Assistant Professor – Plant or Macroalgae-Associated Microbial Communities and Interactions - Plant and Microbial Biology
The University of California, Berkeley
About this position
Position Overview
Salary range: The current salary range for this position is $84,100–$132,900 (9-month academic year salary), however, off-scale salary and other components of pay, which would yield compensation that is higher than this range, are offered to meet competitive conditions. Anticipated start: July 1, 2027
Application Deadline
Open date: September 3, 2026 Next review date:Sunday, Oct 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Sunday, Oct 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position Description
The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology in the Rausser College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in "Plant- or Macroalgae-Associated Microbial Communities and Interactions." The department is a community of scholars whose research advances knowledge in plant and microbial systems in terms of biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, genetics and genomics, ecology, evolution, and pathogenesis, and their applications to ecosystems, agriculture, bioenergy, biomedicine, and biotechnology. Our undergraduate students have a choice of vibrant majors that span the disciplines in the department, and we administer top-ranked Ph.D. programs in microbiology and plant biology. Our researchers benefit from having access to extensive greenhouse and field space and opportunities for interactions and collaborations with other biological science departments and units on campus. This position centers on research into how plants or macroalgae and their associated microbial communities jointly respond and adapt to environmental stressors, contributing to climate-resilient crops and microbial systems. The scope of the position spans, but is not limited to: plant-microbiome or macroalgae-microbiome interactions in the context of pathogen defense (viral, bacterial, or fungal disease); soil microbial communities and their role in reducing agricultural dependence on pesticides, fertilizers, and greenhouse gas emissions; and microbial associations with macroalgae relevant to cultivation, health, and climate resilience in the emerging bioeconomy. Research in this position will complement and build on existing strengths in PMB, with opportunities for collaboration through our existing partnerships, e.g. the Innovative Genomics Institute, the Energy & Biosciences Institute, the International Bioeconomy & Macroalgae Center, the Plant Gene Expression Center, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Berkeley Food Institute, the Joint Genomics Institute, and the Joint Bioenergy Institute, and other campus and national lab partners. These partnerships support research that integrates fundamental discovery with translational applications for agricultural and environmental resilience. The faculty member appointed to this position will teach and mentor the next generation of scientists in plant and microbial biology, including contributing to PMB's growing undergraduate and graduate curricula in this area. Faculty are expected to contribute teaching to the core curriculum of the department and participate fully in the graduate programs. For more information about the department’s undergraduate programs, see Undergraduate Majors and for graduate programs, see Graduate Programs. The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology is committed to sustaining a thriving intellectual community in which all faculty, students, and staff can do their best work. We embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our obligation and goal. UC Berkeley values the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples, single parents, or those who may have taken time off for family reasons. For information about potential relocation to Berkeley, or career needs of accompanying partners and spouses, please visit the Office for Faculty Equity & Welfare's website. Department: https://plantandmicrobiology.berkeley.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications(required at time of application)PhD (or equivalent international degree), or enrolled in PhD or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application. Preferred qualificationsDemonstrate evidence of strong research productivity, potential for funding, and a commitment to excellence in teaching and research mentoring of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars. Demonstrate evidence of expertise and scholarship in a relevant field such as, but not limited to, plant-microbiome interactions, soil microbial ecology, or microbial associations with macroalgae, as related to climate resilience in agricultural or environmental systems. Demonstrate strong research skills and the potential to establish an innovative, collaborative research program that complements and extends existing strengths in PMB, IGI, EBI, and/or the International Bioeconomy & Macroalgae Center, with evidence of the potential for scientific leadership, creativity, and independence. Have a record of significant, impactful, and innovative publications, a compelling vision for future research, and strong letters of reference. Demonstrated ability to be a conscientious campus and professional community member, with evidence of willingness to contribute to service in the Department, on campus, to professional societies, or to the public.
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter - Up to two (2) pages. Teaching and Mentoring Statement - Please discuss prior teaching experience, teaching approach, and future teaching interests. This can include, for example, specific efforts and accomplishments, and future plans to support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy. Please also discuss your mentoring experiences and approach. This can include, for example, past efforts and future plans to support the success of all students, and to foster an inclusive research environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement of the research program. Up to two (2) pages. Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research. Up to five (5) pages. Service Statement - Please discuss specific prior and proposed academic, professional and/or public service activities. This can include, for example, participating in professional or scientific associations, serving on committees that advance department, campus or discipline goals, and conducting outreach activities that can remove barriers and increase participation of academics in your field. Authorization to Release Information Form - An institutional reference check will be completed only if you are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. Download, complete, sign, and upload the Authorization to Release Information form. Publication / Document #1 - Copy of a publication such as a journal article, book chapter, or other appropriate product. Publication / Document #2 - Copy of a publication such as a journal article, book chapter, or other appropriate product. Publication / Document #3 - Copy of a publication such as a journal article, book chapter, or other appropriate product. Reference requirements 3-5 letters of reference required Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05522 Help contact:pmbmanagerdesk@berkeley.edu