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Posted: 08-Sep-23
Location: UTK
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 131119
The Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is seeking candidates for a tenure-track faculty appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level researching plant-associated microbes using molecular, genetic, biochemical, 'omics, mathematical modeling and/or cell biology approaches. The successful candidate will have established a nationally recognized record of excellence in research that includes significant contributions to their field as evidenced through peer-reviewed publications, externally funded research and other contributions. In addition, the candidate should have demonstrated service to, and engagement in, their professional community. Faculty in this position are expected to continue an innovative, externally-funded research program and contribute to the departmental teaching and training mission at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Plant-microbe interactions in the context of resilience in agricultural ecosystems and maintaining plant-growth promoting microbes
- Plant-microbe-mediated resistance and mitigation of pathogens
- Mechanistic linkage of plant-microbiome composition, function and crop growth from microscopic to regional scales
- Tritrophic interactions among plants, microorganisms, pollinators, and/or herbivores
The successful candidate is anticipated to start this nine-month, tenure-track position August 1, 2024. Evidence of prior excellence in formal teaching and outreach is advantageous. UTK is a land-grant university and values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching and service and considers evidence of these commitments in the records of applicants.
Our faculty have broad interests in the realms of microbial pathogenesis and microbial ecology, with labs using archaeal, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and viral models, and with work in mammalian, avian, plant, and invertebrate hosts. Candidates with experimental approaches that complement or strengthen research into host responses to microbes will be given full consideration. Our department has strong interdisciplinary ties to engineering, chemistry, veterinary, and material sciences, as well as the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), and the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) in Knoxville. UTK is the flagship university of the University of Tennessee System and is designated as a Carnegie 'Very High Research Activity' University. A competitive salary and generous start-up package, as well as ample laboratory space, are available.
The Department of Microbiology values the quality of life of all its members and is committed to supporting the intercultural goals of the University. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, The University of Tennessee Knoxville was founded in 1794 and is one of the oldest public universities in the nation. There are over 30,000 students enrolled at the Knoxville campus, who train and study in a city where excellence in academia meets the natural beauty of the southern Appalachian region and in the company of the artists, makers, and entrepreneurs that call Knoxville their home.
The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.
Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor requires prior accomplishments commensurate with the expectations for the rank as outlined in departmental by-laws (https://micro.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bylaws.pdf). Of particular note, candidates should: (1) hold a PhD in the discipline or a related discipline; (2) have served as an Assistant Professor (or equivalent for those at non-academic institutions) for a minimum of four years; (3) have a strong record of nationally recognized research and scholarly activity with clear promise that promotion to Professor is likely at some point in the future; (4) show clear evidence of competence in teaching and student mentoring; (5) have a reasonable and balanced record of contributions to meeting the service needs of their institution, discipline, and community.
Appointment at the rank of Professor requires prior accomplishments commensurate with the expectations for the rank as outlined in departmental by-laws (https://micro.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bylaws.pdf). Of particular note, candidates should: (1) hold a PhD in the discipline or a related discipline; (2) have served as an Associate Professor (or equivalent for those at non-academic institutions) for a minimum of three years; (3) have an extramurally funded and internationally recognized record of research and scholarly activity; (4) show clear evidence of competence and and innovation in teaching and mentoring; (5) have a strong record of contributions to meeting the service needs of their institution, discipline, and community.
Interested applicants should submit a (i) cover letter; (ii) CV; (iii) contact information for at least three references (iv) research statement describing research accomplishments and future plans, including funding mechanisms (not to exceed 3 pages total, not including references; and (v) teaching philosophy (not to exceed 1 page) to http://apply.interfolio.com/131119. As they address their qualifications for the position in their application, candidates may describe how they would help promote students' access to and inclusion in their teaching and research statement. Review of applications will start Nov 1, 2023. References will only be contacted for candidates who are shortlisted for the position. For questions, please contact MicroSearch@utk.edu.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-2498. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.
