Microbiologist

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,495 students (30% first generation, 19% underrepresented minority) and just over 2500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located in a city with a diverse population, Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents, and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life.

Job Description:

The WKU Department of Biology invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track eligible faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor in Microbiology. Candidates for the Microbiology position will investigate prokaryotes in areas including but not limited to microbiomes, bioinformatics, gene expression, pathogenesis, host/parasite interactions, metabolism, and/or intracellular trafficking.

The successful candidate will deliver high-quality instruction in both undergraduate and graduate courses that may include classes that guide students towards academics or career-oriented microbiology in clinical, industrial, and environmental settings. Courses to be taught may include but are not limited to microbiology, bioinformatics, and an upper-level undergraduate, or graduate course in the area of specialty.

The position will require the development of an active biomedically-relevant, industrial/applied, or environmentally-focused research program attractive to M.S. students and to undergraduates seeking careers in microbiology or pre-health programs, as well as career and academic advisement of students, and the writing of grant proposals.

Requirements:

• Completed a Ph.D. in Microbiology or related discipline with a concentration in Microbiology by time of application
• A record of publishing relevant research in peer-reviewed journals
• Evidence of strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills
• Evidence of enthusiasm for teaching and working with undergraduate and graduate students