Assistant, Associate or Full Professor (Tenured or Tenure Track)

The Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications for an open rank faculty position in Systems and Synthetic Biology. While applications from all areas of Microbiology will be considered, the department is particularly interested in candidates who seek to advance quantitative and predictive understanding of biological systems, including experimental, computational, and engineering approaches that uncover fundamental principles and, in some cases, enable the design and control of biological function. We welcome research that connects molecular mechanisms to cellular and higher-order biological function across multiple scales. This hire will support ongoing teaching needs and may develop new courses in quantitative microbiology, systems & synthetic microbiology, and/or microbiome engineering.

The successful candidate will join a strong and collaborative department with broad and complementary strengths across microbial sciences. Current research areas include microbial metabolism, molecular mechanisms of regulation, natural products chemistry, computational approaches to microbiological ecosystems, and the bioeconomy. The department fosters a highly interactive environment, with a culture of collaboration and intellectual exchange that supports interdisciplinary research and innovation. The Department of Bacteriology has an excellent infrastructure for support of new faculty in the Synthetic Biology area with staff scientists in Biocomputing and the Microbial Natural Products Discovery Hub. UW-Madison is a top-ranked research institution that provides a world-class environment to develop an outstanding research program by affording excellent facilities and a vibrant place to learn and teach. The City of Madison and its surrounding communities are ranked among the best places to live in the country, with a wide range of social, cultural, and outdoor activities, and career opportunities for family members.

Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background and research experience in microbiology, microbial natural product chemistry, synthetic biology, biotechnology, computational microbiology or related fields. The successful candidates will lead innovative research programs aimed at predictive modeling and engineering of biological networks, mechanisms of adaptation and stress response, or multiscale interactions in complex biological systems. Teaching loads and responsibilities will include graduate and undergraduate courses aligned with department and college expectations.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Developing and directing a well-recognized and extramurally funded research program;
• Teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses and contributing to curriculum updates and innovations to educate a diverse student body;
• Mentoring graduate students and supervising their research;
• Participating in departmental and university faculty governance;
• Contributing to professional and public service, and participating in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts with other departments, schools, and colleges.

Department: Department of Bacteriology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (https://bact.wisc.edu/) 

Compensation: Negotiable
ACADEMIC (9 months)

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have an excellent academic record, a vision for an innovative and impactful research program, the skills to implement it, and a commitment to high quality and inclusive undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.

We encourage applicants of any rank. At the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, the candidate’s qualifications must be sufficient to meet the requirements for tenure in the Department of Bacteriology, in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

Required by start date: PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, biological computation, or related fields, with additional research training and expertise relevant to the goals of the position.

Additional Information:

This position is part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative. Through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased student and educational opportunities, RISE addresses complex societal challenges of importance to the state, nation and world. Building on UW-Madison’s strengths, RISE expands the University’s successful track record of connecting with communities and industry on collaborative solutions.

Through the RISE initiative, UW-Madison is increasing hiring 150 new RISE faculty. Candidates hired through RISE will join a community of scholars working across disciplines, schools and colleges on research, teaching and outreach endeavors. The community will engage regularly in venues such as seminar series and colloquia to share ongoing projects and identify opportunities to work together. The University will support the community, facilitating access to research infrastructure, and funding to support broad and rich collaboration. Further information regarding RISE can be found at: https://rise.wisc.edu/ 

RISE-THRIVE, which stands for Transforming Healthspan through Research, InnoVation, and Education, will “harness and grow the university’s reputation as a global powerhouse in interdisciplinary health research”.  RISE-EARTH, which stands for Environment: Adaptation, Resilience, Technology, and Humanity, will strengthen the university’s ability to address challenges and opportunities related to the environment, translating discoveries into tangible benefits in Wisconsin and beyond.

How to Apply:

This vacancy is being announced simultaneously with a companion posting in another department [JR#10012489]. Having two job postings allows candidates to select the department of primary interest and allows the College to consider candidates in both departments simultaneously. Applicants may apply to either, or both, positions.

Applicants will be asked to upload a single .pdf file comprising of a cover letter, a 2-page statement of research, a 1-page teaching interests, and a curriculum vitae. Applicants must also provide the contact information for three references within the application. 

The deadline for assuring full consideration is October 1st, 2026; however, positions may remain open and applications may be considered until all positions are filled.

Contact Information:
Katrina Forest – Department Chair
forest@bact.wisc.edu
(608) 265-3566