Associate Professor or Professor in Genetics, Synthetic Biology, and Biological Engineering

Associate Professor or Professor in Genetics, Synthetic Biology, and Biological 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.

Applications received by November 1, 2026 will receive full consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries and questions may be addressed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Kelly Dawe ([email protected]) or the Head of Genetics, Dr. Kelly Dyer ([email protected]).

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number	F2819P
Working Title	Associate Professor or Professor in Genetics, Synthetic Biology, and Biological Engineering
Department	Franklin-Genetics
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 Genetics is a highly collaborative community with broad strengths spanning genetics, epigenetics, genomics, and molecular, computational, and evolutionary biology. Faculty benefit from extensive university resources in genomics, bioinformatics, high-performance computing, microscopy, and other advanced technologies, as well as opportunities for collaboration across the life sciences, agriculture, engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences 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.
College/Unit/Department website	https://www.genetics.uga.edu/
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	09/25/2026
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. Applications received by November 1, 2026 will receive full consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries and questions may be addressed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Kelly Dawe ([email protected]) or the Head of Genetics, Dr. Kelly Dyer ([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	Open Rank
FLSA
Faculty Rank	Open Rank
Contract Type	Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status	Tenure Track or Tenured
Minimum Qualifications	Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in genetics, genomics, biology, computational biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline.
Position Summary	The Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, beginning August 1, 2027. Candidates at the advanced Assistant Professor level who are poised for promotion to Associate Professor are also encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be expected to establish or maintain an internationally recognized, externally funded research program; contribute to the intellectual community of the Department of Genetics; mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers; participate in undergraduate and graduate education; and engage in collaborative research across the University of Georgia.
Additional Requirements	Candidates for appointment with tenure must have a record of research, scholarship, teaching, and professional achievement commensurate with appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor level at the University of Georgia. Advanced Assistant Professors should demonstrate a trajectory consistent with promotion to Associate Professor. Candidates must have qualifications and academic credentials that are commensurate with the promotion and tenure guidelines at the University of Georgia and must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire. These guidelines can be found at https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure/.
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 genetic, genomic, evolutionary, molecular, computational, or quantitative approaches, and has the potential to inform applications in synthetic biology, biotechnology, or biological engineering. Research programs using any appropriate experimental or computational system are welcome. Candidates need not identify primarily as synthetic biologists or engineers.
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. List of References with Contact Information
4. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
5. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents