Assistant Professor

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Department of Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill is dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of new and existing knowledge in the broad discipline of Biology by maintaining a high-quality faculty who integrate cutting-edge research and student-focused teaching.

We are one of the largest academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. We have over 3,000 majors and intended majors, and we enroll over 5,000 undergraduate students in our classes each year. Our average total annual expenditure exceeds $24 million, with nearly half of that coming from grant sponsored research. Our large research base spans many areas of biology and supports several outstanding graduate programs. We consist of 54 tenure-track faculty, 16 teaching faculty, 10 research faculty, and numerous active adjunct and emeritus faculty who are engaged in basic and interdisciplinary research and teaching, both within the department and between other departments and schools at UNC.

We currently have 52 graduate students, 30 post-docs and employ approximately 85 additional graduate and undergraduate students from across the university to assist in our teaching and research missions. Further, we are supported by an administrative staff of 19, with an additional 45 staff directly supporting research.

The Department of Biology at UNC Chapel Hill (https://bio.unc.edu/) is searching to hire a tenure track Assistant Professor to study critical questions in Plant Molecular Biology.

We seek candidates who focus on molecular mechanisms that illuminate fundamental aspects of the biology of plants, including their interactions with other organisms. We seek candidates who work across scales, using transdisciplinary approaches including genetics, molecular, cellular biology, biochemistry and/or omic approaches. Research programs that leverage model systems and/or have direct relevance to sustainable agriculture are particularly desirable.

Successful candidates will have opportunities for synergy with other units at UNC such as the curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, the Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program, the Departments of Geography, Earth Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Applied Physical Sciences, the NC Botanical Garden and Herbarium, the School of Data Science, the Institute of Convergent Sciences, The Galapagos Center, the Institute for the Environment, and the Carolina Biodiversity Collaborative.

Successful candidates are expected to build an active research group, secure competitive external funding, and participate actively in the scientific community at UNC-CH.

All candidates must have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, have post-doctoral research experience, and be committed to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

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Applicants will need to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a research statement (less than or equal to 3 pages), teaching and mentoring statement (less than or equal to 1 page uploaded as "Teaching Philosophy/evaluations"), and 3 representative publications (uploaded as "Writing/research Sample", "Other Document", and "Other Document 2"). In addition, please provide the names and contact information for four references in the cover letter. The online application will prompt applicants for referee names and email addresses. If added to the application, referees may receive automated emails with instructions for submitting letters of recommendation to the recruitment system at a future phase in the selection process. For best consideration, please submit your application by 11/15/2025. The position will be effective on or after July 1, 2026. For further details contact biolsearch@unc.edu.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.