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Bacterial Pathogenesis Research Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Bacterial Pathogenesis Research information

What is bacterial pathogenesis research?

Bacterial pathogenesis research is the scientific study of how bacteria cause diseases in humans, animals, or plants. Researchers in this field investigate the mechanisms bacteria use to invade hosts, evade the immune system, and produce toxins or other harmful effects. This research helps identify potential targets for new antibiotics, vaccines, and other treatments to prevent or control bacterial infections. It also provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between pathogens and their hosts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bacterial pathogenesis researcher?

To thrive in Bacterial Pathogenesis Research, you need a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology, typically supported by a master's or PhD in a life science field. Proficiency with laboratory techniques such as PCR, cell culture, genetic manipulation, and data analysis software is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills are crucial for designing experiments and interpreting results. These skills and qualities are vital for advancing scientific understanding and developing new strategies to combat infectious diseases.

What are some common challenges faced by researchers in bacterial pathogenesis, and how can they be addressed?

Researchers in bacterial pathogenesis often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving bacterial resistance, difficulties in replicating in vivo conditions in the lab, and the complexity of host-pathogen interactions. Staying updated with the latest techniques, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and utilizing advanced models like organoids or animal models can help address these issues. Additionally, maintaining strong communication within the research team and with external collaborators is key to overcoming obstacles and advancing discoveries.

What is the difference between Bacterial Pathogenesis Research vs Microbiologist?

AspectBacterial Pathogenesis ResearchMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in microbiology, biology, or related fieldsSimilar; often requires a degree in microbiology, biology, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, healthcare settings, research institutions
Employer & IndustryAcademic, government, biotech companies focused on infectious diseasesHealthcare, research, environmental agencies, biotech
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Bacterial Pathogenesis Research and Microbiologist roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in laboratory settings. However, Bacterial Pathogenesis Research specifically focuses on understanding how bacteria cause disease, while Microbiologists may study a broader range of microorganisms and their roles in various environments. The roles often overlap, but Bacterial Pathogenesis Research is more specialized in infectious disease mechanisms.

What are popular job titles related to Bacterial Pathogenesis Research jobs in Utah?

For Bacterial Pathogenesis Research jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bacterial Pathogenesis Research jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Bacterial Pathogenesis Research jobs in Utah are:

Infographic showing various Bacterial Pathogenesis Research job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Microbiology & Immunology/HCI Asst, Assoc, Professor - Rank Dependent on Qualifications

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain a rigorous, independent, and collaborative research program within the microbiota and cancer field.

  • Conduct research related to microbiome science with relevance to cancer biology, prevention, progression, or treatment.

  • Contribute to the department by submitting a curriculum vitae, a research plan, and exemplar articles as part of the application process.


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.
Position Information
Position/Rank
Microbiology & Immunology/HCI Asst, Assoc, Professor - Rank Dependent on Qualifications
Department
00247 - Pathology
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Track
Tenure Track
New Position to Begin
Details
The Division of Microbiology and Immunology (M&I) in the University of Utah's Department of Pathology and the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) invite applications for a new tenure-track faculty position at any level that focuses on microbiome science with relevance to cancer biology, prevention, progression, or treatment. While the research should have the potential to advance our understanding of cancer, candidates are not required to currently work in cancer models. Particular areas of interest include, but are not limited to, host-commensal interactions (bacterial, viral and fungal) as they pertain to any cancer type, microbiota-immune interactions that influence cellular division, death or maintenance, commensal bacterial/fungal genetics in cancer, dietary interactions with the microbiota, microbial metagenomics, metabolism or ecology. The role of microbes in influencing/regulating cancer therapies/immunotherapies is also of interest.
The primary criteria for selection will be excellence and creativity in research and scholarship which includes a successful track-record of publications and funding consistent with rank. Successful candidates will be expected to establish a rigorous, independent and collaborative research program within the microbiota and cancer field that complements both HCI and M&I division goals. Candidates must have a MD, PhD, or DVM. Faculty rank will be commensurate with experience and appointments will include competitive salaries and start-up packages.
About the department, HCI and University of Utah
Successful applicants would have their academic appointment in the Division of M&I and be a member of HCI. You would join an enthusiastic and well-funded faculty that including multiple recipients of NIH Director's New Innovator Awards, Pew Scholars, Burrough's Welcome Awards, American Cancer Society awards and V foundational awards among many other prestigious new and established investigator awards. Huntsman Cancer Institute is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, which means it meets the highest standards for cancer care and research and receives support for its scientific endeavors. HCI is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of the world's leading cancer centers. The Cancer Biostatistics Shared Resource provides state-of-the-art biostatistics and research design support to clinical, translational, laboratory, and population sciences investigators at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The applicant would be part of an emerging, university supported center with a focus on microbiota and mucosal immunology that includes faculty across 13 different departments to nurture inter-disciplinary science in the microbiota and cancer field. This center provides infrastructure to conduct gnotobiotic experiments, microbiota analysis, metabolomics, and acquisition of human samples to cultivate basic science and translational discoveries in this space.
The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, a vibrant and progressive town that sits in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain Range. This offers a truly unique mix of city life, outdoor activities and a world-class biomedical research program that houses Howard Hughes Investigators, National Academy of Science members and a Nobel Laureate. The University of Utah is adjacent to ARUP national reference laboratory, a worldwide leader in innovative laboratory diagnostics research and development.
Required materials:
Interested candidates should submit electronically to https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/208147
(1) curriculum vitae; (2) cover letter containing a description of professional experience (including scientific accomplishments, leadership roles and three references); (3) 3-page research plan that should include how the research might inform cancer development and/or prevention; (4) exemplar articles (published or unpublished) that highlight expertise in cancer and microbiota;
Applications will begin being reviewed on October 26, 2026
For more information you may contact Nikki Forrest at nikki.forrest@path.utah.edu with questions regarding the administrative aspects of the application process or June Round at june.round@path.utah.edu with questions regarding the scientific aspects of the application.
The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
Notice
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Special Instructions for Candidates
Open Date
08/26/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
No
Requisition Number
PRN04105F
Type
Faculty

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

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Company size

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Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US