Description
The Department of Biology at Southwestern University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning in August of 2027. While we will broadly consider candidates with any research specialty across ecology and evolution, we will pay particular interest to those faculty whose teaching and research interests would attract students and expand our departmental strengths. These areas include, but are not limited to, conservation biology, molecular ecology, systems biology/omics, and/or environmental health. Southwestern University also offers interdisciplinary minors in Data Analytics and Environmental Studies, so candidates with the ability to offer advanced biology electives that integrate computational approaches and global perspectives would further strengthen our program.
The successful candidate will teach five courses per academic year. Core courses offered by this faculty member will include Foundations in Ecology and Evolution (geared for all science majors), an intermediate-level Methods course, and the Biology Capstone Seminar on rotation. Elective courses within the areas of the candidate’s specialization will also be part of the eventual course rotation. Additional responsibilities include maintaining an active scholarly agenda, academic advising, and departmental and university service. Faculty will have the opportunity to work with undergraduate students in their research laboratories. The department encourages applications from candidates with a demonstrated interest in fostering inclusive excellence in the classroom, curricular innovation, and pedagogical creativity. Additional information about the Biology Department is available at https://www.southwestern.edu/biology/.
Please note that this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, now or in the future. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Biology and appropriate subdisciplines from an accredited institution
- Advanced ABD candidates from an accredited university may also be considered with the expectation that the terminal degree will be earned by August 1, 2027.
- Strong commitment to student success and teaching at a residential liberal arts and sciences institution
Application Instructions
In addition to a current curriculum vitae, please include 1-page submissions of the following materials by October 15, 2026:
- A letter of interest
- A statement of teaching philosophy with particular emphasis on your experience with active learning.
- A statement of your future research plans involving undergraduates, and how this research builds on your previous research experience.
- Contact information for three references (letters will be sought from those asked for virtual interviews).
Starting annual salary for 9-month position: $65,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed this figure. Teaching in Southwestern University summer school provides faculty with an opportunity to supplement their income during the summer months. Tenure-track faculty typically conduct research with undergraduate students during the summer, and their income can be supplemented through competitive Southwestern Undergraduate Research with Faculty (SURF) funding.
