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Tenure-Track: Assistant Professor in Environmental Microbiology


Plant Pathology and Microbiology

Location
College Station, Texas
Open Date
12/17/2024
Position ID
154038
Description

The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the main College Station campus of Texas A&M University invites applicants for one full-time, tenure-track position with a 9-month academic appointment beginning August 1, 2025. The breakdown of effort for this position is research (60%), teaching (30%), and service (10%). Applicants will be considered for the faculty title of Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive salary, startup package, and laboratory space in the new (2019) Plant Pathology and Microbiology building.   These new facilities include state-of-the-art growth chambers and greenhouse facilities, Microscopy and Advanced Imaging, Liquid/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Microbial Genomics, automated high-throughput bacterial culturing, automated nucleic acid purification. The TAMU campus provides a wide variety of core facilities including the Genomics and Bioinformatics Service, Core Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, and the Microscopy and Imaging Center (TEM, SEM, CryoEM and laser confocal microscopy) and NMR facility. The candidate will also be able to leverage multiple state-wide research and extension center facilities, fields, and resources through collaborations with off-campus research and extension faculty.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead an independent, high impact, extramurally funded, and internationally recognized research program while also contributing to high-quality teaching in environmental microbiology and impactful service activities. We are looking for candidates who will use innovative approaches to uncover the functional roles of microorganisms in natural, industrial, or agricultural environments. The ideal applicant will possess a strong background in microbiology, environmental science, and interdisciplinary research, and be committed to advancing knowledge in the field and improving environmental health.

The subject areas include but are not limited to (a) biogeochemistry, (b) microbial bioremediation of contamination in soil and water environments, (c) synthetic microbiology, (d) microbial metabolic engineering to produce novel compounds supporting the bioeconomy , (e) synthetic microbial communities addressing issues related to climate change, sustainability and biotechnology, (f) microbial ecology, plant health, and the role of microorganisms in nutrient cycling, (g) computational biology, bioinformatics and multi-omics integration, and (h) microbial and plant interactions. Responsibilities will also include teaching graduate and undergraduate level courses, chairing and serving on graduate committees, and service to the department, university, and the profession.  The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology hosts undergraduate programs in Bioenvironmental Sciences (BS) and Environmental Studies (BS), and a graduate program in Plant Pathology (MS and PhD).

Texas A&M University is aware that attracting and retaining exceptional faculty often depends on meeting the needs of two careers and having policies that contribute to work-life balance. For more information, visit Equal Employment Opportunity at Texas A&M Universityor Faculty Affairs Dual Career.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Microbiology, Environmental Science, Microbial Ecology or a related field, including but not limited to Plant Pathology, Genetics, Genomics, Biology, Soil Science, Crop Science, Computational Biology, Chemical Engineering and other relevant fields. Candidates with post-doctoral research experience, familiarity with modern molecular techniques and data analysis methods in microbiology, and experience in securing external funding for research projects are preferred. Evidence of the potential for developing an outstanding research program and indications of strong mentorship and teaching skills are required. Applicants are expected to have a strong publication record, excellence in research methods, interpersonal and communication skills, and the desire to collaborate with others in a collegial team environment.  

Application Instructions

Applications will only be accepted at apply.interfolio.com/160087. Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter listing the applicant’s interest and suitability for the position, 2) a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, 3) a personal statement to include philosophy and plans for research, teaching and service, as applicable,  4) a listing of contact information for three expert individuals who can provide a critical evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications for the position.

Review of applications will begin February 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions may be addressed to the search committee chair Dr. Mike Kolomiets, Professor (mike.kolomiets@ag.tamu.edu) Texas A&M University, College Station

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

The University is aware that attracting and retaining exceptional faculty often depends on meeting the needs of two careers and therefore has a Dual Career Program.