Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Microbiology at Montana State University, USA (2027)
The successful candidate will develop an independent, externally funded research program, contribute to undergraduate and graduate education, mentor students, and collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines. The position focuses on advancing understanding of soil health, water quality, ecosystem functioning, and microbial processes in natural and managed landscapes.
The preferred start date is August 2027. Applications will begin to be screened on December 15, 2026, and will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Position Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Microbiology |
| Institution | Montana State University |
| Department | Land Resources and Environmental Sciences |
| College | College of Agriculture / Montana Agricultural Experiment Station |
| Location | Bozeman, Montana, USA |
| Faculty Rank | Assistant Professor |
| Position Type | Tenure-track faculty appointment |
| Position Number | 4A3471 |
| Announcement Number | FAC - VA - 27029 |
| Workload | Full-time, 1.0 FTE |
| Preferred Start Date | August 2027 |
| Salary | Commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications |
| Application Screening Begins | December 15, 2026 |
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
| Official Application Website | Montana State University Jobs |
About Montana State University
Montana State University is a public land-grant institution located in Bozeman, Montana. Founded in 1893, the university combines teaching, research, community engagement, and public service to address challenges in agriculture, environmental science, and natural resource management.
The position is based in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (LRES) within the College of Agriculture. The department brings together expertise in soils, microorganisms, plants, insects, climate, and water to investigate the functioning and management of natural and managed ecosystems.
LRES conducts fundamental and applied research across diverse environments, including croplands, rangelands, forests, reclaimed lands, polar and geothermal environments, and protected natural areas. Its work supports sustainable land management, agricultural innovation, environmental protection, and education in the agricultural and environmental sciences.
The department has an established tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration and works with the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and MSU Extension Service to develop and share knowledge relevant to agricultural and natural resource enterprises.
Research Focus and Academic Opportunities
The successful candidate will establish a nationally recognized research and education program in soil and environmental microbiology. The position supports both foundational scientific investigation and applied research addressing challenges in agriculture, ecosystem functioning, and environmental management.
Potential research topics include:
Microbial contributions to biogeochemical cycling.
Microbial metabolic pathways and community ecology.
Interactions between microorganisms, soil minerals, and organic matter.
Plant-microbe interactions and rhizosphere microbiology.
Effects of environmental change on microbial processes.
Biological approaches to environmental remediation.
Nutrient cycling in agricultural systems.
Biological inoculant technologies.
Soil-health assessment.
Microbial responses to environmental change.
Antimicrobial resistance.
Research may involve collaborations with faculty from a range of disciplines. The successful candidate is expected to develop an independent research program that complements the department's existing strengths and contributes to its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Key Responsibilities
1. Establish an Independent Research Program
The appointed faculty member will develop and lead a competitive research program in soil and environmental microbiology. The program should address important foundational or applied questions related to soil health, water quality, ecosystem processes, agriculture, or environmental management.
The university seeks a candidate with the ability or potential to secure external research funding and build a sustainable research enterprise.
2. Conduct and Publish High-Quality Research
The successful candidate will conduct original research and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications. Strong research writing and a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality scholarly work are important selection criteria.
3. Teach Undergraduate and Graduate Courses
Teaching responsibilities will generally include two classes per year at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Courses and teaching opportunities may include:
Soil & Environmental Microbiology (BIOM 452).
A graduate-level soil microbiology course.
Undergraduate environmental science courses, including ENSC 245 Soils.
Restoration Ecology (ENSC 460).
Capstone courses, including ENSC 499R.
Complementary courses in applied soil and environmental microbiology.
Field methods in environmental sampling and analysis.
The exact teaching assignments will depend on departmental needs and course arrangements.
4. Mentor Undergraduate and Graduate Students
The professor will advise undergraduate students, support undergraduate research, and train graduate students. Recruiting and securing funding for doctoral students is identified as a priority.
The successful candidate should demonstrate the capacity to provide effective mentorship and contribute to students' academic and professional development.
5. Collaborate Across Disciplines
The position requires a collaborative approach to research and education. The successful candidate will work with colleagues across the department and institution, contributing to interdisciplinary research and teaching initiatives.
Engagement with societal partners may also be part of the research program.
6. Participate in Departmental and Community Service
The appointed faculty member will contribute to departmental activities and participate in service and community engagement consistent with the mission of a land-grant university and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the required qualifications and should also review the preferred qualifications before applying.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must have:
A PhD in Soil Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, or a related field by the position's start date.
