Microbiology Department Tenure Track Assistant Professor Position in

One Health Research

The faculty member in this position will be expected to develop a nationally recognized research program in One Health and make innovative, fundamental discoveries that contribute to holistic knowledge of human and/or wildlife disease. The faculty member will be expected to collaborate with other microbiology focused faculty from within the department and across other schools and departments at OSU and other allied institutions.

The faculty member in this position will seek to develop collaborative programs that focus on current, emerging, or re-emerging pathogens that impact human populations or zoonoses with potential to do so. Key focal areas may include: pathogen physiology and genetics; host-pathogen interactions, either with a human host or with non-human reservoir and vector hosts; impacts of global climate change and human migration on the epidemiology, evolution, and transmission of emerging and/or tropical pathogens or zoonoses; development and study of vaccines and therapeutics to combat these pathogens; research into mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance and development of alternative therapeutics. Research endeavors that link to local strengths in microbial pathogenesis, microbiome research, and data science are encouraged.

The primary responsibilities of this position are to establish and sustain an independent research program through external funding, publication of original and innovative research in peer-reviewed journals, teach and mentor graduate, professional, and undergraduate students, and provide institutional and professional service, particularly regarding interdisciplinary scholarship, student success, and diversity.

This position is principally in the Colleges of Science but may be shared with the College Agricultural Science if disciplinary focus and interdisciplinary collaboration is relevant. The aim for this position is to strengthen research and teaching in BioHealth Sciences and Microbiology, to strengthen OSU’s mission in creating and sustaining healthy communities and a healthy planet, and to increase the ability of the University to respond to the needs and concerns of an increasingly diverse student body. At OSU, we have an institution-wide commitment to diversity and multiculturalism, and we are intentional about providing a welcoming atmosphere and inclusive professional opportunities.

The Microbiology faculty consists of 11 tenure-track professors, 4 senior research professors, 4 instructors, and 4 advisors, and trains about 950 undergraduate majors (Microbiology and BioHealth Sciences) and 40 graduate students (Microbiology). Research interests encompass studies in the biology and pathogenesis of bacteria and viruses, microbial ecology and evolution, bioinformatics, microbial interactions, and environmental microbiology. For more information on Microbiology at Oregon State University see: http://microbiology.science.oregonstate.edu/.

The College of Science provides a core instructional role at OSU, supporting the ideals of learning, discovery, and engagement that are the foundation of a land-grant university. The College embraces instruction and research, in disciplines ranging from the physical to the biological sciences, that are based in unbiased inquiry and a dedication to discovery and innovation. The College of Science is committed to partnering with industry and public agencies to address some of the most compelling challenges of today and tomorrow.

The College of Agricultural Sciences is Oregon’s principal source of knowledge relating to agricultural and food systems, and a major source of knowledge regarding environmental quality, natural resources, life sciences, and rural economies and communities worldwide. The College’s areas of excellence are sustainable food systems, marine resources, environmental and human well-being, integrated systems biology and natural resource stewardship.

Both Colleges are the primary supporters of three of the university’s world-class research centers, namely the Linus Pauling Institute, the Environmental Health Sciences Center, and the Center for Quantitative Life Sciences.

Position Description

(45%) Scholarship and Research :

Maintain an externally funded research program conducting original and independent research and training in human and or animal infectious diseases and health. Aspire to achieve international standing in those endeavors, in part through collaborative interactions with OSU colleagues. Publish the results of original research in peer-reviewed journals, reviews, technical reports, books, and other outlets. Present current research findings at regional, national, and international conferences and oversee graduate research presentations.

(45%) Teaching, Advising, and other instructional duties :

Participate in undergraduate teaching in areas of expertise or other aspects of microbiological and biomedical sciences, particularly online education. Participate in the Microbiology or allied graduate teaching program in areas of expertise. Direct graduate students in their advanced degree programs.

Direct undergraduate students in research projects and honors theses.

Supervise personnel in conducting research at the undergraduate, graduate and/or postdoctoral levels.

(10%) Service :

Participate on the graduate committees of students in Microbiology and allied programs. Participate in committees and faculty governance at the unit level. Participate in committees or provide other service at the college or university level. Participate in service to the profession, such as reviewing journal manuscripts and grant proposals, serving professional organizations, organizing conferences.

Minimum/Required Qualifications*

• Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field. At least two years of relevant postdoctoral experience. Demonstrate an ability to conduct high quality ethical scientific research and share the results via scientific publications and conference presentations. Demonstrate potential to establish an externally funded high-impact research program. Demonstrate ability or potential for teaching excellence and commitment to student success that benefits the Microbiology graduate and undergraduate programs. Demonstrate a commitment to educational equity in a multicultural setting, to advancing the participation of diverse groups, and to supporting diverse perspectives. A demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity. This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrable ability or potential for effective mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars. Demonstrable interest in collaborative research. Demonstrable ability or potential to conduct collaborative cross disciplinary research. Ability or potential to engage with local, state, national and international community members to expand science communication, training, and outreach in the arenas of global human and wildlife health.

Required Application Materials*:

When applying you are required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A current CV

2) A cover letter, which should:

• Indicate how you have met each of the minimum qualifications, and how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position;

• Include a paragraph addressing how you will foster an environment in which scholars may freely, responsibly, and ethically teach, conduct research, publish, and engage in other scholarly activities.         

3) A statement of current and proposed research interests.

4) A diversity statement.

• Please state how your background and experience has prepared you to be effective in an environment that values diversity and/or how you would contribute to the development of a diverse and inclusive learning community at OSU through your teaching, research, and/or service.

The College of Science values your experience working with or supporting individuals with marginalized identities of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, status, and others.

5) A statement of teaching philosophy, experience, and interests.

6) Names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three referees.

For additional information please contact:
Rebecca Vega Thurber
rebecca.vega-thurber@oregonstate.edu (preferred)
(541) 737-1834 or (541) 737-1851

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.