Assistant Professor - Harnessing the Power of Synthetic Biology

Position Description

Faculty Position Available:

Cohort Hire: Harnessing the Power of Synthetic Biology (SynBio)

Focus: Using bacteria to address 21st century challenges

Department of Microbiology, Cornell University

Position: Assistant Professor, Tenure-track.

Location: Ithaca, NY. The academic home for this position is the Department of Microbiology, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University.

The Department of Microbiology (MICRO) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is seeking a highly collaborative scholar to conduct research and teach in the area of microbiology as it relates to synthetic biology. The CALS Harnessing the Power of Synthetic Biology hiring cohort will design and program new organisms to sustainably produce fuels, food and medicines. Our new colleagues will join our efforts to advance the field of synthetic biology – the harnessing of genes, proteins and biological machinery - as they explore the development of processes and materials that can fight disease, power society, feed communities, and protect the environment for future generations.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Roadmap to 2050 identifies Transdisciplinary Moonshots - opportunities for the College to collaborate on future-focused, cross-disciplinary scientific breakthroughs and to align research, education, and extension programs for greater impact and stronger connectivity. The Moonshot areas build upon core strengths in CALS, spanning the agricultural, environmental, life, and social sciences, with the goal of recruiting 27 faculty into the College. The CALS Roadmap to 2050 spearheads the "solutions century" by collaborating across the university, our network of partners, and diverse communities to coalesce around the world’s leading challenges. We connect across all of New York state and the world to enliven our innovation ecosystem, connecting local to global programs in the form of new collaborations and basic discoveries.

We seek to hire a microbiologist working in the area of Synthetic Biology at the Assistant Professor level. Microbial processes are essential to diverse applications that address the sustainability of agricultural, environmental, and industrial practices, as well as animal and human health. The ideal candidate will investigate the genetics and physiology of bacterial species and communities with the goal of manipulating these systems to solve contemporary problems. Potential foci include, but are not limited to, research programs on bacterial metabolism (to exploit the diverse catalytic and biosynthetic capabilities of bacteria), bacterial physiology (to manipulate growth characteristics or environmental interactions), bacterial genetics (to develop and/or apply tools to explore and alter genes, pathways, and regulatory circuits for synthetic biology applications), and synthetic microbial communities (to develop and define synthetic communities with novel properties for medical, industrial, agricultural, or ecological applications). The best candidate for this position will have an established track-record in interdisciplinary research, and a strong background in bacterial genetics, bacterial physiology, bacterial diversity, and/or microbial data science.

A track-record of publishing outstanding peer-reviewed scholarship is expected, as is excellence in and commitment to teaching, translation of knowledge, and advising and mentoring of students. We seek a colleague with an outstanding record demonstrating success and promise across all these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell. The successful applicant will conduct research and teach in the areas of synthetic biology and biotechnology, computational and predictive microbiology and contribute to a new curriculum area in Synthetic Biology.

The successful candidate will become a part of the inclusive community of scholars at Cornell. They will have the opportunity to join multiple graduate fields across the university, including the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and interdisciplinary institutes such as the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.

Position Responsibilities:
This position has a balanced effort between research (50%) and teaching (50%) on a 9-month academic year basis.

Research (50%): The successful candidate will be expected to conduct an internationally recognized and externally funded research program to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms and develop novel biotechnology applications. The ideal candidate will seek to harness the immense capabilities of bacteria and bacterial communities to address contemporary challenges in health, industry, and the environment.

Teaching (50%): The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in the department. The candidate will help develop curriculum in the area of synthetic biology in addition to supporting the existing curriculum. The candidate will advise students in the department’s undergraduate and Ph.D. programs. Advising postdocs is also encouraged.

Department Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in the Department of Microbiology. A mentoring program for new faculty provides guidance and assistance. Mentoring partnerships are bidirectional, empowering the cohort and its members, and providing space for innovative collaborations to emerge from shared interests, goals, and opportunities.

Department of Microbiology: The Department of Microbiology is one of 16 departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Science. Microbiology is a foundational science with department research and teaching supporting many disciplines across Cornell’s colleges and campuses. The Department of Microbiology Program carries out research that integrates microbial biology across spatial scales, from fundamental molecular interactions to ecosystem-level processes with a strong focus on bacterial molecular microbiology.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a closely aligned field and relevant postdoctoral research experience.

Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 2027 or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position; 2) a Curriculum Vitae; 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals- max 3 pages; 4) a teaching statement outlining experience, interests, and goals- max 3 pages; 5) names and contact information for three references. Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33098.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY. Relocation assistance may be provided.

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

We seek a colleague with an outstanding record demonstrating success and promise across all these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell. Learn how CALS fosters an environment where faculty are supported, valued, and empowered to make meaningful contributions throughout their careers.

Inquiries may be directed to:

John Helmann, Search Committee Chair

Department of Microbiology, Cornell University

Email: jdh9@cornell.edu

In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Law, the annual base salary range for this assistant professor position is $90,000 - $135,000. This pay range represents base pay (for 9 months). Cornell University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

The new faculty member will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the main campus in Ithaca, New York. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of “…any person…any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary unless otherwise noted)
• Unique applicable skills.