Chair of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Chicago

Chair of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Chicago

Position Description

The University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Division seeks applications for an academic leader to serve as Chair and Professor of the Department of Microbiology. The appointee will join the University of Chicago faculty at an exciting time in the Biological Sciences Division's long history.

The new Chair of the Department of Microbiology will have the responsibility for the overall strategic directions, faculty recruitment, and growth in the Department, and will report directly to the Dean of the Biological Sciences and the Pritzker School of Medicine. The Chair will build upon strategic connections with multiple other units at the University, including the newly launched Duchossois Family Institute that focuses on the role of the microbiome and immune system in health and disease, The Microbiome Center, the Section of Infectious Disease in the Department of Medicine, interdepartmental faculty Committees on Microbiology and Immunology, the Marine Biology Laboratory at Woods Hole, MA, the Argonne National Laboratories, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, to position the department as the focus of microbiological research at the University of Chicago, and to significantly increase the prominence of the University in this field.

The University is a vibrant center of scientific discovery and innovation, and opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration are abundant, both within and outside the Biological Sciences Division.  The Department has a strong tradition in bacterial pathogenesis and virology, as well as current strengths in microbiome research and synthetic biology. The department currently benefits from access to 27 core research facilities, including a state-of-the-art biocontainment facility enabling RG3 and Select Agent research and a gnotobiotic facility for inquiries into host-commensal interactions.

Prior to the start of employment, qualified applicants must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent and qualify for appointment as full professor with tenure. 

To be considered, those interested must apply through The University of Chicago’s Academic Recruitment job board, which uses Interfolio to accept applications: http://apply.interfolio.com/87263. Applicants must upload a CV including bibliography and a letter of interest that highlights the applicant’s personal vision for the University of Chicago’s Department of Microbiology and relevant leadership experience. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.