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

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

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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 ([email protected]) or the Head of BCMB, Dr. David J. Garfinkel ([email protected]).

Posting Details

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
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 ([email protected]) or the Head of BCMB, Dr. David J. Garfinkel ([email protected]).
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 ([email protected]).
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.
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.
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

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
4. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents