Position Description

The Biology Department at Adams State University announces two tenure-track positions for broadly trained vertebrate biologists to join an engaged and vibrant faculty committed to excellence in undergraduate education. Responsibilities include teaching upper-division lecture and laboratory courses in two or more of the following areas: Mammalogy, Ornithology, Herpetology, Ichthyology, Entomology, Ecology, Comparative Anatomy, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management. Participation in General Biology, general education science courses, or First Year Seminar commensurate with the needs of the Department is expected. While we are primarily an institution focused on teaching excellence and the teaching load for this position is 12 credit-hours each semester, faculty are also expected to remain connected to their academic field through scholarly or creative work and contribute in the area of service. With small class sizes, a diverse student population, and opportunities for one-on-one mentoring, our campus environment lends itself well to those who are interested in being a positive influence in the lives of students.

Candidates should demonstrate that they possess (1) a commitment to student-centered instruction, and (2) a commitment to furthering the university’s mission of Inclusive Excellence. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse faculty, staff, and students within the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and across campus.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology with a background in one or more of the areas listed above; ABD with expected completion date within 6 months of employment.

• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and student-centered learning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to valuing equity, treating cultural and linguistic diversity as assets, and promoting inclusiveness.

• Ability to treat others with respect, civility, and courtesy, and to work honestly, effectively, and collegially with employees, students, and the community.  This includes the ability to use appropriate conflict management skills to effectively manage any disagreement that might arise or to bring the disagreement to management for assistance in productive resolution when the situation requires.  
• To be eligible for consideration at the rank of associate professor a candidate must have a Ph.D., a minimum of 4 years of teaching experience at an accredited college or university, and demonstrate they previously held the corresponding rank at an accredited college or university.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess/demonstrate

• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level.

• Commitment to undergraduate laboratory and field-based instruction.

• Experience using a variety of delivery methods for teaching, including the use of inclusive pedagogies.

• Demonstrated mentoring and academic support of diverse undergraduate student populations.

• Ability to involve undergraduate students in research.

Starting Date: August 15, 2023

Salary

$54,000 – $62,500 for a traditional 9-month academic-year appointment, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Adams State University offers an excellent medical/dental and retirements benefits package in addition to the salary.

Applications

Complete applications will include the following:

1. Letter of application addressing the following points:

• applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position based on the above criteria
• discussion of applicant’s interest in teaching specific courses mentioned in the position description
• evidence of teaching effectiveness and a description of the candidate’s experience working with students from historically underserved populations
• how the applicant would contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom
• how teaching at a small, Hispanic Serving Institution, with a significant population of first-generation university students, set in a rural environment aligns with the applicant’s professional goals

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (legible copies accepted). Official transcripts and background check are required at time of appointment.

4. A list of three professional references (name, affiliation, email address, and phone number) who can address the applicant’s qualifications for the position.

Application materials should be submitted as PDF documents to:

Dr. Benita Brink

babrink@adams.edu

Review of completed applications will begin on January 15, 2023 and continue until closed.

For additional information about the position, please access the official vacancy announcement (Assistant or Associate Professor of Biology – Vertebrate Biologist) at https://www.adams.edu/hr/faculty-positions/