Assistant Professor - Microbiology

Overview

The Department of Biology (www.biology.usu.edu) is seeking to fill a tenure-track (1.0 FTE, 9-month, 50% research, 40% teaching, 10% service) position in the area of microbiology to start in the Fall of 2027. The department seeks colleagues with a collaborative vision who are motivated to join a community dedicated to high-quality research and teaching that emphasizes acceptance and respect of all people. As a land-grant public-service R1 university, we are invested in research programs that are potentially relevant to issues facing the state of Utah but encourage individuals with any microbiological research focus to apply. Research areas related to Utah include but are not limited to extremophile ecology and physiology, the function and conservation of microbial communities in arid landscapes, microbial impacts on veterinary and crop science, and microbes and human health. The estimated start date will be August 1, 2027. The appointment is expected to be made at the Assistant Professor level.

For further information or inquiries, please contact the search committee co-chairs Wayne Hatch ([email protected]) and Carl Rothfels ([email protected]). The initial review of applications will begin on on 2-Nov., 2026, but the position will remain open until it is filled.

Responsibilities

The annual teaching responsibility is typically one introductory microbiology undergraduate course and one upper-level undergraduate or graduate course in an area of specialization. Successful candidates are expected to establish nationally recognized research programs that address fundamental questions and to be effective teachers and mentors to undergraduate and PhD and/or Master’s-level graduate students. A clear commitment to student success and student experience—both within the classroom and beyond—is a central expectation for this position.

The department and university offer numerous resources to support success, including competitive start-up funding, excellent facilities, opportunities for internal research funding, core facilities in computation, sequencing, and microscopy, and cutting-edge pedagogical support through the Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in microbiology or other related life science.
• Research: A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating expertise in microbiology or closely related fields. The potential to secure external funding as needed to support a well-defined research plan that aligns with the job description.
• Teaching and mentoring: Ability to teach a broad microbiology course and to successfully mentor undergraduate or graduate students in research projects.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-doctoral experience in microbiology or closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding.
• Experience with interdisciplinary or translational research, and/or participation in multi-investigator grants.
• Proficiency in advanced or emerging microbial methodologies.
• Teaching experience at the university level or formal pedagogical training.
• Experience with innovative teaching methods or technologies.
• Experience in science communication to non-specialist audiences or involvement in community outreach programs.
• Potential to collaborate with other faculty members on campus.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Curriculum vita (CV) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”.

Name and contact information for three professional references to be entered into the Candidate Profile.

Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1–10." Candidates should include information about how their research and teaching roles would support the University's mission.

Statement of research achievements and goals to be uploaded Statement of research achievements and goals to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”.

Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy and achievements to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits.

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [email protected].

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026