Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, and Metabolic Engineering

Position Summary

Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Synthetic Biology, and Metabolic Engineering

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ( BCMB ) in
the Franklin College and Arts and Sciences and the School of
Chemical, Materials & Biomedical Engineering ( CMBE ) in the
College of Engineering at the University of Georgia invite
applications for a tenured or tenure-track faculty position at the
rank of Associate Professor with a primary appointment in BCMB,
beginning August 1, 2027.

Candidates will be expected to maintain an internationally
recognized, externally funded research program; contribute to the
intellectual communities of BCMB and CMBE ; mentor graduate
students and postdoctoral researchers; participate in undergraduate
and graduate education; and engage in collaborative research across
the University of Georgia.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3)
statement of research interests and goals (up to 2 pages), and 4) a
combined teaching and mentoring statement (up to 2 pages), which
should integrate ideas and efforts that support UGA’s values and
enrich our missions of teaching, research, and service ( https://uga.edu/about/mission
). Candidates should also submit names and contact information for
three references. The search committee will contact references
after the initial screening of applications.

Review of applications will begin on November 30, 2026 and will
continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries and
questions may be addressed to the chair of the search committee,
Christopher West ( westcm@uga.edu ) or the Head of
BCMB, Dr. David J. Garfinkel ( djgarf@uga.edu ).

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2839P

Working Title

Associate Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Synthetic Biology, and Metabolic Engineering

Department

Franklin-Biochemistry

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of
Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and
is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The
proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional
achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA
is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S.
News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in
Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended
campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs
approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff.
The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over
31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional
students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges,
including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ( BCMB ) is a
multidisciplinary research-intensive academic unit comprised of
over 60 affiliated members who lead innovative research programs
across the spectrum of biochemistry and molecular biology. BCMB
maintains internationally recognized and extramurally funded
research programs in areas such as bioinformatics, structural
biology, enzymology, epigenetics, cancer biology, glycobiology,
science education, infectious disease, and molecular medicine.
Faculty benefit from extensive departmental and university
resources in genomics, bioinformatics, cryo-electron microscopy,
X-ray crystallography, NMR, and cell production, including a
bioexpression and fermentation facility.

BCMB is within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, which is
the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge,
research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments,
schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and
education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and
global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong
commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and
academic innovation.

The School of Chemical, Materials & Biomedical Engineering (
CMBE ) fosters engineering education in a liberal arts setting and
research that meets critical societal needs. The School offers ABET
-accredited B.S. degrees in Biochemical Engineering and Biological
Engineering, an M.S. in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing, and
M.S. and Ph.D. programs in biochemical and biomedical engineering.
It has grown to more than 500 students and 20 faculty members, with
expertise spanning biomanufacturing and bioprocessing, metabolic
and biochemical engineering, biomaterials, therapeutic devices, and
diagnostics. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching
and mentoring in both BCMB and CMBE, including CMBE’s engineering
programs.

CMBE is within the College of Engineering, which is one of the
fastest-growing public colleges of engineering in the nation. Since
its founding in 2012, it has grown to nearly 5,500 engineering and
computing students. The College focuses on learning, discovery, and
innovation at the confluence of disciplines, building on
partnerships across UGA’s comprehensive land-grant campus.

UGA is a prominent research-intensive land-, sea- and space-grant
university, ranked among the top 20 public universities, and
reported over $600 million in research expenditures in the last
fiscal year. UGA is located in the vibrant city of Athens in the
northern Piedmont region of Georgia. Athens is 65 miles east of
Atlanta, less than two hours from the Chattahoochee National Forest
and southern Appalachian Mountains, and within easy driving
distance of the Atlantic coast. Athens is home to a thriving arts
and music community and prides itself on its cultural diversity (
http://www.visitathensga.com
).

College/Unit/Department website

www.bmb.uga.edu,
https://engineering.uga.edu/schools/school-of-chemical-materials-biomedical-engineering/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

10/15/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information,
national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other
protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with
the accessibility of materials related to this search are
encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25
institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System
Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence,
Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation
for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community
member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these
standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and
Code of Conduct are available in
USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02 .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in
Board Policy
06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Associate Professor

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Associate Professor

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track or Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. or equivalent in
biochemistry, microbiology, chemical or biological engineering, or
a related field.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have qualifications and academic credentials that
are commensurate with the promotion and tenure (P&T) guidelines
at the UGA (
https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure-evaluation/promotion-and-tenure/promotion-guidelines/
). To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be
appointed as an associate professor, have been tenured at a prior
institution, and bring a demonstrably international reputation to
the institution. Candidates must be approved for tenure on
appointment before hire.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or
Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or
Competencies

We seek an outstanding scientist whose work advances fundamental
understanding of biological systems using biochemical, structural,
molecular, evolutionary, computational and/or genomic approaches
applied to cell-based synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and
bioprocess/fermentation engineering. Examples include engineering
cells from eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and archaea to produce
chemicals, fuels, materials, or therapeutics, from strain and
pathway design to scale-up in bioprocess and fermentation
systems.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of
financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this
position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children
under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT
security, personnel records, patient records, or access to
chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with
financial responsibilities. For additional information about the
credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website
.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background
investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating
your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia;
confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in
your application materials (including reference checks) as they
relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for;
and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be
subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk
responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
• Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents