Assistant or Associate Professor in Microbiology

Job Title :

Assistant or Associate Professor in Microbiology

Requisition Number : FE04658

Department Name : 8E300 : Biology

Work Location : Lexington, KY

Type of Position : Faculty

Position Time Status :

Full-Time

Tenure Track Status :

Tenure Track

Required Education :

A Ph.D. or equivalent degree with postdoctoral experience in Microbiology or related field is required.

Required Related Experience :

n / a

Required License / Registration / Certification :

n / a

Job Summary :

The Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY seeks to fill a tenure-eligible faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with expertise in the field of Microbiology, broadly defined. This is a nine-month position in the regular title series with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2026. The anticipated first year Distribution of Effort will be 15% teaching, 75% research, and 10% departmental service; after the first year, the anticipated Distribution of Effort will be 30% teaching, 60% research, and 10% departmental service. The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of an ability to obtain extramural grant support, communicate their research, and effectively teach at the undergraduate and graduate level. Responsibilities for the successful candidate will include : (1) establishment of an independent research program that is supported by awards from extramural agencies; (2) contribution to the teaching mission of the undergraduate program, which will include the development and teaching of a course in microbial physiology; (3) teaching and mentoring for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; and (4) service to the department, university, and profession. We will offer a competitive start-up fund and laboratory space for this faculty position.A Ph.D. or equivalent degree with postdoctoral experience in Microbiology or related field is required.

The Department of Biology is a highly collaborative environment with areas of research strength in regenerative and developmental biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and circadian rhythms and biological timing. Our faculty and trainees use a varied array of biological model systems (e.g., humans, rodents, birds, invertebrates, salamanders, lampreys, zebrafish, microbes, planaria, snakes, and plants) and mathematical and computational tools. Our faculty also collaborate with life science faculty in the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Agriculture, Public Health, and Arts and Sciences, as well as the Markey Cancer Center, the Sanders Brown Center on Aging, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science.

Applicants must include the following : (1) cover letter, (2) CV, (3) a 2-3 page description of their prospective research program (upload as Specific Request 1), and (4) a one-page description of teaching experience (upload as Specific Request 2). In addition, please provide the names and contact information of three references when prompted in the academic profile. This information may be used to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system.

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with varied rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit : https : / / hr.uky.edu / employment / our-benefits .

Questions about this search should be addressed to Dr. Ann Morris, Department Chair, Department of Biology, University of Kentucky (ann.morris@uky.edu).

Review of applications will begin on October 13, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :

No

Open Until Filled : Yes

Our University Community :

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and / or drug screen.