Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor of Biological Sciences

Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor of Biological Sciences

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor of Biological Sciences.

Position DetailsLocation Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States DivisionSchool of Biological, Environmental, and Earth SciencesPosition TypeFacultyEmployment StatusFull TimeGrant FundedNo Pay GradeGeneric Grade

Posting Close DateOpen Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, statement of teaching philosophy, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Jake Schaefer, Professor and Search Committee Chair at jake.schaefer@usm.edu. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and how your qualifications (professional skills and career experiences) would make you a good fit for the position. The curriculum vitae should include relevant teaching and service experiences. It also should include relevant skills and training. Teaching goals and interest should be included in your philosophy along with evidence of your teaching effectiveness if available. 

Job Summary 

The School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor at the Hattiesburg campus to begin August 2025. The successful candidate will be expected to teach 12 credit hours per semester and possible courses include undergraduate introductory biology majors and non-majors courses (lectures and labs), sophomore-level general microbiology, microbiology for health professions, and upper- level environmental microbiology, or other advanced microbiology courses.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Teach 12 semester credit hours of freshman introductory majors and non-majors courses and laboratories as well as sophomore level microbiology courses and junior/senior level courses including, but not limited to, cell biology and physiology.
2. Mentor graduate teaching assistants teaching laboratory sections.
3. Collect and report assessment data.
4. Participate in appropriate committees and recruitment activities.
5. Participate in student advisement.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in biological sciences (for an appointment at the rank of Instructor), a doctoral degree in biological sciences (for appointment at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor), or a degree in a related field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in biology. They should be able to teach face-to-face two-semester general biology majors and non-majors courses and their accompanying laboratories as well as junior/senior level microbiology courses and other elective courses when needed. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of and the ability to teach courses in microbiology is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate biological knowledge in a classroom setting.
• Ability to implement activities that reinforce student learning in a classroom or teaching laboratory.
• Ability to design and implement assessments to evaluate student performance and learning outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications 

Preferred qualifications include a PhD in biological sciences or closely related field, prior higher education teaching experience, proficiency with the Canvas Learning Management platform, and demonstrated success in integrating new technologies into the learning process.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. 

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.

Read Full Description