Assistant/Associate Professor - Plant Synthetic Biology of Biotic Interactions

We are seeking an outstanding colleague to advance our department and college goals to conduct world-class research and education, and to achieve societal impact. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong, well-recognized, externally funded research program using synthetic biology approaches to improve plant protection from biotic stress or to enhance beneficial microbial interactions with plants. Approaches that integrate advanced principles of synthetic biology with plant immunology, scale to appropriate levels for validation or take advantage of computation for hypothesis testing are encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities include contributing to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring. The candidate should complement and expand our strengths in plant biotic interactions and plant genetics research. Research that can impact the Kansas and the national bioeconomy are desired. This position has a preferred starting date of August 2025, with a competitive salary and start-up funds commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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 that will be housed in the Division of Biology. The research and teaching activities will further synergize regional collaboration aimed at promoting biomanufacturing with public and private partnerships across the region.

* Postdoctoral experience related to synthetic biology.

* Demonstrated excellence and originality in research.

* A commitment to advancing inclusion and representation in research and education.

* A track record in securing external funding and experience in teaching are preferred.

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum vitae (CV)

3. Research statement describing research interests, accomplishments, vision and approach to interdisciplinary collaborations (3 pages max)

4. Teaching statement describing teaching experience and philosophy (1 page max)

5. Contact information for three professional references

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Harold Trick, Ph.D. Tel: (785) 532-1426; E-mail: hnt@ksu.edu; Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, 1712 Claflin Rd, 4024 Throckmorton Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.