Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)
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.
Department
The Department of Bacteriology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (https://bact.wisc.edu/)
Compensation
Negotiable ACADEMIC (9 months)
Required Qualifications
The successful candidate will have an excellent academic record, a vision for an innovative and impactful research program, the skills to implement it, and a commitment to high quality and inclusive undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.
Preferred Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have a strong background in microbiology, microbial natural product chemistry, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or related fields, with expertise related to developing biological systems for producing renewable materials, chemicals, and fuels for growing the bioeconomy.
Education
PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, agricultural/biological engineering, or related fields, with expertise in developing biological systems for producing renewable materials, chemicals, and/or fuels required by position start date.
Additional Information
This position is part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative. Through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased student and educational opportunities, RISE addresses complex societal challenges of importance to the state, nation and world. Building on UW-Madison's strengths, RISE expands the University's successful track record of connecting with communities and industry on collaborative solutions. Through the RISE initiative, UW-Madison is increasing hiring 150 new RISE faculty. Candidates hired through RISE will join a community of scholars working across disciplines, schools and colleges on research, teaching and outreach endeavors.
Contact Information
Katrina Forest - Department Chair
forest@bact.wisc.edu
(608) 265-3566
How to Apply
Applicants will be asked to upload a single .pdf file comprising of a cover letter, a 2-page statement of research, a 1-page teaching interests, and a curriculum vitae. Applicants must also provide the contact information for three references within the application. The deadline for assuring full consideration is October 15, 2026; however, positions may remain open and applications may be considered until all positions are filled.