Full Job Description
The Position: Assistant Tenure-Track Professor of Biology (specializing in Microbiology)
Position Starts: Fall 2027
College: of Natural Sciences
Department/School: Department of Biological Sciences
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience. (Anticipated hiring range: $78,000-$90,000 per year).
Initial Review Date: 10/19/2026; complete applications received after that date may be considered.
Minimum Qualifications:
The minimum education requirement for the appointment to this position is a PhD in Microbiology or a related field. Candidates nearing completion of the terminal degree may be considered; however, all requirements for conferral of the degree must be met no later than the start date of the position. Candidates should have a strong interest in undergraduate teaching excellence and enthusiasm for mentoring undergraduate and Master's level graduate students in research, a demonstrated ability or potential to establish externally funded research, and a record of publication.
Responsibilities:
This position carries responsibilities in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. Teaching assignments total 10-14 class hours per week including laboratories and lectures in topics such as applied microbiology (food, industrial, biotechnology, etc.), evolution, diversity, ecology, symbioses, and pathogenesis. The teaching opportunities for the General Microbiology position include a lower- and upper-division biology courses including, but not limited to, bacterial, archaeal, or protist microbiology. Candidates are encouraged to view a list of possible courses in the Chico State Biological Sciences course catalog. Scholarship duties include developing an externally-funded research program involving undergraduate and Master's level graduate students, supported by a startup package including research space, equipment and supply funding, and partial release time from teaching in the first two years of the appointment. Service opportunities include committee work and academic advising of majors in the BS degree in Microbiology and Biology and the BA in Biological Sciences program.
How to Apply:
Applicants must provide a current cover letter that includes a brief description of 1) your preparation to teach undergraduate majors level general microbiology with a focus on bacteria and microbial diversity with lecture (2 hrs/wk) and laboratory (6 hrs/wk), 2) a proposed research program at a comprehensive, regional, state university involving both undergraduate and Master's level graduate students (including your area of research and teaching background, and how you have addressed, or plan to address teaching to diverse student groups), 3) a CV, and 4) contact information of three professional references. Additional information, including but not limited to, a research statement, teaching statement, official transcripts, and references, may be requested at a later time. All applicants must apply online; applications submitted via email or in-person to the department will not be considered.
The Department:
The Department of Biological Sciences includes 13 tenure track faculty, 12 part-time lecturer faculty, 25 master's students, and 500 undergraduate biology majors with options in cell & molecular biology, organismal, evolutionary, and ecological biology, or plant biology, as well as 80 microbiology majors in general or medical microbiology. Department programs are enhanced by diverse laboratory and field facilities, a student computer lab, media preparation and stockrooms, and greenhouses. The Department has five active student clubs, including a Student Chapter of the American Society for Microbiology. Full information is available at www.csuchico.edu/academics/college/natural-sciences/departments/biological-sciences/ . The College of Natural Sciences ( https://www.csuchico.edu/academics/college/natural-sciences/ ) has further resources including biochemistry faculty with expertise in microbial proteomics and physiology.
Job-related questions should be directed to:
Dr. Emily Fleming, Search Committee Chair
400 W 1 st St, Chico, CA, 95929-0515, (530) 898-6315
enuester@csuchico.edu
Benefits Information:
This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible). California State University, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance). For more information, please visit https://www.csuchico.edu/hr/benefits/index.shtml .
Additional Information:
Out of State Employment: All work must be performed within the State of California. Faculty assignments include in-person duties that require an on-campus presence.
