Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor in Marine Biology – School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

Description

The University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) invites applications for a non-tenured faculty position at the level of Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor in marine biology and related sciences. All University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research/scholarship, and service. The successful applicant is expected to establish a rigorous pedagogical program that considers student development, inclusive and evidence-based teaching, and educational scholarship. Primary teaching responsibilities will be in the Marine Biology (MB) program, which offers a Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Marine Biology housed within the College of the Environment. The position offers a unique opportunity for pedagogical innovation in the development of an expanding curriculum to meet the growing needs of marine science majors. Positive factors for consideration include, but are not limited to, a record of teaching effectiveness in undergraduate courses at all levels, the application of evidence-based teaching in large classes, use of pedagogical innovation, leadership in designing courses and curricula for the undergraduate level, demonstrated experience in marine biology research, experience in field-based programming, and/or mentoring of undergraduates.

The Marine Biology degree is a collaboration between Marine Biology, the School of Aquatic and Fishery Science and the School of Oceanography (SoO), in partnership with the Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL). This collaborative relationship brings together faculty representing multiple dimensions of Marine Biology in a collegial and collaborative culture with many teaching and curriculum development opportunities. Students choose this program to better understand marine ecosystems and their importance to society. The program has grown rapidly since it was established in 2018 and now has over 500 majors.

This position confers full faculty voting rights and a pathway for career advancement and promotion in rank but is not tenure-eligible. This is a full-time (100% FTE), 9-month position with an anticipated September 16, 2025 start date. The appointment may allow for additional opportunities to teach or pursue research or other scholarly activities during the summer. The initial appointment of an Assistant / Associate Teaching Professor is typically for a period of three years. Renewal for a second three-year term will be considered by the department and school/college/campus in the winter quarter of the second year.

The successful applicant will: 

1. Teach 5 – 6 courses per year (10-week quarter system) across all levels in the Marine Biology program. Specific teaching responsibilities will take into account the candidate’s expertise and curricular needs and may include:

• Marine science courses that serve core needs in the Marine Biology program and may take advantage of the unique educational opportunities in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.
• Courses aimed at upper division undergraduates in the Marine Biology major that promote independent investigation, interpretation, and communication.

2. Advance educational scholarship in the teaching program with emphasis on innovative pedagogy and attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This may include contributing to the growing community of pedagogical researchers within the College. 

3. Play an active role in the MB, SAFS, SoO, FHL, College, and University community, for example, by engaging in shared governance, serving on key committees, contributing to the implementation of evidence-based practices throughout the instructional program and the training and mentoring of teaching assistants.

Our Schools strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds, who bring a range of perspectives and life experiences, are welcomed, heard, and supported. We acknowledge that if the marine sciences do not adequately reflect the diversity of national and local populations, then marine science, policy and management are much less likely to reflect the knowledge, interest, and will of stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute substantially to our efforts. We encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. 

Compensation

The base (nine-month) salary range for this position will be $8,500 to $14,500 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance, a relocation incentive, and/or limited commitment of summer salary in the first year.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree, or foreign equivalent, in the biological marine sciences or a related field by the start date of the appointment. In addition, candidates must have a been the primary instructor for at least three course offerings at the tertiary education level, and for a minimum of two different courses at this level.

To be considered for appointment at the Associate Professor rank, candidates must have achieved this rank (or equivalent) at another institution and must have had outstanding success in teaching and teaching scholarship.

Application Instructions

Applicants are asked to describe plans for innovative and high-quality teaching and scholarship that contribute to an inclusive and equitable campus environment. We are committed to a holistic review of applicants, recognizing that applicants have varying life circumstances, pandemic experiences, and access to resources. Broad categories to be considered during the reviewing process include an applicant’s research expertise and accomplishments, record and vision for innovative teaching, potential to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and leadership potential at the UW. To apply, applicants should upload the following materials to Interfolio {link} (a cover letter is not requested and will not be included in the review process): 

(1) a curriculum vitae that includes educational background, positions held, teaching and mentoring experiences, leadership experience, service and engagement, relevant experience with DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) related activities, funding awarded, a list of publications (including those under review) and presentations.

(2) a teaching statement (maximum 2 pages). This statement is an opportunity for the applicant to articulate their teaching philosophy and reflect on their formal and informal teaching experiences, reflections on formative teaching moments, evidence of improved performance over time, and implementation of teaching philosophy. It may also include educational mentoring experiences, experience with evidence-based teaching, approaches to inclusive teaching, and a plan for how they might contribute to the Marine Biology program, and to education in the marine sciences generally. More information can be found by examining the requirements of our undergraduate degrees; Marine Biology, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Oceanography, as well as courses offered at Friday Harbor Laboratories. The teaching statement should include an appendix with one sample syllabus, one peer teaching evaluation (if available), and a one-page summary of quantitative student evaluations.

(3) a scholarship and leadership statement (maximum 2 pages). This statement is an opportunity for the applicant to outline the strength and creativity of their research accomplishments in the marine sciences and its relevance for teaching in Marine Biology. In addition, candidates could outline their experience in the scholarship of teaching and learning (including, for example, funded education research projects, peer-reviewed publications, publication of white papers and teaching material, curriculum and course development, presentations, and undergraduate mentoring). The statement should also include the applicant’s broad vision for future scholarly work in pedagogy and undergraduate student mentoring as part of this position. Finally, the statement should detail their leadership experience in the above and other educational activities and initiatives; for example, in committee management, curriculum design, and student recruitment.

(4) a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement (maximum 2 pages). This statement is an opportunity for the applicant to highlight experiences with enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic and other settings, and to describe future goals and specific ways applicants might help or lead efforts to advance the major’s commitments to DEI. 

(5) The names, affiliations, and contact information for three references who can address some aspect of the candidate’s scholarly accomplishments, teaching record, potential to advance DEI, and leadership potential.

Questions regarding the application process or any potential disability accommodations during the application and interview process can be directed to the Search Committee Chair: TBA

Review of applications will begin on January 31, 2025 (Priority deadline). Applicants who submit all required documents by this date are guaranteed full consideration. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a weekly basis at the discretion of the search committee until the position is filled or closed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

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