Assistant Professor In Host-Microbe Interactions

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Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Applicants are invited to apply for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the broad area of host-microbe interactions involving plants or insects. We seek candidates whose research will lead to a better understanding of the nature of these host-microbe interactions and their impact on natural, urban, or agricultural ecosystems. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the influence of factors on microbial outcomes (such as resistance, diversity, etc.); interactions of microbes with their plant or insect hosts; or insect-vectored microbe interactions. Candidates using innovative molecular, genetic, or -omics based approaches are particularly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded, high-impact research program and actively train graduate students. They will be expected to develop a teaching program that engages students in the undergraduate microbiology program and participate in service to the university.

The position is 65% research, 30% teaching, and 5% service. The appointment will be in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Evidence of strong potential for conducting innovative research in host-mi crobe interactions using modern molecular approaches.

· Evidence of a strong publication record in internationally-recognized journals.

· Evidence of strong potential for research mentoring.

· Evidence of strong potential for collaborative research.

· Evidence of strong potential for securing extramural funding.

· Evidence of strong potential for evidence-based, innovative teaching.

· Evidence of service at the department or college level, and/or the greater scientific community.

Department/Program & College Description:

With 25,000 undergraduates, almost 5,000 graduate students, and 6,200 faculty and staff, ISU is a strong land-grant and Research I university. ISU has extensive shared facilities for biological research, including -omics technologies for genetics, genomics and microbiome studies and high-performance computing. The collaborative environment is enhanced by interdisciplinary and disciplinary graduate majors that promote cross-fertilization within labs.

The successful candidate will have an office and laboratory in one of the newest buildings on campus, which was designed for collaborative research and teaching, and has in-house chambers and greenhouses for insect, microbe, and plant growth. Highlighted aspects of the departments are the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, an active Insect Zoo for outreach, numerous field research facilities, co-administration of a vibrant and experiential microbiology program for undergraduates. Faculty have strengths in extension, teaching, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, and research across the full spectrum from fundamental to applied.

Ames is a community of about 67,000 that is close to the Des Moines metropolitan area. Ames is home to several federal labs, including the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment and numerous USDA Agriculture Research Service labs. Ames is ranked as a top town to live in and has received awards recognizing the high quality of its public schools, amenities, and commitment to the environment and quality of life.

Department Unit/Website:

https://www.ppem.iastate.edu

Proposed Start Date:

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Application Instructions:

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application.

The application should include:

1. Cover Letter describing the qualifications for the position (2 pages max).

2. Curriculum Vitae.

3. Research Statement detailing experience and future plans (3 pages max).

4. Teaching Statement detailing philosophy, experience, and future plans (2 pages max).

5. Representative publications (max of 3 publications as pdf files).

6. Names and contact information for three references.

Review of applicants will begin on October 23, 2023 , and applications must be received before then for guaranteed consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled or the search is closed.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Ryan Smith ( smithr@iastate.edu ), or the Chair of the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Steven Harris ( stevenh1@iastate.edu ).

ISU is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. ISU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples, is dedicated to work-life balance through an array of family-friendly policies, and was the recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Award for gender equity.

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