Assistant Professor in Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering

Tenure track position in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of British Columbia focused on engineering microbial cell systems

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology (www.microbiology.ubc.ca) at the Vancouver campus of The University of British Columbia invites applications for one or more tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering. Applicants specializing in reconstructing microbial regulatory and metabolic networks, high-throughput genome engineering, or the biocatalytic valorization of biomass are strongly encouraged to apply.

The position requires a PhD, postdoctoral experience, and a strong record of research achievements and publicationsin this field. The successful applicant will be expected to develop an innovative, externally-funded and internationally-competitive research program; supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; collaborate with faculty members;participate in service to the department, university, and academic/scientific community; and teach undergraduate andgraduate courses in microbiology. The ability to teach microbial genetics and genomics is an asset, as are teachingexcellence and an interest in innovative teaching methods.

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology consists of 25 research faculty with strengths in microbial genomics, data science, functional screening, microbial ecology, and bacterial metabolism and physiology. The successful applicant will establish their laboratory in the Life Sciences Institute (lsi.ubc.ca), which houses 85 laboratories across 10 departments, providing ample opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaborations. The new hire would also be part of the multi-faculty BioProducts Institute (bpi.ubc.ca/), which brings together interdisciplinary researchers comprised of scientists, engineers, and market and policy experts to unlock the full potential of materials, chemicals and fuels produced in Nature. Established research groups include the UBC Data Science Institute, Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, and the Genome Science & Technology training program. The new hire will also have access to outstanding core resources for acoustic liquid handling and microfluidics, high-throughput screening, cell sorting, plurality and single-cell sequencing, microscopy, metabolomics, and proteomics.

Appointment is expected to be at the Assistant Professor level. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Competitive start-up and infrastructure development funds will be provided. All positions are subject to finalbudgetary approval. The successful candidate is expected to start the position by July 1, 2022.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Canadians and Permanent Residents of Canada will be given priority. Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

Applicants should upload a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a detailed summary of research interests describing two potentially fundable projects (maximum 5 pages), a statement of teaching accomplishments, and interests and a statement describing your experience working with a diverse student body, as well as your contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion on campus. Apply at http://microbiology.ubc.ca/faculty-opportunities. In addition, the applicant should arrange for letters from 3 referees to be sent to micb.recruitment@ubc.ca. All inquiries should be sent to the same address with “Synthetic Biology position” in the subject line. Review of completed applications with reference letters will begin on October 18, 2021.

Application deadline:
Start date:
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada