Microbial Genetics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Salary range: The current salary range for this position is $84,100-$132,900 (9-month academic year salary), however, off-scale salary and other components of pay, which would yield compensation that is higher than this range, are offered to meet competitive conditions.
Anticipated start: July 1, 2027
Application Window
Open date: July 13, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position description
The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology in the Rausser College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in "Plant Responses to Environmental Changes".
The department is a community of scholars whose research advances knowledge in plant and microbial systems in terms of biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, genetics and genomics, ecology, evolution, and pathogenesis, and their applications to ecosystems, agriculture, bioenergy, biomedicine, and biotechnology. Our undergraduate students have a choice of vibrant majors that span the disciplines in the department, and we administer top-ranked Ph.D. programs in microbiology and plant biology. Our researchers benefit from having access to extensive greenhouse and field space and opportunities for interactions and collaborations with other biological science departments and units on campus, including the Innovative Genomics Institute , the Energy Biosciences Institute , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Food Institute , as well as additional local research centers, including the Plant Gene Expression Center , the Joint Genomics Institute , and the Joint Bioenergy Institute .
The department seeks applicants conducting fundamental research to provide knowledge on how plants respond and adapt to environmental changes, including abiotic stress factors (e.g., temperature, drought, flooding, salinity) and biotic interactions (e.g., pathogenic and symbiotic microbial interactions, insects, parasitic plants, etc.). The candidate's research will be expected to integrate a broad spectrum of cutting-edge genetic, genomic, physiological, quantitative analysis and modeling, systems biology, and/or synthetic biology approaches. Applicants should also have strong interests in teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists in plant biology. Candidates whose research programs include both fundamental biology and translational research bearing on crop improvement, particularly in the context of adaptation to climate change-associated environmental challenges, are especially encouraged to apply.
The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology recognizes the intrinsic relationship between diversity and excellence in all our endeavors; we embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development of all members as our obligation and goal.
The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology is committed to addressing the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples and single parents. We are also interested in candidates who have had non-traditional career paths or who have taken time off for family reasons, or who have achieved excellence in careers outside academia. For information about potential relocation to Berkeley, or career needs of accompanying partners and spouses, please visit the Office for Faculty Equity and Welfare's website .
Department: https://plantandmicrobiology.berkeley.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in PhD or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application.
Preferred qualifications
The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate evidence of strong research productivity, potential for funding, and a commitment to excellence in teaching and research mentoring of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.
• Demonstrate evidence of expertise and scholarship within a relevant field such as, but not limited to, genetics, cell and molecular biology, genomics, quantitative analysis and modeling in researching mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental changes.
• Demonstrate strong research skills and a potential to establish an innovative research agenda, to communicate their work effectively to a broader public, and to work with other researchers from diverse disciplines.
• Have proven excellence in research in plant resilience to climate change and ample evidence of potential for continued scientific leadership, creativity, and independence, as demonstrated by a record of significant, impactful, and innovative publications, envisioned in a compelling research statement, and corroborated by strong letters of reference.

Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - Up to 2 pages.
• Statement of Research - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research (up to 5 pages).
• Statement of Teaching and Mentoring - Please discuss prior teaching experience, teaching approach, and future teaching interests. This can include, for example, specific efforts and accomplishments, and future plans to support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy. Please also discuss your mentoring experiences and approach. This can include, for example, past efforts and future plans to support the success of all students, and to foster an inclusive research environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement of the research program (up to 2 pages).
• Statement of Service - Please discuss specific prior and proposed academic, professional and/or public service activities. This can include, for example, participating in professional or scientific associations, serving on committees that advance department, campus or discipline goals, and conducting outreach activities that can remove barriers and increase participation of academics in your field.
• Publication / Document #1 - Copy of a publication such as journal articles, book chapters, or other appropriate products.
• Publication / Document #2 - Copy of a publication such as journal articles, book chapters, or other appropriate products.
• Publication / Document #3 - Copy of a publication such as journal articles, book chapters, or other appropriate products.
• Publication / Document #4 - Copy of a publication such as journal articles, book chapters, or other appropriate products.
• Publication / Document #5 - Copy of a publication such as journal articles, book chapters, or other appropriate products.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05382
Help contact: pmbmanagerdesk@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy ( APM 210 1-d ). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community , which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, or discrimination. Consistent with this commitment, UC Berkeley requires all applicants for Senate faculty positions to complete, sign, and upload an Authorization of Information Release form into AP Recruit as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, applicants will only be subject to institutional reference checks if and when they are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. More information is available on this website .
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA