Assistant professor

Assistant Professor, Microbial Ecology

Apply now ( Job no: 495556

Work type: Full Time

Location: Troy, NY

Categories: Faculty, School of Science, CFHE

Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ?? (

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

The Biological Sciences Department at Rensselaer has 23 faculty members, 45 graduate students, and over 350 undergraduate students. Biological Sciences is home to several NSF CAREER and NIH MIRA award winners, 6 Society Fellows, participates in 2 NIH T32 training grants and 1 R25 grant, with annual research expenditures totaling around $7 million per year.

The department also provides a collaborative and supportive mentoring environment to foster the success of its faculty, with the Institute providing additional opportunities for professional development to assist faculty in meeting their teaching, research, and career aspirations.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Microbial Ecology.

We seek a passionate and innovative individual to study the evolution and adaptation of complex microbial communities in the environment. The successful candidate will investigate how these communities function and their critical roles in global processes.

The ideal candidate will have a proven potential to establish a robust, externally funded research program primarily in the field of microbial ecology and contribute to the department's teaching mission.

This position is part of a faculty cluster hire funded by support from the Simons Foundation designed to stimulate research in the basic sciences across New York State.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess a Ph.D. degree or an equivalent foreign qualification in ecology, biology, or a closely related field. Postdoctoral experience is highly preferred. Applicants for the Assistant Professor position should demonstrate potential for future excellence in research, scholarship, and teaching. We are especially interested in candidates with a proven ability to write grants and secure external funding focused on microbial ecology.

We welcome applications from exceptional candidates, especially those who possess skill sets that address fundamental problems in ecology. We desire a candidate who complements existing strengths at RPI and can leverage platforms such as the Darrin Freshwater Institute and the Jefferson Project at Lake George.

We are looking for individuals experienced in broad areas of microbial ecology and evolution who can contribute to the teaching mission of the department. All applicants must meet the stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $108,000 - $118,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts at to create a brief online profile with contact information for 3 professional references. Please be ready to upload the following:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover letter

• Statement of research

• Evidence of effective teaching

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact [email protected].

Job Posted Date

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications received by December 15, 2025 will receive first consideration.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu) ( .

Rensselaer is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer's work and campus communities. RPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

Advertised: 14 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close:

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