Assistant Professor Microbiology

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,495 students (30% first generation, 19% underrepresented minority) and just over 2500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY-a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a employees workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life, paid time-off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at www.wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

The WKU Department of Biology invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track eligible faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor in Microbiology. Candidates for the Microbiology position will investigate prokaryotes in areas including but not limited to microbiomes, bioinformatics, gene expression, pathogenesis, host/parasite interactions, metabolism, and/or intracellular trafficking. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality instruction in both undergraduate and graduate courses that may include classes that guide students towards academics or career-oriented microbiology in clinical, industrial, and environmental settings. Courses to be taught may include but are not limited to microbiology, bioinformatics, and an upper-level undergraduate, or graduate course in the area of specialty. The position will require the development of an active biomedically-relevant, industrial/applied, or environmentally-focused research program attractive to M.S. students and to undergraduates seeking careers in microbiology or pre-health programs, as well as career and academic advisement of students, and the writing of grant proposals. To aid in the development of a comprehensive NIH-funded research program, the KY INBRE program provides a network of support for biomedical researchers and educators within the Commonwealth of Kentucky and presents many opportunities for collaboration as well as competitive funding programs. Opportunities are also available to collaborate on clinical research projects with physicians, residents, and fellows of the Medical Center Health and University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Bowling Green campus.

Requirements:

• Completed a Ph.D. in Microbiology or related discipline with a concentration in Microbiology by time of application
• A record of publishing relevant research in peer-reviewed journals
• Evidence of strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills
• Evidence of enthusiasm for teaching and working with undergraduate and graduate students

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email atena.demir@wku.eduor by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU'shttps://www.wku.edu/titleix/website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at:http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

This position is contingent on approval of funding.

For information related to job postings, please emailemployment@wku.edu.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted in pdf format through this electronic talent management system by December 1, 2024, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position in filled:

• Cover letter describing candidates' interest in and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial transcripts for the Ph.D.-granting institution
• Separate statements about (1) teaching interests, (2) research goals and objectives, and (3) experience with or dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive an email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=69A2E540B9400C3C1F307CE840383636?JOBID=182514