Assistant Professor of Biology - 2 Positions

Union College invites applications for two tenure-track positions: one in Microbiology and the other in Immunology, beginning September 1, 2027. Applicants must have a PhD in the respective field. Post-doctoral or comparable professional work is desirable. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by October 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Position Descriptions

We seek two biologists whose research addresses fundamental questions in, respectively, microbiology or immunology using cellular, molecular, and/or genetic approaches. We encourage all applicants with appropriate background and expertise to apply, particularly those candidates whose research investigates the cell and molecular mechanisms underlying microbial biology, immune function, or host-associated microbiome biology using modern and innovative experimental approaches such as single-cell technologies, functional genomics, gene-editing, systems-level analyses, and bioinformatics techniques.

Befitting the teacher-scholar model, our goal is to hire two outstanding colleagues with demonstrated commitments to both teaching and developing a successful research program that incorporates our students. Teaching responsibilities include an upper-level microbiology or immunology course with labs, contribution to the biology core curriculum at both the first and second-year level, and a course of their choice.

About the Biology Department

The Department of Biological Sciences at Union College is committed to providing exceptional academic experiences and training for undergraduates seeking to understand what creates, sustains, and changes ourselves, other organisms, communities, and the environment. We contribute to numerous interdisciplinary programs including Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Science and Policy, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Nanotechnology and Neuroscience.

Housed in the newly-constructed Integrated Science and Engineering Complex, the Department is well equipped with modern instrumentation such as a microCT, multimodal microplate reader, confocal microscope, flow cytometer, cryostat, 3-D multi camera motion analysis system, Agilent Tapestation, Nanopore DNA sequencer, Qubit Fluorometer, RT-PCR instrument, scanning electron microscope, greenhouse space, growth chambers, and sterile tissue culture and animal care facilities. We also have access to a continuous flow isotope mass spectrometer, elemental analyzer, and an ICPMS in Union College's Stable Isotope and Geochemistry Laboratory, as well as analytical chemistry instrumentation including FLPC, HPLC and LCMS through the Chemistry Department. The College is situated in close proximity to a variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, and the Mohawk watershed.

We share Union College's commitment to lead with wisdom, empathy and courage, particularly as it relates to creating a welcoming environment where every member of our community is respected and valued. We are committed to teaching and mentoring students, as well as supporting faculty, from a full range of backgrounds, perspectives and identities.

Application Instructions

Please submit all application materials as PDF files. Only the materials listed below will be considered:

• Cover letter, indicating which position you are applying for
• CV
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Research

Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in either Microbiology or Immunology.

Please send questions and other inquiries to Brian Cohen at MicroImmunosearch@union.edu.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $81,500 to $83,500. The wage or salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty and training. The stated hiring range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Union College offers exceptional benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, free on-campus fitness facility access, and discounts for on-campus wellness programs.

About Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors.