Tenure track faculty search

Plant Gene Editing and Genome Engineering

University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Department of Plant Sciences and the Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology

The tenure track position is will be filled at the assistant-to-associate professor level with research (85%) and teaching (15%) responsibilities. 

The new faculty member will innovate cutting-edge research that fills the niche of translation science that thereby closes the gap between basic and applied research.  The new faculty member’s research should focus mostly on gene editing of economically important plants (i.e., crops) to both better understand their biology and to accelerate their genetic improvement at the intersection of biotechnology and breeding. Innovation of new gene editing approaches is especially needed not only for genome engineering outcomes, but for the regulation of gene expression.  Research will be expected to be facilitated by significant external funding resulting in in impactful publications.

Teaching responsibilities would include a new plant gene editing and genome engineering course that will likely have advanced undergraduate (400-level) and graduate (500-level) students enrolled of various majors including those in agriculture, basic biology, and engineering, and participate in other teaching opportunities. The faculty member will be expected to mentor graduate students and postdocs as appropriate.

The Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology (CASB), founded in 2018, has established world-class facilities to enable a new faculty member to be immediately productive and fill a void in gene editing expertise, activity, and funding.  The University of Tennessee is sited just west of downtown Knoxville, a very livable and eclectic city near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Oak Ridge National Laboratory is 25 miles from campus.

Applicants should have a PhD in plant biology or related area with postdoctoral experience in gene editing preferred. The search committee will evaluate candidates for pertinent research and teaching experience in gene editing and genome engineering as well as prospective success as a faculty member at the University of Tennessee.  Excellent oral and written communication skills will be needed to succeed as well as the ability to work with diverse colleagues, students and trainees.  

The Department of Plant Sciences fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit (1) letter of application; (2) concise statements of research and teaching interests and plans; (3) complete curriculum vita; (4) names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three references; and (5) a copy of transcripts showing degree(s) conferred. Salary is commensurate with training and experience. The University of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, including health and dental insurance; life insurance; multiple retirement plans, as well as leave. 

Apply through: https://apply.interfolio.com/108304

The search committee aims to begin screening applications on September 1, 2022 for an anticipated early 2023 hire.

Interested prospects for the position should feel free to contact search chair Neal Stewart (nealstewart@utk.edu).

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.

Applicants should submit (1) letter of application; (2) concise statements of research and teaching interests and plans; (3) complete curriculum vita; (4) names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three references; and (5) a copy of transcripts showing degree(s) conferred.