Department/Organization
204411 - Biological Sciences
Rank
Associate/Full Professor
Position Summary
The Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama invites applications for a position at the Associate/Full Professor level in Microbiology, as part of a microbiology focused cluster hire. The appointment will begin on August 16, 2026.
Detailed Position Information
The successful candidate for the position will be expected to lead an established research program focused on microorganisms. The search is open to all areas of microbiology, with particular interest in, but not limited to, host-pathogen interactions, microbial disease ecology, microbiomes, bacteriophages or synthetic biology. Research expectations include developing and sustaining an externally funded research program, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants should also demonstrate the ability to collaborate with faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences, as well as across other departments and research institutes (e.g., Alabama Life Research Institute or the Alabama Water Institute). Teaching responsibilities include basic undergraduate courses in microbiology or biology and graduate courses in the successful candidate’s area of expertise.
More information about the department can be found on the department’s website https://bsc.ua.edu/.
Questions about the position should be addressed to the co-chairs of the search committee, Dr. Julie Olson (jolson@ua.edu) and Dr. Melanie Higgins (mahiggins1@ua.edu).
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for this position are a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in microbiology, biological sciences, or a closely related field along with current or prior experience in a tenure-track or tenured faculty position (or equivalent). Candidates are expected to have a research track record commensurate with their career stage and have an established externally funded research program, as well as teach and mentor at the undergraduate and graduate levels effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a strong record of achievement that demonstrates a national/international reputation, including an active and well-funded research program supported by multiple competitive external research grants. Candidates should also demonstrate an outstanding record of teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as a strong commitment to mentoring students and trainees.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applicants should apply directly through the UA jobs website (https://careers.ua.edu/). Applications should include a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, a research statement (maximum 3 pages) a teaching statement (maximum 1 page) and contact information for 3
About the Division/College/School
The J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.
As the largest college at The University, we house over 9,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff across our 22 departments.
With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression.
The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning.”
About the University
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, named one of Travel + Leisure’s 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S. As one of the nation’s premier universities, UA offers bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields of study. With more than 1,400 acres of tree-lined academic core campus and over 300 state-of-the art facilities, UA has been ranked among the most beautiful and most impressive college campuses in the South, in the state of Alabama and in the nation.
In Fall 2023, the Capstone set a new enrollment record with more than 39,000 students, including more than 8,200 in the freshman class. The current enrollment includes students from every county in Alabama, every state in the nation and 92 countries around the world. More than 1,100 National Merit Scholars are currently enrolled, making UA one of the largest enrolling institutions of the scholars in the country.
UA was recently recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. students for the seventh time in nine years, as well as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the first time. UA is one of only 12 universities in the nation to receive both honors.
For reasons like this, the University made Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges for 2023 and Time magazine’s list of Top 50 Best Colleges for Future Leaders. It also made Princeton Review’s list of Top Value Colleges.
UA is also designated among the top doctoral research universities in the United States in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. One of the fastest growing major research institutions in the nation, UA saw a 21% increase in sponsored awards in the 2023 fiscal year.
Since 2015, UA has invested over $1.1 billion in the physical campus, adding more than 2.55 million gross square feet of space, over 150 new research-intensive faculty, signature research areas (e.g., “The Alabama Research Institutes”), and a growing number of partnerships with industry and with state and federal agencies.
The University employs nearly 2,100 faculty and over 4,500 staff, with 52 UA researchers included in the National Academy of Inventors. An additional 40 current faculty have received the NSF CAREER Award, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists in disciplines ranging from nanoscience and engineering to biological sciences.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
