Professor Bacteriophage Biology & Evolution

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology and the Michael Smith Laboratories in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver invite applications for a faculty position at the rank of Professor in Bacteriophage Biology & Evolution with an expected start date no earlier than January 1, 2027, and a salary within the range of $200,000 to $270,000 per year.

This recruitment marks a strategic expansion of our research excellence. We seek outstanding candidates with an established innovative and impactful research program focused on understanding bacteria-phage interactions, anti-phage defence, bacterial immunity and evolution, and antimicrobial resistance. A program that emphasizes epidemiological aspects of bacterial diseases of humans and pandemics is of particular interest because the successful candidate will be a core member of the interdisciplinary Prepare for Pandemics through Advanced Research in Evolution (PrePARE) research cluster ( prepare.ubc.ca ). This cluster was specifically formed at UBC to address the emergence and evolution of infectious diseases and disease outbreaks. The successful candidate will join a vibrant and welcoming community that recognizes the breadth and interdisciplinarity of microbiological and genomics research.

The position requires a PhD, postdoctoral experience, and a strong record of research achievements and publications in this field. The successful candidate will also have demonstrated research excellence and will be expected to develop an innovative, externally-funded and internationally-competitive research program, supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, teach undergraduate and graduate courses on fundamental and current topics in microbiology, establish intramural collaborations, and participate in service to the institute, department, university, and academic/scientific community. They will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically marginalized.

The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment in the Michael Smith Laboratories ( msl.ubc.ca ) and the Department of Microbiology & Immunology ( mbim.ubc.ca ). The Michael Smith Laboratories provides a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment that supports faculty with focus in genomics, molecular biology, engineering, and biotechnology. Faculty members hold appointments across the Faculties of Science, Medicine, Applied Science, Forestry, and Land and Food Systems, facilitating collaborations across the university. The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is home to a world class team of researchers with diverse expertise and strengths in microbial genetics, host immune responses, microbial ecology and evolution, molecular virology, adaptive and innate immunity, and host-microbiota interactions.

UBC’s campuses are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples and of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations.

Applications must be submitted through and include the following:

1. Cover letter describing the applicant’s research vision and accomplishments, teaching philosophy and experience and leadership activities in academic service. (maximum 2 pages)
2. Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
3. Research statement describing two potentially fundable projects as well as how your research fits within the PrePARE research cluster. (maximum 4 pages)
4. Teaching statement describing your philosophy and accomplishments. (maximum 2 pages)
5. Diversity statement describing your lived background experience (if comfortable), and your past experience and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body, and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion.  (maximum 1 page)
6. Arrange for four letters of reference to be uploaded on letterhead through .

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at or contact the Centre at View email address on nature.com .

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting View email address on nature.com .

The closing date for applications is October 1st, 2026.