Assistant Professor in Plant Molecular Biology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Job Info

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Department:

Biology - 318200

Posting Open Date:

09/24/2024

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Position Type:

Permanent Faculty

Working Title:

Assistant Professor in Plant Molecular Biology

Appointment Type:

Tenured/Tenure Track

Vacancy ID:

FAC0005251

Full-time/Part-time:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

FTE:

1

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date:

07/01/2025

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a vibrant center of scientific discovery and innovation, with a commitment to collaboration. Our large research base spans many areas of biology and supports several outstanding graduate programs. The Department of Biology consists of over 50 faculty engaged in basic and interdisciplinary research, within the department and between other departments and schools at UNC.

UNC faculty, postdocs, and graduate students routinely interact with colleagues at nearby Duke and North Carolina State Universities, and institutions in Research Triangle Park. The quality of life in North Carolina's Triangle area is consistently rated among the highest in the nation.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Department of Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill is dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of new and existing knowledge in the broad discipline of Biology by maintaining a high-quality faculty who integrate cutting-edge research and student-focused teaching.

We are one of the largest academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. We have over 2,800 majors and we enroll over 5,000 undergraduate students in our classes each year. Our average total annual expenditures exceed $24 million, with nearly half of that coming from grant sponsored research. Our large research base spans many areas of biology and supports several outstanding graduate programs. We consist of 50 tenure-track faculty, 10 teaching faculty, 8 research faculty, and numerous active adjunct and emeritus faculty who are engaged in basic and interdisciplinary research and teaching, both within the department and between other departments and schools at UNC.

We currently have 50 graduate students, 40 post-docs and employs approximately 60 additional graduate and undergraduate students from across the university to assist in our teaching and research missions. Further, we are supported by an administrative staff of 20, with an additional 20 staff directly supporting research.

Position Summary:

The tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biology will study critical questions in Plant Molecular Biology.

We seek candidates who focus on molecular mechanisms that illuminate fundamental aspects of the biology of plants, including their interactions with other organisms. We seek candidates who work across scales, using transdisciplinary approaches including genetics, molecular, cellular biology, biochemistry and/or omic approaches. Research programs that leverage model systems and/or have direct relevance to sustainable agriculture are particularly desirable.

Successful candidates will have opportunities for synergy with other units at UNC such as the curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, the Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program, the Departments of Geography, Earth Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Applied Physical Sciences, the NC Botanical Garden and Herbarium, the School of Data Science, the Institute of Convergent Sciences, The Galapagos Center, the Institute for the Environment, and the Carolina Biodiversity Collaborative.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

All candidates must have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, have post-doctoral research experience, and be committed to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Successful candidates are expected to build an active research group, secure competitive external funding, and participate actively in the scientific community at UNC-CH.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions:

To apply for 1 of 2 Assistant Professor in Plant Molecular Biology positions, visit https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/288640. To apply for an available Assistant Professor in Plant Evolutionary Biology position, visit https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/288645.

Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a research statement (~3 pages), a teaching and mentoring statement (~1 pages), and 3 representative publications (uploaded as "Writing/research Sample", "Other Document", and "Other Document 2"). The cover letter should state the names and contact information for four references. The online application will also prompt you for referee names and email addresses. If added to the application, referees may receive automated emails with instructions for submitting letters of recommendation to the recruitment system at a future phase in the selection process.

Review of applications will begin October 11, 2024. The position will be effective on or after July 1, 2025.

Referees should submit signed letters of recommendation on institutional letterhead. For further details contact biolsearch@unc.edu.

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