Job Description

Title: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN HOST-MICROBE INTERACTIONS (IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY)
Employee Classification: Asst Professor
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 as a part of the College of Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University in Normal, IL (https://biology.illinoisstate.edu/) invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track position in HOST-MICROBE INTERACTIONS (IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY) at the level of Assistant Professor. We are looking for candidates conducting cutting-edge molecular research that complements our existing programs in host-microbe interactions. We welcome candidates with expertise in any aspect across the breadth of host-microbe interactions in model or non-model systems, seeking to build a research program that integrates molecular approaches to address fundamental questions at the interface of immunology and microbiology, with an emphasis on host-microbe interactions. Techniques may span imaging and microscopy, phenotypic and biochemical characterization, physiological assays, and genetic, -omics, and bioinformatic methods. Successful candidates are expected to establish a rigorous, nationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program, which supports training and mentoring of both undergraduate and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) students. 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: immunology (preferred), microbiology, and biotechnology.

University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/.

Additional Information

The School of Biological Sciences comprises 22 faculty, 8 instructional faculty, approximately 65 graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.), and approximately 650 undergraduate majors. We highly value research and teaching, and offer a collegial environment fostering research collaborations within the School, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations within the College of Arts and Sciences and across the University – a research culture that is reflected in our strong history of successfully obtaining NIH R15 and R16 research capacity-building grants, which emphasize hands-on research mentoring for students. The School of Biological Sciences also features several well-equipped shared research facilities; including a confocal and live-cell microscopic imaging center, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) flow cytometry, spectrophotometric/fluorometric nucleic acid quantification, quantitative real-time PCR, fluorescence/luminescence-capable multi-well plate readers, vertebrate and aquatic animal housing, greenhouses, and access to nature preserve study areas and ISU farmland/facilities.

Founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university, Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu is one of only 27 institutions nationwide to earn both Research 2 (R2) and Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCU) designations by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which recognizes campuses that foster student success and research. 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

$72,828-$86,000 for the 9 month academic yearcommensurate with qualifications and experience

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Immunology, Microbiology, or closely related fields 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

August 16, 2027

Required Applicant Documents

i)   a cover letter
ii)  curriculum vitae
iii) a two-page research statement
iv) a two-page teaching statement including information on how you would work with and motivate a broad range of students
v)  a combined file of three representative publications
vi) 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

For full consideration, please apply by November 1, 2026; however, the position is open until filled.

All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. Illinois State University does not authorize out-of-state work.   

Contact Information for Applicants

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 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.