Description
Assistant or Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology
School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Department of Microbiology in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (https://mcb.illinois.edu/departments/microbiology/) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks applicants for a full-time tenure track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level.
Candidates who will enhance and expand the department’s strengths in exploring the fundamental biology of microbes and their viruses are encouraged to apply.The ideal candidate will bridge classical microbiology with advanced experimental and computational approaches to investigate the basic biology, physiology, ecology, and evolution of Bacteria, Archaea, and their viruses.The investigations will integrate knowledge and principles of physiology, structure-function relationships, metabolism, and genetic mechanisms to elucidate how microbes interact with their environments, ranging from the broader environment to host-pathogen interactions.The candidate is expected to conduct independent research, participate in our B.S. and Ph.D. programs, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and provide service to the department, the university and the profession.
Microbial research at the University of Illinois has contributed foundational insights into microbial physiology, evolution, ecology, pathogenesis, and genetics. Successful candidates will hold an appointment in the Department of Microbiology within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology. The department also leads the campus-wide Microbial Systems Initiative (https://msi.research.illinois.edu),which brings together scientists from over fifty campus units with the aim of promoting collaboration and supporting large-scale research efforts. Interdisciplinary research institutes, including the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB–https://igb.illinois.edu),the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (https://beckman.illinois.edu),and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (https://ncsa.illinois.edu)support collaborative team science research. The IGB is home to multi-investigator research themes studying microbiomes in health and disease, infectious disease genomics, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial discovery, and One Health. The Roy J. Carver Center for Biotechnology (https://biotech.illinois.edu)offers easy and affordable access to world-class core facilities including next-generation sequencing, microscopy, flow cytometry, and proteomics. Successful candidates will be part of a large cohort of faculty contributing to and benefitting from this rich microbial-systems research environment.
The successful candidate will contribute to the mission of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois, where curiosity drives impact. As the heart of a leading land-grant research university, LAS brings together diverse disciplines to explore fundamental questions and address complex challenges. We prepare students for a lifetime of inquiry, leadership, and service through innovative research, transformative teaching, and thoughtful mentoring. We strongly encourage applications from those who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to be effective teachers for our student population with its wide range of backgrounds and experiences, in alignment with the mission of our university. To learn more about the mission, vision, and values of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, visit: https://las.illinois.edu.
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in microbiology or a related field, have postdoctoral experience, have a track record of creativity and productivity, show evidence or promise of developing a record of teaching effectiveness, and exhibit potential for independent research. The target starting date is August 16, 2027. The budgeted 9-month salary range for the position is $90,000-$95,000 at the Assistant Professor level and $105-$120,000 at the Associate Professor level (paid over 12 months). The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs. The 9-month salary can be supplemented with summer salary by startup or external funds. Startup packages are highly competitive. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. These include Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
To apply, create your candidate profile and submit application materials at https://jobs.illinois.edu.
Required materials include the following:
- cover letter addressing how the applicant meets the required and preferred qualifications for the position
- curriculum vitae
- concise summary of past research accomplishments (2 pages or less)
- statement of future research plans (2 pages or less)
- teaching statement addressing experience, approach to teaching, and topics of interest (2 pages or less)
We ask that the above documents be uploaded as a single pdf file in the “Resume/CV” section.
An email request for contact information for three professional references will be sent to you 1-2 business days after your application is submitted. Once the contact information for the references is uploaded into the system, their letters will be invited. Early application submission is encouraged to allow time for referees to submit letters of recommendation.
For full consideration, the information above should be submitted by 6 pm CST on October 30, 2026. Although early applications are appreciated and interviews may be conducted before the closing date, hiring decisions will not be made until after the closing date.
Questions can be addressed to hr@mcb.illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application portal, please contact 217-333-2137 or jobs@illinois.edu.
Founded in 1867 as Illinois’s flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university’s legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career — along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.
To find out more about the resources available at the University and Urbana-Champaign community, please visit these sites:
Dual Career Program
Benefits
Explore Champaign-Urbana
Work-Life Balance & Family Friendly Programs
Faculty Recruitment
The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requirements
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Ph.D. in microbiology or a related field
- Postdoctoral experience
- A track record of creativity and research productivity
- Evidence or promise of teaching effectiveness
- Potential to conduct independent research
The ideal research profile would:
- Bridge classical microbiology with advanced experimental and computational approaches
- Study Bacteria, Archaea, and/or their viruses
- Address areas such as physiology, ecology, evolution, metabolism, genetics, structure/function, environmental interactions, or host-pathogen interactions
The successful candidate would:
- Establish and conduct an independent research program
- Participate in the Microbiology B.S. and Ph.D. programs
- Teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels
- Provide departmental, university, and professional service
