Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois
Title: Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: School of Biological Sciences
Campus Location: Normal, IL
Job Summary
The School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University in Normal, IL (https://biology.illinoisstate.edu/) invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track position in MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY at the level of Assistant Professor. We are looking for candidates conducting cutting-edge molecular research that complements our existing programs in molecular genetics and genome biology, host-microbe interactions, and biotechnology.
We welcome candidates with expertise in any aspect across the breadth of molecular and cellular biology, seeking to address fundamental questions related to the molecular or genetic underpinnings of cells or organisms. Candidates with interests in genome biology and bioinformatics are particularly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates are expected to establish a rigorous, nationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program. Research programs should include undergraduate and graduate students, and our new colleague should be an active mentor to both these student populations. The new faculty member will also contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses as a part of our Molecular and Cellular Biology curriculum, including courses falling into one of the following areas: bioinformatics/genomics, immunology, or biotechnology.
The University and the School of Biological Sciences are committed to increasing the diversity and inclusivity of the campus community, recognizing that a diverse and inclusive faculty, staff, and student body enriches the scholarly experiences for the ISU campus and greater community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community are encouraged to apply. We are sensitive to the needs and invested in the success of dual career partnerships.
The School of Biological Sciences comprises 24 faculty, 9 instructional faculty, approximately 65 graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.), and approximately 700 undergraduate majors. We value research and teaching and offer a collegial environment fostering research collaborations within the School’s broadly defined research focus “Responses to Environmental Stimuli”, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations within the college or the university. The School of Biological Sciences features several cutting-edge shared facilities, including a confocal and live-cell imaging center, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCRs, plate readers, vertebrate and aquatic animal housing, greenhouses, and convenient access to nature preserve study areas and ISU farmland/facilities
Additional Information
Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.
Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Required Qualifications
A Ph.D. in the specific field of biology or a closely related field and relevant post-doctoral experience are required. State law mandates demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement of this position.
Work Hours
Varies
Proposed Starting Date
08/16/2025
Required Applicant Documents
Please attach the following as separate pdf files: i) a cover letter, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) a two-page research statement, iv) a one-page teaching statement, v) a one-page statement describing your interest in or effort toward furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion, vi) a combined file of three representative publications, and vii) names and e-mail addresses for three references.
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Review of applications will begin on November 6, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information for Applicants
Questions about the search should be directed to Dr. Jan-Ulrik Dahl (jdahl1@ilstu.edu).
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.