Assistant Professor Microbiology

University of Alabama - AS - Assistant Professor – Tenure Track - Microbiology in Biological Sciences - Job # 527650

Position Summary
The Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama invites applications for three tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor level in Microbiology, as part of a microbiology focused cluster hire. The appointment will begin on August 16, 2026.

Detailed Position Information
The successful candidates for the positions will be expected to establish and lead a 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 also 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 department’s 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
Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in microbiology, biological sciences, or a closely related and have postdoctoral experience.

Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidates should have an outstanding track-record of scholarly publications commensurate with the applicants’ career stage.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applicants should apply directly through the UA jobs website (https://careers.ua.edu/jobs/bcas-assistant-professor-of-microbiology-in-biological-sciences-527650-tuscaloosa-alabama-united-states). Applications should include a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, a research statement (maximum 3 pages), a teaching statement (maximum 1 page) and contact information for 3 references. The review of applications will begin December 1, 2025, and the review will continue until the position is filled.