Assistant Professor in Microbial Ecology

The Department of Biology (www.biology.usu.edu) invites applications for a full-time, 9‐month tenure‐track Assistant Professor position (50% research, 40% teaching, and 10% service) in Microbial Ecology.

This position has an anticpated start date of 1 August 2022.

We seek an innovative scientist who uses integrative research approaches, including molecular tools. Research environments could include microbial ecology in the context of plant, soil, and/or animal systems, and agricultural and/or natural landscapes. Research topics could explore climate change impacts, food web dynamics, microbial interactions with host environments, or the assemblage and regulation of microbial communities. Teaching could include Microbiology, Introductory Biology, Ecology, or Organismal Biology, as well as specialized courses in the area of the candidate's interests and expertise. A typical teaching load expectation is two courses per year. Preference will be given to applicants whose research complements and expands existing programs in the department and university. The research appointment will be affiliated with the Ecology Center and the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station which provide a wide range of support services and resources. This position is part of a STEM faculty cluster hire in USU's College of Science, and we seek applicants with demonstrated capacity to contribute to USU's justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) missions and goals while also contributing to excellence in USU's education mission. The successful applicant would join the College of Science's JEDI Collaboratory, an interdepartmental thematic mentoring and collaboration network.

A PhD is required and postdoctoral experience is preferred. Candidates will be expected to establish an independent, externally funded, and nationally recognized research program, form effective collaborations with colleagues, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate education in the Department of Biology. Implementation of innovative teaching methods and a commitment to promoting diversity in STEM is encouraged. The University offers an attractive startup package and internal funding opportunities.

Applicants must apply electronically, using the online system at https://jobs.usu.edu or CLICK HERE. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements of teaching and research philosophy and goals, a vision statement for career-long engagement and contributions to JEDI goals, up to three publication examples, and the names and contact information (including email addresses) for three references. For further information or inquiries, please contact Nancy Kay Pierson (NancyKay.Pierson@usu.edu), Search Manager. Review of applications will begin 15 September 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1)Curriculum vitae to be uploaded under 'Resume/CV'

2)Cover Letter

3)Statements of teaching and research philosophy and goals

4)Vision statement for career-long engagement and contributions to JEDI goals

5)Up to three publication examples

6)Names and contact information (including email addresses) for three references

Documents 2-5 to be uploaded under 'Documents 1-10'

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

The Department of Biology has over 700 undergraduate students, nearly 60 graduate students, more than 45 faculty at 6 campuses across the State, 11 administrative staff members, and well over 100 hourly employees. Biology instructors serve over 4,380 students each year through our general education courses. The Department of Biology maintains a large research enterprise, and has taken a leadership role in promoting engagement of STEM students from diverse backgrounds in research. Biology and USU fosters innovation and professional development of faculty in their efforts to enhance student learning and engagement by offering support of professional association membership, conference/academy attendance, and an Empowering Teaching Excellence program offered by the Provost's Office.

Utah State University (USU) was founded in 1888 and is honored to be Utah's land-grant and space-grant university. USU is a Carnegie RU/H (Research University/High Research Activity) institution with approximately 27,700 students (24,660 undergraduates and 3,040 graduate students) on the Logan main campus. Utah State's statewide system features eight campuses and 23 education centers and serves all counties in the state with Extension programs. USU offers 114 undergraduate majors, 132 graduate programs, and a variety of innovative stackable associate and certificate credentials. Washington Monthly ranked USU 14th in their national university rankings in 2019 and the 5th best public national university in the nation in 2018. As one of the two premier research institutions in Utah, USU is proud to provide a high-quality education at an affordable price. Additional information about Utah State University can be found here.

A core characteristic of USU is engagement with communities and people in economic development, improvements to quality of life, and human capital. Through the practical application of knowledge, the University and its faculty engage and share expertise with the state, nation, and world, preserving the historical land-grant tradition of partnering with communities to address critical societal issues in the interest of the public good.

The USU main campus is located in beautiful Logan, Utah; a city of about 50,000 situated in a picturesque mountain valley about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Outstanding recreational opportunities abound in the nearby mountains and proximate region.

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Alison Adams-Perlac, alison.adams-perlac@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Hilary Renshaw, titleix@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266.

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov

USU is sensitive to the needs of dual career couples and provides a Dual Career Assistance program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.