Joint Associate Professor Positions in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Biomedical Engineering

The School of Chemical, Materials & Biomedical Engineering (CMBE) and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB) at the University of Georgia invite applications for two joint tenured or tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Associate Professor, with primary appointments being one in BCMB and other in CMBE, beginning August 1, 2027.

Qualifications and Research Areas

CMBE-centric (60:40) position. We seek an outstanding scientist whose research develops innovative materials at the interface of engineering, materials science, biology, and human health. Areas of particular interest include: biomimetic and bio-responsive materials, antimicrobial materials and strategies for preventing implant-associated infections; materials and interfaces for medical implants and devices; biosensors and responsive diagnostic materials; bio-interfaces and the interactions among materials, cells, proteins, and microorganisms; advanced material platforms that address clinically important challenges in infection, tissue integration, sensing, or therapeutic delivery.

BCMB-centric (60:40) position. We seek an outstanding scientist whose work advances fundamental understanding of biological systems using biochemical, structural, molecular, evolutionary, computational and/or genomic approaches applied to cell-based synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess/fermentation engineering. Examples include engineering cells from eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea to produce chemicals, fuels, materials, or therapeutics, from strain and pathway design to scale up in bioprocess and fermentation systems.

Successful candidates will hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in Biochemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field. Candidates will be expected to continue an internationally recognized, externally-funded research program; contribute to the intellectual communities of BCMB and CMBE; mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers; participate in undergraduate and graduate education; and engage in collaborative research across the University of Georgia.

Application instructions

To apply BCMB-Centric Position, visit and for the CMBE-Centric Position, visit Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statement of research interests and goals (up to 2 pages), and 4) a combined teaching and mentoring statement (up to 2 pages), which should integrate ideas and efforts that support UGA’s values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and service ( Candidates should also submit names and contact information for three references. The search committee will contact references after the initial screening of applications.

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries and questions may be addressed to the chair of either search committee, Prof. Chris West, BCMB (View email address on nature.com) or Prof. Hitesh Handa, CMBE (View email address on nature.com).

University Information

BCMB is a multidisciplinary research-intensive academic unit within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and comprises of over 60 affiliated members who lead innovative research programs across the spectrum of biochemistry and molecular biology ( Faculty benefit from extensive departmental and university resources in genomics, bioinformatics, glycosciences, cryo electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR, and cell production, including a bioexpression and fermentation facility. The College of Engineering is one of the nation's fastest-growing public colleges of engineering, with nearly 5,000 engineering and computing students since its founding in 2012. Within it, CMBE fosters engineering education in a liberal arts setting and research that meets critical societal needs. The School offers ABET-accredited B.S. degrees in Biochemical Engineering and Biological Engineering, along with M.S. and Ph.D. programs, and has grown rapidly to over 500 undergraduate and graduate students and 20 faculty members. Faculty expertise spans biomaterials, therapeutic devices, diagnostics, biochemical engineering, biomanufacturing, and sustainable materials. Additional information is available at biomedicalengineering/

UGA is a prominent research-intensive land-, sea- and space-grant university, ranked among the top 20 public universities, and reported over $600 million in research expenditures in the last fiscal year. UGA is located in the vibrant city of Athens, home to a thriving arts and music community, and prides itself on its cultural diversity (

Additional Details

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (View email address on nature.com).