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Associate Professor Microbiology Jobs in Virginia

Associate Professor Microbiology information

What does an associate professor of microbiology do?

An Associate Professor of Microbiology is an academic professional who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, conducts original research, publishes scholarly articles, and mentors students in the field of microbiology. They may also supervise laboratory work, secure research funding, and participate in departmental and university service. Their research often explores microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and their roles in health, disease, and the environment. Associate Professors are typically tenured or on a tenure-track and contribute to advancing knowledge in their discipline.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate professor of microbiology?

To thrive as an Associate Professor of Microbiology, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in microbiology or a related field, along with a strong record of research and teaching experience. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software, and experience in grant writing or using learning management systems is highly valuable. Excellent communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills help foster a productive learning environment and support student and colleague development. These skills ensure effective teaching, innovative research, and active contribution to the academic and scientific community.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate professor of microbiology when balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities?

Associate Professors of Microbiology often juggle multiple responsibilities, including teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, leading research projects, and participating in departmental or university service. One common challenge is effectively managing time to ensure high-quality teaching while maintaining an active research agenda and meeting publication goals. Additionally, securing research funding and mentoring students at different academic levels can be demanding. Collaborating with colleagues across disciplines and staying updated with advances in microbiology are also essential for success and career progression.

What is the difference between Associate Professor Microbiology vs Assistant Professor Microbiology?

AspectAssociate Professor MicrobiologyAssistant Professor Microbiology
Required CredentialsDoctorate (PhD), postdoctoral experience, tenure trackDoctorate (PhD), often with less postdoctoral experience
Work EnvironmentUniversity faculty, research labs, teaching responsibilitiesUniversity faculty, research labs, teaching responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research universitiesHigher education institutions, research universities
Common Search & ComparisonMore experienced, tenure status, research focusEntry to mid-level faculty, teaching and research roles

The main difference between Associate Professor Microbiology and Assistant Professor Microbiology lies in experience and tenure status. Associate Professors typically have more research, teaching experience, and may hold tenure, whereas Assistant Professors are often earlier in their academic careers with less experience. Both roles are common in university settings and involve research and teaching responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor Microbiology jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Professor Microbiology jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Professor Microbiology jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Professor Microbiology job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Professor Microbiology job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Open Rank Professor of Virology, Tenured/Tenure-Eligible

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


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7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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213th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology (MIC) (https://med.virginia.edu/mic/) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia, seeks outstanding applicants in the field of Virology at the Assistant Professor (tenure-eligible), Associate Professor or Full Professor (tenured or tenure-eligible) level. Qualified applicants focusing on any area of virology are encouraged to apply. We are seeking extraordinary colleagues who take an integrated, cross-disciplinary approach to their research and will leverage the wide-reaching and complementary expertise of our faculty. Current faculty interests include molecular biology of DNA and RNA viruses, virus immune evasion and pathogenesis, viral latency, and RNA biology of viruses.
Our highly collaborative faculty perform cutting-edge research in the following fields: Microbiology (fundamental biology of viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic pathogens; host-microbe interactions; microbial model systems to understand basic cellular functions; targets for vaccines and therapeutics against microbial pathogens), Immunology (development and function of an intact immune system; dysregulation of the immune system in pathogenesis and disease; targets for new immunotherapeutics and vaccines), and Cancer Biology (cellular, molecular, and genetic basis of cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy).
The successful candidate will join an exciting, well-funded, and collegial research environment in the MIC Department and throughout the University, with outstanding opportunities for collaborative research in basic, translational, and clinical sciences. The School of Medicine at the University of Virginia is home to exceptional research departments and centers, a vibrant health system, and provides state-of-the-art research space and numerous molecular and cellular research core facilities, including exceptional biosafety level 3 facilities and cutting-edge flow cytometry, microscopy, and small animal imaging (http://med.virginia.edu). The successful candidate will establish and maintain an independent, productive, innovative, and extramurally funded research program, and will also participate in the teaching of graduate and medical students. Faculty in the Department of MIC are highly committed to mentoring early-career faculty and trainees. These efforts are supported by programs including an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, numerous NIH T32 Training Grant awards, and institutional grants. The department also partners with numerous institutes and centers across the University, including the UVA Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, and the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology.
The University of Virginia is one of the top universities in the nation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in Charlottesville, a vibrant university town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with easy access to airports and rail stations. The local community offers diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools and many venues for dining, arts, shopping, and entertainment, as well as endless opportunities for sports and outdoor recreation.
The University of Virginia assists faculty spouses and partners seeking employment in the Charlottesville area. To learn more please visit https://dualcareer.virginia.edu/. For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree or equivalent is required. For assistant professor applications, evidence of outstanding postdoctoral experience is expected, including publications. For associate professor and professor applications, outstanding publications and funding track record are expected.
Application Instructions
Complete an application online and attach the following documents: Complete your application online
    • Cover letter
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Three-page statement of research interests and accomplishments
    • One page teaching and mentoring statement
    • Provide the names, titles and contact information for three references.

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration. For questions regarding the application process, please contact Bill Crane, Recruiter/Faculty Search Advisor, at Xer5ff@virginia.edu. Applications must be received no later than October 31, 2026.
The successful candidate will be subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment health screening.
For further information regarding this position, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Anna Cliffe at cliffe@virginia.edu.

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

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