Demonstrated ability or potential to establish an independent, competitive, externally funded research program.
Evidence of high-quality, original research, including publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Demonstrated capacity or potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring.
Preferred Qualifications
The university particularly values candidates who have:
Completed their PhD by the application screening date.
Postdoctoral research experience.
Experience working collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
Previous teaching experience.
Demonstrated ability or potential to collaborate with societal partners.
Research experience relevant to agriculture.
Qualities of the Successful Candidate
The successful applicant is expected to demonstrate:
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Strong scientific writing, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and/or awarded grants.
Excellent speaking and teaching skills, supported by presentations and teaching experience.
The ability to contribute intellectual breadth to the department.
The ability to work effectively with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Applicants should highlight how their research, teaching, mentoring, and collaborative experience align with these expectations.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Information
Montana State University states that salary will be commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. The vacancy announcement does not provide a specific salary range.
Candidates should consult the official recruitment page or contact the university for additional information about compensation and employment benefits.
Benefits Eligibility
The position is listed as benefits-eligible. However, the supplied vacancy announcement does not provide a detailed breakdown of the benefits package or specific benefit amounts.
Applicants are encouraged to review Montana State University's official benefits information to understand the benefits available to faculty members.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents:
1. Cover Letter
A cover letter of no more than two pages highlighting experience that specifically addresses the required and preferred qualifications.
Candidates should explain how their research background, teaching experience, and academic goals align with the position.
2. Teaching Philosophy Statement
A teaching philosophy statement of no more than two pages describing approaches to teaching, course design and delivery, and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students.
3. Future Research Vision Statement
A research vision statement of no more than two pages outlining the candidate's future research direction, major questions, potential contributions, and plans for developing an independent research program.
4. Current Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must submit an up-to-date CV detailing academic qualifications, research experience, publications, teaching experience, grants, presentations, and other relevant achievements.
5. Professional References
Applicants must provide the contact information of three professional references in their application profile. Reference letters will be requested only for applicants whose applications are rated in the top tier.
Make sure all documents follow the university's stated length requirements before submitting your application.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through Montana State University's official employment portal.
Official Application Link: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/53241
For questions about the position, contact:
Contact person: Stephanie Ewing
Email: stephanie.ewing@montana.edu
Phone: 406-600-8474
Applicants should use the official vacancy page to confirm any additional instructions or updates before applying.
Application Deadline and Screening Date
The vacancy announcement states that application screening will begin on December 15, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
The posting does not specify a fixed final closing date. Candidates interested in the position should therefore prepare their materials early and submit them before the screening process begins, if possible.
The preferred start date is August 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What position is available at Montana State University?
Montana State University is recruiting one tenure-track Assistant Professor in Soil and Environmental Microbiology in its Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences.
2. Where is the position located?
The position is based at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
3. What degree is required?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Soil Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, or a related field by the start date of the appointment.
4. Is postdoctoral experience required?
Postdoctoral experience is listed as a preferred qualification, not a mandatory requirement.
5. What are the main research expectations?
The successful candidate will develop an independent, externally funded research program, publish original research, and contribute to research on soil health, microbial ecology, biogeochemical cycling, agriculture, water quality, and ecosystem functioning.
6. What are the teaching responsibilities?
The faculty member will generally teach two classes per year at undergraduate and graduate levels. Responsibilities will also include student advising, research mentoring, and graduate student training.
7. What is the salary?
Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. The supplied vacancy announcement does not list a specific salary range.
8. Which documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a cover letter of up to two pages, a teaching philosophy statement of up to two pages, a future research vision statement of up to two pages, and a current CV. Contact information for three professional references must also be included in the application profile.
9. When does application screening begin?
Screening begins on December 15, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
10. When is the position expected to begin?
The preferred start date is August 2027.
11. How can applicants contact the university?
Applicants can contact Stephanie Ewing at stephanie.ewing@montana.edu or 406-600-8474 with questions about the position.
Final Thoughts
The Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Microbiology position at Montana State University offers an opportunity for an early-career academic to build an independent research program while contributing to teaching, student mentorship, and interdisciplinary environmental research.
Researchers with expertise in microbial ecology, soil processes, agricultural systems, environmental change, and ecosystem functioning may find this position particularly relevant. Candidates should prepare a clear research vision, demonstrate their potential to secure external funding, and explain how their teaching and mentoring approach would contribute to the department.
Interested applicants should review the official announcement and submit all required materials through the Montana State University Jobs portal. Application screening is scheduled to begin on December 15, 2026.
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