Visiting Research Scholar

Job Title:  Visiting Research Scholar - Microbiology & Molecular Biology (no salary)

Posting End Date: August 14, 2026

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 11:59pm (MT)

Position Start Date: September 3, 2026

Required Degree: 

PhD. The required degree must be completed by the start date. 

Experience: 

Phage therapy, including phage isolation, sequencing, annotation, mass production, and genomic analysis/characterization. Experience in isolating Xanthomonas phages preferred.

Duties/Expectations: 

The visiting scholar will conduct a high-impact bacteriophage project focused on Xanthomonas phages. Xanthomonas species are among the most destructive agricultural pathogens worldwide, causing billions of dollars in crop losses each year. Notably, Xanthomonas phage therapies were among the first agricultural phage treatments developed in the United States and remain successful today. Through the Fulbright program, plan to further study these phages in my laboratory, performing genomic sequencing and analysis, and gaining the expertise necessary to develop safe and effective phage therapies.

Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, and Mission Alignment Statement (instructions below) to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered. 

Belonging Statement:

United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values equal opportunity. We also value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the BYU community and the richness and strength they bring in helping create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ. Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.