ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Faculty Position Microbial Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process.

The Pennsylvania State University

$48K - $65K/yr

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to ... AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The Bletz Lab at Penn State is seeking to hire a postdoctoral scholar.

Penn State University

Key Responsibilities This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the ... Opportunities may include microbial ecology, bioinformatics, microbial physiology, microscopy and ...

Washington University of St. Louis

$48K - $86K/yr

... Hours 37.5 Position Summary Conducts interdisciplinary research on microbial ecology ... Collaborates with faculty, laboratory members, students, and external research partners ...

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc

NY · On-site

$62K - $88K/yr

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in microbial ecology and microbiome sequencing and/or ... EEO Statement Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across ...

NAIT International

Research Associate I

Wichita, KS · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The position will contribute to research spanning environmental remediation, anaerobic microbial ... Advanced knowledge of environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, microbial genomics, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEducation JobsHigher Education JobsEnvironmental Science Professor JobsFaculty Position Microbial Ecology Jobs

Faculty Position Microbial Ecology information

See salary details

$27K

$83.9K

$143.5K

How much do faculty position microbial ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for faculty position microbial ecology in the United States is $83,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a faculty position in microbial ecology?

Faculty positions in microbial ecology are academic appointments at colleges or universities focused on teaching and research related to the interactions of microorganisms with their environments. Individuals in these roles typically conduct original research, publish scientific papers, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and mentor students. They may also secure research funding, participate in departmental service, and contribute to the broader scientific community. These positions can range from assistant professor (entry-level, tenure-track) to full professor (senior, tenured), depending on experience and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a faculty member in microbial ecology?

To thrive as a Faculty Member in Microbial Ecology, you need a Ph.D. in microbiology, ecology, or a related field, strong research experience, and a proven publication record. Familiarity with bioinformatics tools, molecular techniques, and statistical software is typically required, along with experience in grant writing. Excellent communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills help foster effective teaching and research teams. These competencies are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge, securing funding, and educating the next generation of scientists.

What are some common challenges faced by faculty in microbial ecology when balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

Faculty in Microbial Ecology often juggle multiple responsibilities, including developing and teaching courses, mentoring students, conducting independent research, and participating in departmental or university service. Balancing the time-intensive demands of securing research funding, publishing, and meeting teaching commitments can be challenging, particularly at research-intensive institutions. Effective time management, collaboration with colleagues, and leveraging institutional resources can help faculty manage these competing demands and achieve success in their roles.
Infographic showing various Faculty Position Microbial Ecology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 55% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 62% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar in Soil Microbial Ecology

University Park, PA • On-site

Penn State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Penn State Universityexternal

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 633 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Soil Microbiomes Laboratory of Dr. Estelle Couradeau is seeking a highly motivated scientist for a Postdoctoral Scholar position. The successful candidate will join the NSF CAREER-funded project:
CAREER: Breaking Ground: Uncovering the Fate of Biocrust Microbiome in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.
This interdisciplinary project investigates how biological soil crust (biocrust) microbial communities respond to environmental change and the consequences for soil ecosystem functioning. The project integrates microbial ecology, soil science, microbial physiology, microfluidics, microscopy, omics approaches, and education and outreach activities. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive research environment and contribute to advancing our understanding of microbial resilience in dryland ecosystems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Contribute to research investigating the response of biocrust microbial communities to environmental change in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.
  • Design and conduct laboratory, field, and/or mesocosm experiments.
  • Apply molecular, microbiological, imaging, physiological, computational, and omics approaches as appropriate to the candidate's interests and expertise.
  • Analyze and interpret complex datasets and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
  • Collaborate with students, staff, and national and international project partners.
  • Participate in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Contribute to educational and outreach activities.

Because this is a broad and interdisciplinary project, specific responsibilities will be tailored to the interests, expertise, and career goals of the successful candidate. Opportunities may include microbial ecology, bioinformatics, microbial physiology, microscopy and image analysis, microfluidics and SoilChip development, field ecology, carbon cycle research, mentoring, and science outreach.
The successful candidate will work closely with the PI to develop a research program that both advances project goals and supports their long-term professional development.
Qualifications
  • Experience in environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, soil science, or related disciplines.
  • Strong quantitative, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment

Desired Attributes
  • A generous team member dedicated to fostering collaboration and building communities.
  • A curious mind with a strong drive for advancing research in the field.

If you are passionate about advancing our understanding of soil microbiomes and their resilience, we encourage you to apply.
The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date.
Application
Candidates should apply online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers and should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for two references.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines

What Penn State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply