Assistant Professor - Bioprocess Engineering

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Assistant Professor, Bioprocess Engineering

The Department of Biosystems Engineering (www.eng.auburn.edu/bsen ) in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Bioprocess Engineering. This faculty position is a nine-month, tenure-track position with 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. The projected start date is August 1, 2027.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally and internationally recognized program that utilizes advanced and innovative biochemical and/or thermochemical approaches to obtain value-added bioproducts such as food, nutraceuticals, polymers, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products from agricultural, biological, and forest materials. The research portfolio of the successful candidate can also include bioprocess engineering modeling approaches such as computational fluid dynamics, life-cycle analysis and/or techno-economic analysis. The successful candidate is expected to (a) secure extramural funding to support the research program and to train graduate students, (b) collaborate effectively with departmental faculty as well as those outside the department, and (c) complement existing bioprocess engineering expertise in the department. Instructional responsibilities will include teaching existing undergraduate and graduate level engineering courses such as bioprocess modeling/analysis, fluid mechanics for biological systems, and/or bulk solid handling and processes. The candidate should also be capable of developing new bioprocess engineering courses that emphasize topics such as bioprocess engineering hands-on skills, biomanufacturing, and biological fermentation, separations and downstream processing. In addition, the successful candidate will provide career counseling for students in the biosystems engineering department; transfer results of the scholarly program through recognized and peer review outlets; and provide leadership to the profession through state and national professional society participation. The successful candidate is expected to be involved in departmental, college, and university committee service.

Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in biosystems, biological, agricultural, or closely related engineering discipline by the expected position start date. Documented evidence of individual and collaborative research in bioprocess engineering resulting in peer-reviewed publications is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research program. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Preferred candidate should demonstrate experience in securing extramural funding, postdoctoral and/or industry experience, and professional engineering registration or the ability to pursue licensure as a Professional Engineer. 

Application: Applicants must apply using the AU applicant tracking system and upload the following documents under “other documents”: 1) cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) copies of ALL academic transcripts, 4) statement of research interests and accomplishments, 5) statement of teaching philosophy, and 6) Three professional references with contact information. Only complete application materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by end of business on November 30, 2026.  The search may continue until the position is filled.  Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Brendan Higgins (bth0023@auburn.edu), Search Chair.

The University:  Auburn University is a Carnegie R1 research institution and one of the nation’s premier land, sea and space grant institutions with an enrollment of more than 33,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Auburn University is ranked in the top 50 public universities for its undergraduate programs, and its College of Engineering is ranked 31^st among public institutions offering doctoral programs. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor, approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast of Birmingham, AL and is about 60 miles northeast of the state capital (Montgomery). Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in American” with moderate climate and easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. For details, visit the following link:http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/.

The Department: The Department of Biosystems Engineering consists of 22 full‐time faculty who solve problems in biological systems through innovative engineering research, teaching and extension activities. The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Biosystems Engineering with 180 undergraduate students and 55 graduate students.  More information about the department and Auburn University can be found at www.eng.auburn.edu/bsenand at www.auburn.edu respectively.

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