Description

The Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science (BGE) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Microbiology beginning August 1, 2026. We seek candidates with research and teaching focused in any area of microbiology.

About the Department and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga:  

BGE has 35 full-time faculty with more than 850 majors distributed between B.S. Biology, B.S. Geology, B.S. Environmental Science, and M.S. Environmental Science degrees.

UTC is in the heart of Tennessee’s fourth-largest city, lies along the dam-controlled Tennessee River in the southern Appalachian fold-and-thrust belt, adjacent to the Cumberland Plateau and within view of the Blue Ridge. Its climate, geography, hydrology, and history contribute to its geologic complexities. Raccoon Mountain Caverns, a 5.5-mile-long limestone cave located just a 15-minute drive from UTC’s campus, was recently donated to BGE. BGE manages the caverns access and use for teaching and to conduct research by our faculty and students.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the second-largest campus in the University of Tennessee System and serves a diverse student body of more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students through five academic colleges. Since its founding as Chattanooga University in 1886, UTC has established a reputation for excellence built on a unique blend of the private and public traditions of American higher education. Today, UTC brings a passion for excellence in all pursuits and is dedicated to making a difference in our community and in the lives of our students.  

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga proudly calls Chattanooga home—a city lauded by U.S. News and World Report, Money Magazine and Southern Living (to name a few!) for its unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Nestled between scenic Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga offers breathtaking natural beauty, lively city amenities and a small-town feel.

Our city has it all, with historic cultural institutions like the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, iconic attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls, opportunities for epic outdoor adventures, and an eclectic contemporary art, music and food scene.

Chattanooga's robust economy fosters an environment where tech start-ups thrive alongside established industries and corporations. It’s where innovation meets tradition, creating endless opportunities for growth and success.

UTC embodies Chattanooga’s dynamic spirit, serving as one of the city’s most vital institutions where progressive transformation and community thrive. UTC is where Chattanooga goes to build the future.

Requirements

Qualifications
Requirements for the position include:

- a Ph.D. in Microbiology or Biology/Biomedical Sciences (with microbiology concentration) [Individuals who are all but dissertation (ABD) will be considered, however, the degree must be awarded prior to start date],
- the ability to teach an undergraduate upper-level microbiology (lecture and laboratory) course, and courses in areas of specialization,
- the ability to establish a successful, extramurally funded research program in microbiology involving students at all levels,  
- the ability to work collegially with students, fellow faculty, and staff,
- the ability to utilize high impact practices in teaching and student engagement per UTC’s Strategic Plan.
The successful candidate’s application will also provide evidence of the following preferred qualifications:

- provide university, community, and professional service,
- willingness to support and assist the UTC campus in achieving goals specified in UTC's strategic plan.

Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2025. To be considered for the position, all applications must include all the following:

- a cover letter,
- a statement of research experience and vision, providing evidence of position requirements,
- a statement of teaching experience and philosophy, providing evidence of position requirements,
- a curriculum vitae,
- all unofficial transcripts, and
- a list of names, titles, and email addresses for three (3) references for confidential letters of recommendation to be requested at later stages in the search process. At least one reference must be able to comment on teaching ability.
 

Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Gretchen Potts, BGE Department Head, [email protected]. Applications must be submitted electronically through the UTC Faculty Career Site.