Assistant Professor of Biology

Posted on November 6, 2023

Position Overview

The Biology Department at The University of the South (https://new.sewanee.edu/programs-of-study/biology/) seeks a Ph.D.-trained biologist to serve as a tenure-track assistant professor starting in August 2024. With 1700 undergraduate students, the University of the South (also known as ‘Sewanee’) values small interactive classes and close student-faculty mentoring and research. The Biology Department is a vibrant intellectual environment consisting of 11 research-active faculty with broad interests. We offer a comprehensive biology curriculum with concentrations in Ecology and Biodiversity, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Integrative Biology.

Position Description

The position carries a teaching load of 5 courses per year with both lecture and lab sections counting toward that total. The successful applicant will develop a research program that provides opportunities for undergraduate involvement and will serve the university by advising students, participating in departmental work, and serving on college and university committees. Professional development opportunities include funds for professional travel, eligibility for internal grant funding, access to a broad range of programming in our Center for Teaching, and a sponsored research office.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

A doctoral degree in biology, broadly defined, is required and we are particularly interested in candidates who can teach courses in animal physiology and anatomy. Candidates should have a research plan that is conducive to an undergraduate-only college and that has the potential to include undergraduate students. Candidates should be enthusiastic about teaching small interactive classes and mentoring research students. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in teaching and/or mentorship. The successful applicant will be able to teach courses in vertebrate anatomy and physiology as well as upper-level courses in their area of expertise. Preference will be given to candidates who are also able to teach introductory molecular biology courses. We particularly welcome faculty with knowledge, skills, or diverse life experiences that contribute to an inclusive and welcoming environment in our department and the institution. Evidence that the candidate can advance institutional efforts to better meet the needs of students who identify as coming from underrepresented groups is highly valued.

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter that addresses the applicant’s teaching philosophy, their research program and how it might fit at an undergraduate-only institution, and how their past or potential contributions in teaching, research, and/or service demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The cover letter should also include contact information for individuals who may be asked by the search committee to provide letters of recommendation. Applicants selected for the second round of consideration will be asked to provide additional materials, including a teaching statement and a research plan, and the review committee may request letters of recommendation.

Review of applications will begin on November 20, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Supplemental Information

The University of the South includes a nationally ranked residential College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. The University is strongly committed to the values of intellectual inquiry, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and living and serving in community. Situated on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is known for its stunning natural beauty while providing easy access to Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to help employees of all backgrounds and identities flourish.

How to apply?

To see more information about the position and the application process, please check this document.

A CV and cover letter are to be submitted here:
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/sewanee/jobs/4190555/assistant-professor-of-biology?category[0]=Faculty&sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

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