The Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a (9-months) tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. Mid-career candidates at the early-stage Associate Professor level are also considered. We seek a visionary plant biologist who investigates the fundamental, mechanistic insight into plant-interkingdom, plant-environment interactions, and/or plant immunity with a ultimate goal of enhancing plant growth, health, and resilience. Specific research topics may include (but not limited to): molecular mechanisms of plant interactions with beneficial or pathogenic microbes, reprogramming host plant development by insects and/or microbes, environmental modulation of plant growth-defense interface, plant immune receptors and signal transduction pathways, and spatial biology of plant interkingdom communication. We also welcome those studying cross-species plant-plant interactions and more broader topics of relevance. We are broadly interested in applicants who will be running an ambitious research program by integrating state-of-the-art approaches of molecular and cell biology, genetics, genomic/epigenomic, single cell/spatial biology, biochemistry and structural biology, and synthetic biology (including AI-driven approaches).

The Department of Molecular Biosciences is composed of a broad faculty whose research interests span many disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and biophysics, cell and developmental biology, plant biology, microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases, biotechnology, and systems and synthetic biology. We are excited to welcome collaborative applicant who actively interact with our faculty members and take advantage of our state-of-art facilities (see below).

“What starts here changes the world.” UT Austin offers numerous resources and an exciting and interactive environment to foster creative interdisciplinary research. In addition to their research activities, our faculty are committed to the development of state-of-the art courses and real-world training experiences for undergraduate and graduate students as part of our core educational mission. Successful candidates will be eligible for membership in the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs and the Plant Biology Graduate Program. We also have outstanding core facilities, including those within the Center for Biomedical Research Support, the Texas Advanced Computing Center, and the Sauer Center for Structural Biology. The department has strong ties to other research units at UT Austin, including the School of Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Department of Computer Science, and Dell Medical School. This position offers excellent start-up funds, salary, and laboratory space in a dynamic and highly interactive research environment in the vibrant city of Austin.

The UT College of Natural Sciences and the Department of Molecular Biosciences encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to excellence in mentoring through their teaching, research, and service. The College and Department are responsive to the needs of dual career couples, support work-life balance through an array of family-friendly policies and are dedicated to broadening participation in higher education.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline and have an outstanding record of scientific ability as demonstrated by a strong publication record.

Applicants should apply through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/175001) with the following documents:

1) Cover Letter that includes research area, qualifications, and contact information

2) Curriculum vitae

3) A statement of research interests (3-pages maximum)

4) Three confidential letters of recommendation.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form and provide documents to verify identity and eligibility to work in the USA. A security sensitive background check will be conducted on the applicant selected.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.