Assistant Professor of Microbiology (Immunology), Fall 2024

University of Tennessee, Knoxville   Knoxville, TN   Full-time     Education
Posted on April 6, 2024
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Description

The Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is seeking candidates for a tenure-track faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level using molecular, genetic, biochemical, and/or cell biological approaches to study host immune responses to microbes. The successful candidate will have established a record of research that includes significant contributions to their field as evidenced through peer-reviewed publications and other contributions. Faculty in this position are expected to establish 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:
  • Host responses to bacteria, fungi, protozoa (parasites), viruses, and/or helminths
  • Innate or adaptive immune responses to microbes
  • Innovative model systems for host-microbe immune focused interactions, including primary/zoonotic/opportunistic pathogens or commensal species
  • Immune interactions at mucosal surfaces, including lungs, is of particular interest, but any niche will be considered
The successful candidate is anticipated to start this nine-month, tenure-track position August 1, 2024. Instructional contributions are expected to include immunology and related courses. Evidence of prior formal or informal teaching and outreach will be an advantage. 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. In addition, 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.

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.

Qualifications

Competitive applicants will meet minimum requirements of a PhD in a related field and at least two years postdoctoral or similar experience at the onset of the position.

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.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a (i) cover letter; (ii) CV; (iii) contact information for at least three references (iv) research statement, not to exceed 3 pages total, not including references (describe research accomplishments and future research plans), and (v) teaching philosophy, not to exceed 1 page. 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/scholarship. Review of applications will start Nov 1, 2023. For questions, please contact UTK_Micro_Immunology@utk.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.