About This Role:

The Division of Biology at Kansas State University is accepting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Host-Pathogen Interactions with a flexible start date in the 2023–2024 academic year. Ideal candidates will establish and conduct a competitive, independent, and extramurally-funded research program in the broad field of host-pathogen interactions.

At present, infectious disease research in the Division of Biology spans a wide range of topics including bacterial, viral and fungal pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, gene regulation, pathogen evolution, neuro-immunology, structure function studies of microbial communities (microbiome). The Division has a strong track record of NIH and NSF funding and a commitment to teaching. The successful candidate will complement existing strengths in the Division, to encourage innovation at the intersection of biological sub-disciplines and will also contribute to instruction of a diverse graduate and undergraduate population.

Why Join Us:

A top priority of the Division of Biology is the promotion of a vigorous research culture, and the administrative leadership will work with the successful candidate to provide meaningful mentoring, a working environment to encourage an independent research career, with a start-up package.

The Division works out of five lab buildings on the Manhattan site and has access to BSL-3 research facilities. Expertise in maintaining animal/fisheries/insectary facilities resides both within the Division and in partnership with the Vet School and USDA collaborators close to campus. We are located in Manhattan, a charming college town in northeastern Kansas's Flint Hills.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits 

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

We encourage applications from members of groups that are typically under-represented in science. Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience in a relevant biological discipline, as well as a good track record of successful research are required. Our areas of interest include molecular research on bacterial, viral, or eukaryotic pathogens and their beneficial/or antagonistic interactions with vertebrate/or invertebrate hosts, vector biology, system biology of microbial networks, and/ or impact of the microbiome on health and diseases. Considerable interest is also on research utilizing in-vitro disease modeling technologies such as organoids, stem-cells and other cell-based models.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with professional colleagues, as well as with undergraduate and graduate students.
• Excellent technical, organizational, verbal and written communication skills.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. a cover letter,

2. a curriculum vitae,

3. an overview of current and future research interests, and

4. a statement of teaching interests and qualifications. These should be uploaded at the following K-State Career site: http://careers.k-state.edu/cw/en-us/listing/.

5. in addition, applicants must arrange to have at least three reference letters sent to the Biology Search Committee directly from the referee at the following email address: biolhr@ksu.edu.

   Inquiries about the position should be directed to the Division of Biology, director Dr. Mark Ungerer (mcungere@ksu.edu) with the subject line: Host-Pathogen interactions Faculty Search.

Review of Applications Begins:

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.