including 16 primary and 24 secondary faculty. Research spans bacteria and bacterial pathogenesis, the microbiome and symbiosis, protists, viruses and phages, and the host immune system. Many groups work across these areas, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty employ diverse experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in microbiology, immunology, or a related field.
• One to two years of postdoctoral research experience (housestaff training where applicable).
• Demonstrated distinction or promise of distinction in research.
• Commitment to or demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring.
• Ability to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful academic environment.

Pay

The expected base pay range for this position is $196,000–$214,000. This range reflects base pay based on faculty rank and years in rank and does not include additional components of the School of Medicine’s faculty compensation program or departmental incentive compensation. The final offer will be determined based on experience, qualifications, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable roles.

Benefits

Stanford University offers a wide range of benefits, including housing assistance. For more information, contact the hiring department.

Application Details

Submit the following materials via the application portal:

• A curriculum vitae.
• A three-page description of research accomplishments and future plans.
• A statement of teaching interests.
• Names of three references for letters of recommendation.

Applications will be reviewed beginning November 2nd, 2026, and accepted until the position is filled. For questions about the application process, contact bscacademicaffairs@stanford.edu.