Founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, Montana State University (MSU) is composed of eight academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 14,000 students, including approximately 1,900 graduate students. MSU is classified as one of 108 U.S. Research Universities (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation.

MSU is located in Bozeman, Montana, an extended community of about 70,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Montana. In addition to providing access to an extraordinary ecosystem for teaching and research programs, Bozeman is renowned for year-round recreational and cultural opportunities to include access to world class ski areas, multiple blue ribbon trout streams and the Gallatin National Forest. The local airport is served by seven national airlines with over twenty flights a day to nine cities.

Named an All American City, Bozeman boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, many fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, a symphony orchestra and choir, an annual opera, and nationally known events such as the Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts held in early August of each year. Powder Magazine identified Bozeman, with "three distinctly different" major ski resorts within an hour's drive, as the number one place to live and ski in its November 2010 Magazine. Bizjournals.com ranked Bozeman #2 on the list of American Dreamtowns - small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles. The K-12 educational system, growing reputation of Montana State University, and pristine natural environment of the area combine to make Bozeman one of America's most desirable university towns. Bozeman is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley, 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

Montana State University has an opening for an Assistant Professor in Environmental Microbiology through a joint appointment in the Department of Microbiology and the Institute on Ecosystems (IoE; http://montanaioe.org/). The faculty member will be responsible for developing and maintaining an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research program and teach in their area of expertise within the broad field of environmental microbiology. Applicants with interests in, but not limited to, microbial processes influencing natural and/or altered/engineered ecosystems and climate change, microbes associated with extreme environments, environmental virology, and/or environmental health are encouraged to apply. The faculty member will participate in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of specialization and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The faculty member will also be responsible for providing service to the university and scientific community and integration of research, teaching, and service.

1. Ph.D. in Microbiology or a related discipline.
2. Post-doctoral experience and/or Assistant Professor experience.
3. Demonstrated track record to conduct and publish high-quality and original research, as indicated by publication in peer-reviewed journals.

1. Research program using molecular, physiological, genetic, and/or genomic approaches to study microbes and/or microbial communities.
2. Research program that complements and expands current Department of Microbiology and IoE research initiatives.

• Demonstrate the ability to establish an externally-funded, competitive, and independent research program.
• Demonstrate or show the potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.
• Demonstrate or show the potential to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate potential to add intellectual diversity to the department and to work with diverse students and colleagues.
• Demonstrate excellence in writing skills as evidenced by peer reviewed publications and/or awarded grants, and excellent speaking/teaching skills as evidenced by national and/or international oral presentations and teaching experience.

1. Letter of application that includes:
   1. cover letter describing how the candidate meets each of the required and preferred qualifications as well as items listed for a successful candidate.
   2. a statement of specific research experience, focus, objectives, and strategies to build a sustainable research program (2 page maximum)
   3. a statement of teaching experience and philosophy (2 page maximum)
2. Curriculum vita
3. Representative reprints (5 maximum)
4. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses for five (5) current professional references

An application packet addressing all the above requirements and qualification as listed is highly encouraged. Missing materials and information may not be requested and may result in your application not being considered for the position.

Electronic submissions to jennifer.hodges3@montana.edu in a merged PDF format are preferred, and must have the applicant's signature on the letter of application. For electronic submittals, please indicate "Applicant - Search #12245-2" in the subject line of the email. Applications can also be sent to Chair, Search Committee, Department of Microbiology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.

Inquiries should be directed to search committee chairs, Dr. Mark Young (myoung@montana.edu ) or Dr. Matthew Fields (matthew.fields@biofilm.montana.edu ).

In order to receive Veterans Preference during the application review process, it is highly recommended that the required forms are included at the time you submit your application materials. Click here for the forms and information regarding Veterans Preference. Important note: Your preference form is submitted to a different location than your application materials. A DD214 is not a required document.