Assistant / Associate Professor

The Division of Biology at Kansas State University invites applications for a faculty member at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor to conduct research in the area of Plant Synthetic Biology. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, synthetic biology approaches in the engineering of plants for new or modified capabilities, the production of medically or industrially important plant compounds including biofuels, and the development of biosensors. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an independent and extramurally funded research program and contribute to both undergraduate and graduate education. This is a nine-month tenure-track or tenured position with a target start date of Fall 2025. A competitive startup package will be provided.
This position will complement the Biomanufacturing hiring initiative at Kansas State University (https://www.k-state.edu/biomanufacturing/related-initiatives/multidisciplinary-hiring-initiative/). The faculty member hired for this position will have the opportunity to collaborate with new faculty in the area of Biomanufacturing, as well as existing faculty on campus that have core expertise in plant biology and biochemistry, genomics, bioengineering, crop improvement and developmental biology. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with a separate faculty member being hired in the area of plant synthetic biology of biotic interactions that will be housed in a separate department. The research and teaching activities will further synergize regional collaboration aimed at promoting biomanufacturing with public and private partnerships across the region.

Why Join Us: The Division of Biology is a large and diverse unit with an excellent record of research productivity and funding. There are opportunities for collaboration within the Division, with other life science units at the university, and with USDA labs close to the campus. Kansas State University is a land-grant university and an R1 research institution located in Manhattan, a college town in the scenic Flint Hills region of northeast Kansas. Manhattan provides a high quality of life, with strong art programs, sports and recreational facilities, and parks. The 2025 Princeton Review ranks Kansas State University as 1st in "friendliest students", and 2nd in "best quality of life", "happiest students", and "town-gown relations" categories.

This position is on-site.

An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review. Review K-State's remote work policy details for more information.

Minimum Qualifications:

* PhD and postdoctoral experience in a relevant biological discipline.
* Strong track record of research productivity.
* Ability to work effectively with diverse faculty members, staff, graduate students and undergraduate students.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Other Requirements:

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

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae,
• Research plan (max. 3 pages)
• Statement of teaching philosophy (1 page)
• Contact information for three referees who will be asked to provide reference letters

Inquires about the position should be directed to: Dr. Kathrin Schrick, Chair; Plant Synthetic Biology Search Committee; kschrick@ksu.edu.

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by March 10, 2025.

$78,000 - $105,000 Annually