Assistant Professor - Origins Of Life And astrobiology Cluster Hire

UW-Madison is seeking candidates with expertise in molecular astrobiology and origins of life research to help elucidate the transition from prebiotic chemistry to life and/or the evolutionary origins of fundamental cellular processes (e.g., RNA processing or translation). This position is part of a campus-wide cluster hiring initiative that aims to further build the vibrant community of scholars interested in Origins of Life, Artificial Life, and Astrobiology (OoLALA; https://astrobio.wisc.edu/). Further information regarding the cluster initiative program can be found at: https://facstaff.provost.wisc.edu/cluster-hiring-initiative/. The three recruitments within the Cluster are as follows: 1) Molecular astrobiology (this position); 2) Planetary astrochemistry (expected tenure home in the Departments of Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences, Chemistry, or Geoscience); and 3) Observational atmospheric spectroscopy (expected tenure home in the Department of Astronomy). Given the nature of this position, the Departments of Bacteriology (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences), Botany (College of Letters & Sciences), Integrative Biology (College of Letters & Sciences), or Chemistry are the likely tenure homes, though placement will be agreed upon by the University and candidate based on scholarly fit. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the research, teaching, and service mission of their tenure department. They will develop a vibrant, internationally recognized and externally funded research program. They will teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as mentor students. They will be expected to participate in professional, public and university service as appropriate. We are also interested in candidates who can contribute to an equitable and inclusive environment, and who can bring new perspectives on recruiting, mentoring, and educating students from diverse backgrounds. In addition, the person hired will actively contribute to the cluster through research, teaching, and interaction with the OoLALA community and the Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR). UW-Madison is a world-class academic institution ranking among the top institutions in the nation in science and engineering expenditures, with a research portfolio of over $1 billion. The city of Madison provides a vibrant, culturally rich environment consistently ranked highly in national surveys for quality of life. The UW-Madison College of Letters and Science, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Graduate Research and Education are all committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence, and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty and staff. We insist that all new hires embrace the importance of equity and diversity in the workplace. The position is a full-time academic tenure-track (Asst) faculty position. It carries a commitment to the three important functions of instruction, research, and outreach, as well as professional and university service as appropriate to faculty rank. Principal Duties: Principle duties to include: 1) Carry out a vigorous, collaborative, externally funded research program at the forefront of molecular astrobiology or a closely related focus. 2) Teach undergraduate, graduate, or professional students consistent with the tenure home department?s teaching mission and portfolio. Provide support for education within graduate programs. 3) Contribute and participate in professional, university, and community service appropriate to rank. 4) Contribute to programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department, college, and university. Promote an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities. Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion Degree and Area of Specialization: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences or Chemistry or a related field at the time of appointment. Minimum Years and Type of Relevant Work Experience: Demonstrated experience, or combined education and experience, in conducting research related to molecular astrobiology and origins of life. A record of peer-reviewed research publication in journals appropriate to the candidate's field. One or more years of experience, or combined education and experience, in teaching at undergraduate or graduate levels in the environment or a related field. Additional Information: UW-Madison is seeking a diverse set of faculty candidates who will deepen our campus' interdisciplinary research strength in key areas of current and future research promise, as well as faculty candidates who will approach their work in a manner that advances our commitment to research excellence. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. For further information or questions, please contact Professor Susana Widicus Weaver, Chair of the Cluster Committee at: slww@chem.wisc.edu. The other two positions within this cluster will be posted later this Fall. Department(s): A072800-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/BACTERIOLOGY Work Type: Full Time: 100% Appointment Type, Duration: Ongoing/Renewable Anticipated Begin Date: AUGUST 23, 2021 Salary: Negotiable ACADEMIC (9 months) Instructions to Applicants: Apply online at "Jobs at UW" (http://jobs.wisc.edu) under job number 236473. Applications must be received through UW- Madison's online application system. Applications submitted outside of this system will not be considered. Click the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, the names and contact information of three references, and a document containing a set of three statements discussing 1) research, 2) teaching, and 3) contributions to diversity and inclusion, respectively. These materials must be submitted as one document online at: http://jobs.wisc.edu. The deadline for ensuring full consideration is July 21, 2021, however the position will remain open and applications may be considered until the position is filled. For further information or questions, please

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