Assistant Professor of Microbiology

Summary: The Department of Biomedical Sciences at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Microbiology to begin Fall 2027. Applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. in Microbiology or a closely related field. A successful applicant will be expected to: teach introductory microbiology courses and associated labs; develop an active research program at GVSU which engages undergraduate and graduate students; and be a contributing member of the broader community both inside and beyond the institution. Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Salary/Benefits: $80,300; commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology or closely related field. Current ABD candidates will be considered for a two-year contract with provision that the Ph.D. must be completed by December 2028.
• Evidence of training that has prepared the candidate to teach college microbiology classes.
• The ability to develop an active research program at GVSU that engages students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and cultural humility.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Experience teaching advanced microbiology classes.
• Post-doctoral research experience.

Responsibilities: Tenure-track faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are typically hired on nine-month contracts, with a nine-contact hour teaching load per semester (usually three classes). They are also expected to engage in scholarly activity, service, and a significant focus, which is equivalent to three contact hours of additional responsibilities in teaching, scholarly activity, and/or service depending on the successful candidate's interests and the department’s needs.

Department: The Department of Biomedical Sciences at Grand Valley State University places an emphasis on teaching excellence using inclusive pedagogies, active scholarship with diverse learners, and equitable service to the university and community. Its 36 full-time faculty uphold the values of a liberal education while providing intensive engagement in the biomedical sciences. High-impact lab experiences in classes and research labs are a hallmark of our relevant, interdisciplinary curriculum. There are numerous collaborative opportunities for faculty and students across a wide group of partners within the department, across campus, and in the community. For more information about the research in the department and the resources available, visit http://www.gvsu.edu/bms.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college and intellectually diverse at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan. GVSU has multiple campuses—the Valley Campus in Allendale, Michigan; the City Campus located in downtown Grand Rapids, which includes the Robert C. Pew and Health campuses; and several regional centers. The University attracts undergraduate and graduate students with its high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovation. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of more than one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. GVSU is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information on Community Resources can be found on the Community Resources page of the GVSU Human Resources website.

How To Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following documents to the online application:

• A cover letter addressing your qualifications and motivation to teach at GVSU.
• A curriculum vitae with the contact information of three references.
• A statement of teaching philosophy.
• A research plan that includes how you will involve students in your research.
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts issued to students are acceptable).

The online application portal will allow you to attach these five documents electronically to the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to an on-campus interview. If you need assistance, email Human Resources at [email protected]. Questions about the position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Doug Graham ([email protected]).

Application Review: Consideration of applicants will begin on October 19, 2026. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.