Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor

Job Details

Position Information

Posting Number 20270027FAC

Job Title Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor

Number of Vacancies 1

About Murray State Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment Regular Full-Time

If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week

Work Location Hopkinsville, KY

Employment Term 12 Months

Position Type Faculty (Non-Tenure-Track)

Department Breathitt Veterinary Center

Anticipated Start Date

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities The Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor will oversee the daily operations of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory under the general supervision of the Head of the MIcrobiology Section. The position is responsible for ensuring the timely, accurate, and high-quality performance and interpretation of molecular diagnostic testing supervising laboratory personnel; developing and implementing innovative diagnostic assays; evaluating and optimizing laboratory protocols; and ensuring compliance with applicable quality, regulatory, biosafety, and biosecurity standards.

The successful candidate will contribute to diagnostic service, teaching, research, and professional development activities within the Microbiology Section. The position will also support the development and implementation of emerging technologies, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics and CRISPR-based diagnostics applications.

• Oversee the performance, interpretation, and quality of diagnostic testing conducted within the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory.
• Manage daily laboratory operations, including workflow coordination, staffing, scheduling, and prioritization of diagnostic activities.
• Supervise and provide leadership, training, mentoring, and performance feedback to the Laboratory Technicians.
• Collaborate with the Head of Microbiology to develop and implement strategic plans, operational processes, and continuous improvement initiatives for the section.
• Develop, validate, optimize, and implement new molecular diagnostic assays using emerging and cutting-edge technologies, including next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics-based sequence analysis and CRISPR-based approaches in developing diagnostic technologies.
• Evaluate existing diagnostic protocols, methodologies, equipment, and materials and recommend modifications to improve accuracy, efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop, review, and maintain laboratory procedures, policies, and technical protocols in accordance with current scientific and AAVLD/NAHLN/ISO standards.
• Ensure compliance with the laboratory’s Quality Management System and applicable accreditation, regulatory, biosafety, and biosecurity requirements, including AAVLD/NAHLN/ISO standards and other relevant accreditation programs.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities, including investigation of testing deficiencies, implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and monitoring of quality indicators.
• Maintain appropriate laboratory inventories and coordinate procurement and management of reagents, supplies, equipment, and other resources.
• Provide instruction in AGR 400 Veterinary Microbiology lecture and laboratory practice within the Pre-Veterinary and Animal Health Technology curriculum.
• Teach, train, and mentor laboratory personnel and students in molecular microbiology, diagnostic methodologies, laboratory safety, and quality practices.
• Communicate with veterinarians, animal owners, laboratory and institutional staff, and food producers to interpret the results.
• Contribute to the laboratory preparedness and response activities during foreign animal disease outbreaks to support critical diagnostic testing and protect animal health and the agricultural industry.
• Present diagnostic, research, and scientific findings at local, national, and international professional meetings.
• Conduct independent or collaborative research in areas relevant to molecular microbiology, diagnostic medicine, or other areas of scientific interest within the section.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Participate in special projects, method development initiatives, and diagnostic research activities as assigned by the Head of Microbiology.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements

• Two years of relevant laboratory experience required.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, multi-tasking, and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with multi-discplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and other commonly used laboratory or administrative software.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent veterinary medical degree preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in molecular diagnostic assay development and validation.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and applications in diagnostic microbiology.
• Experience with CRISPR-based diagnostic technologies.
• Experience with bioinformatics, genomic data analysis, and interpretation of sequencing data.
• Experience implementing emerging molecular technologies in a diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Experience with laboratory accreditation, quality management systems, biosafety, and biosecurity programs.

Physical Demands

• Handling of hazardous materials and biological contaminants
• Strong pungent odors

Work Hours

• May work additional hours or split shifts as necessary during foreign animal disease outbreaks.
• Participate in assigned weekend and holiday duty rotations and provide after-hours support during emergencies, seasonal workload increases, or other operational needs.

Annual Salary

Pay Plan Faculty III

Posting Details

Posting Date 11/05/2026

Closing Date 12/06/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants Located in the west Kentucky city of Hopkinsville, the Breathitt Veterinary Center is part of Murray State University and is a nationally recognized, AAVLD accredited, USDA NAHLN Level 1 animal disease diagnostic laboratory. The city of Hopkinsville, a 1-hour drive from Nashville, TN, is an agricultural center of the region and has been dubbed the Batter Capital of the World because of its large wheat production and milling companies. With a population of 31,000, Hopkinsville offers a small-town feel with city amenities, and is also home to Murray State University’s Hopkinsville Regional Campus.

Along with the application, the following items must be included:

• Letter of application describing training and work experience
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of transcripts