Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

We seek applicants at the Assistant Professor level to launch a research program in the New Bioeconomy. Applicants may be interested in a broad range of study systems, with a goal of harnessing natural and synthetic microbial species and communities to create powerful functional systems. The untapped metabolisms of microbes (including bacteria, archaea and fungi) are a rich source of relevant biotransformation capacity. Successful candidates will mine the genomic potential from these underexplored organisms, possibly through the application of generative AI to metabolism, structure, and synthetic biology. This hire will support ongoing teaching needs and may develop new courses in quantitative microbiology, microbial bioeconomies, and/or microbiome engineering.

This position will benefit from existing strengths within the department and college. One third of department faculty members are active in complementary areas. The Department of Bacteriology has an excellent infrastructure for support of new faculty in the Microbial Bioeconomy area with staff scientists in Biocomputing and the Microbial Natural Products Discovery Hub. Extensive collaborative opportunities are available within a diverse and supportive research community using cutting-edge multidisciplinary approaches, including the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center https://www.glbrc.org/. 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.

The successful candidate will lead innovative research programs aimed at creating bio-based alternatives to conventional materials, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in microbiology, microbial natural product chemistry, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or related fields, with expertise related to developing biological systems for producing renewable materials, chemicals, and fuels for growing the bioeconomy.

Education:

PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, agricultural/biological engineering, or related fields, with expertise in developing biological systems for producing renewable materials, chemicals, and/or fuels required by position start date.

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-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:

Applicants will be asked sked 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 15, 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