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Assistant Professor - Microbiology

Universities of Wisconsin · La Crosse, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Describe your research and how undergraduates would take part.

What they are checking: Whether their research is realistic at UW-La Crosse and includes students.

What service would you be interested in?

What they are checking: Whether they will carry a share of department and university service.

What would you do

How do you prepare students for careers in health care, industry or graduate school?

What they are checking: Whether they connect microbiology to students' career goals.

A student's culture is contaminated right before a big lab deadline. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they turn mistakes into learning and handle deadlines fairly.

About the work

What is your area of microbiology, and which courses could you teach?

What they are checking: Whether their expertise fits the courses the Department of Microbiology needs.

How would you teach aseptic technique so students do it right every time?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach core lab skills that prevent contamination and keep students safe.

How do you keep biosafety a priority in a teaching lab with many students?

What they are checking: Whether they understand biosafety levels and enforce safe practice consistently.

How would you design a lab where students discover something new rather than repeat a known result?

What they are checking: Whether they can create research-based lab experiences that engage students.

How do you give meaningful feedback on lab reports?

What they are checking: Whether they provide the regular and substantive feedback the posting requires.

What external funding would you pursue for your research?

What they are checking: Whether they have a plan to fund their research over time.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Assistant Professor - Microbiology Job Category: Faculty Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant Professor Job Duties: The Department of Microbiology at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is seeking applicants for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor with the start date of 8/23/2027. We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in microbiology. Come join a community of teacher/scholars committed to student success. Applications received prior to the first review date will receive full consideration, and the search will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Under general supervision of the department chair, successful candidates will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses (if applicable) and advising students. In addition to preparing for and holding classes, teaching involves maintaining currency in the content area related to the teaching assignment, evaluating students' work, assessing student outcomes, providing regular and substantive feedback on student work, maintaining appropriate records, and holding office hours. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an active, on-going program of scholarship appropriate to their discipline. In addition, faculty provide service to the department, college, university, community and/or professional organizations. Other duties may be assigned by the chair or dean. The College of Science & Health (CSH) is the largest academic unit at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, bringing together diverse disciplines across the natural, physical, computational, and health sciences. Home to 11 academic departments and nationally recognized professional programs, CSH is known for its strong tradition of faculty mentorship, hands-on undergraduate research, and graduate education that prepares students for leadership in science, healthcare, and industry. Faculty and students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities such as the Prairie Springs Science Center and the Health Science Center, which support innovative teaching, collaborative research, and community engagement. The college also hosts interdisciplinary centers and institutes that connect scholarship with real-world challenges, ranging from river studies to disability health. With robust instrumentation, collaborative partnerships -- including ties with the Mayo Clinic Health System -- and potential start-up support, CSH provides new faculty with an environment that fosters both scholarly excellence and student success. The review of applications starts on October 12, 2026 . Applications received on or before October 12th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. Key Job Responsibilities: Department: Microbiology Required Qualifications: • Doctorate in Microbiology discipline or related field. The degree must be earned by the end of the first academic year. • Evidence of the ability to be an effective instructor. • Evidence of clear and effective communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Specialization in pathogenic bacteriology • Demonstrated experience in teaching • Postdoctoral training • Record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a research program involving undergraduate and M.S. students, as evidenced by mentoring student research projects, co-authoring scholarly work with students, and/or securing research funding. How to Apply: Required application materials: Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications) CV / Resume References and their contact information (minimum of 3) Contact Information: Daniel Bretl dbretl@uwlax.edu Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: • Paid vacation for 12-month positions. • Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. • Paid holidays and paid sick days. • After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. • Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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