Teaching Assistant Professor – Department of Biology

Teaching Assistant Professor – Department of Biology- 24752

Description

The Department of Biology at West Virginia University invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor position starting January or August 2025. This is a 9-month, full-time position with full benefits. Summer work may be expected with additional compensation. Teaching Assistant Professor appointments have renewable terms of up to three years, with no limit on the number of terms. Teaching Assistant Professors are eligible for promotion, e.g., to Teaching Associate Professor and Teaching Professor; however, promotion to senior ranks is not a requirement for institutional commitment and career stability. 

We seek an outstanding and dedicated educator who will be responsible for teaching foundational courses and advanced undergraduate courses in organismal anatomy and physiology. Teaching faculty are expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching, ongoing engagement in assessment-based advancement of curriculum and instruction, and curriculum development that complement the Department’s current areas of emphasis. The successful candidate will also contribute to advising and recruitment efforts in the Department. The teaching load is 4 courses or course equivalents (such as academic advising) per semester. 

The Department of Biology offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Biology: Pre-medical and maintains approximately 600 majors annually. We also serve over 1000 students through non-majors coursework. We offer areas of emphasis in Human Health, Global Health, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Ecology/Ecosystems & Global Change, and Integrative Biology. The Department of Biology has over 40 graduate students in M.S. and Ph.D. programs with a strong track record of students receiving prestigious Department of Education, National Institutes of Health, and National Science Foundation fellowships. In addition to our research and teaching greenhouse, The Department is home to the WVU Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility and the Earl L. Core Arboretum which includes an old growth forest preserve that supports research, teaching, and service. Our teaching faculty have won numerous institutional awards in teaching and advising and serve in leadership positions in both the Department and College. 

WVU is a R1 research land grant university located within 90 minutes of Pittsburgh and 3.5 hours from the Washington/Baltimore area. Morgantown has been recognized as one of the most livable small cities in the U.S. There are extensive recreational opportunities, excellent public schools, and a supportive University environment in which to develop a visible and productive career. The WVU Dual Career Program is available to assist candidates with suitable employment opportunities for spouses or partners. 

Qualifications

The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field at the time of employment and evidence of: 1) knowledge of undergraduate teaching using advanced pedagogical techniques, including adaptive, student-centered practices; 2) knowledge of assessment-based advancement of curriculum and instruction; 3) ability to contribute to undergraduate advising and student success initiatives; 4) ability to develop new courses; 5) excellent written and oral communication skills; and 6) excellent interpersonal skills. 

To apply, please upload (1) a CV, (2) an application cover letter, (3) a statement of teaching and advising philosophy, and (4) a list of references with complete contact information. Finalists may be required to submit additional materials.

The screening process will begin September 30, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. For more information, please visit our website https://biology.wvu.edu/ or contact the chair of the search committee, Dana Huebert Lima, Ph.D. (djhuebertlima@mail.wvu.edu).

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

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