Assistant or Associate Professor - Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, and Applied Biochemistry

About the Job

The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics (BMBB) seeks to hire two tenure-track / tenured faculty at the assistant or associate professor rank with research in the areas of synthetic biology, biotechnology, and applied biochemistry with environmental applications . The new faculty will develop innovative, extramurally funded research programs using biochemical, computational and artificial intelligence tools to engineer proteins and enzymes, metabolism, and nucleic acids and genomes. Environmental applications of interest include but are not limited to carbon capture, circular bioeconomy, remediation, environmental engineering, renewable biomanufacturing, biosensors and monitoring, and waste biotechnology and resource recovery. New faculty will be supported by a competitive startup package, salary, and research space. They will contribute to undergraduate and graduate educational programs, research mentorship, and academic and professional service.

The BMBB Department is part of the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) and Medical School. BMBB has strengths in biochemistry, biotechnology, synthetic biology, metabolism, proteomics, molecular genetics, signaling, and structural biology. BMBB supports an undergraduate biochemistry major and doctoral program. The Department has multiple core facilities including cryo-electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray crystallography, metabolomics and proteomics. BMBB and CBS interface with university-wide initiatives in biotechnology, supercomputing, biomanufacturing, genomics, structural biology, field stations, and advanced imaging that empower research exploration. The University offers a collaborative, world-class research environment embedded in a region renowned for innovation. For more information about BMBB and CBS, please visit the department’s website: .

Qualifications

Successful candidates should hold a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline and have a commitment to teaching and mentoring students and trainees. All applicants will be evaluated based on their research accomplishments, plan for future research and extramural funding, publication record, and teaching experience and philosophy. Applicants at the associate professor level will additionally be evaluated based on their record of research and scholarship, extramural funding, teaching, mentorship, and service since establishing independence.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $103,000-107,000 (Assistant) or $113,000-128,000 (Associate) 9-month salary; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100%, 9 Month Appointment

Position Type:  Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the  Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the  Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applicants should submit the following items as a single PDF, with the applicant’s name in the title of the PDF, through the University of Minnesota’s online system: (1) cover letter detailing why the applicant would like to join the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, and how the applicant meets the qualifications, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) research statement (maximum 3 pages), (4) statement of teaching philosophy, experience, and interests (maximum 1 page), and (5) names and contact information for three professional references. A single PDF of those application materials should also be emailed to View email address on us.fitly.work. Letters of recommendation will be solicited for semi-finalists. 

It is anticipated that successful candidates will be on campus for the beginning of the 2027-2028 academic year. For additional information, contact the faculty search committee at: View email address on us.fitly.work. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by November 1, 2026. Review will continue until the positions are filled.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail View email address on us.fitly.work.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.