Adjunct Faculty, Biology Instructor

Whatcom Community College; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 78,512 - 94,042; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave accrual

Job summary

Whatcom Community College is seeking an Adjunct Faculty member for Biology starting in Fall quarter 2026. The role involves teaching microbiology and general biology, developing curriculum, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Biology or a related field and be proficient in both in-person and online teaching methods. This position allows for engagement with diverse student populations and includes a salary of $7,731 per class. Application deadline is May 18, 2026.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in biology or closely related field.
• Ability to teach both in-person and online modalities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare, and deliver high quality education.
• Collaborate with faculty and administrators for program development.
• Assess student learning and provide constructive feedback.

Skills

Effective teaching

Classroom management

Communication skills

Inclusive teaching strategies

Education

Master's degree in biology or related field

Tools

Learning management systems (e.g., Canvas)

Job description

About the College

Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public associate and applied baccalaureate degree granting institution with an accomplished faculty and staff who serve 7,604 students annually on its beautiful 72-acre campus in Bellingham, Washington.

About Our Community

Whatcom's campus is located in Bellingham (population 95,960). Bellingham showcases a strong commitment to education and is regularly rated on "best of the Northwest" lists. Bellingham is midway between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, B.C. Canada. The city is surrounded by the rural landscape of Whatcom County (population 226,850), which is home to a thriving network of farms and scenic wilderness. As you explore our community, you'll discover historic neighborhoods, waterfront cities, farmlands and mountain towns all within a few dozen miles of each other. Bellingham and Whatcom County are known for their outdoor activities. Whether your idea of fun is visiting galleries, watching live theater, kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, or unwinding with a good book, you'll love Bellingham and Whatcom County.

General Description Of Work

Position Title: Adjunct Faculty, Biology Instructor

Classification: Faculty

FTE: Varies, course assignment dependent

Schedule: Varies, course assignment dependent

FLSA Status: Overtime Exempt

Teaching Modality: In-person

Job Summary

The Adjunct Faculty, Biology, will teach within the Science and Engineering program beginning fall quarter 2026. The Biology/Environmental Science/ Nutrition discipline seeks to hire an adjunct faculty with demonstrated teaching ability in microbiology and general biology.

Reporting Structure / Supervisory Relationship

• This Adjunct Faculty position reports to the Dean for Health Professions and STEM.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare, and deliver high quality, evidence-based education and promote the development of qualified students to help prepare them for the future.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with faculty and administrators to support program development and continuous improvement.
• Apply current subject matter expertise and remain up to date in the field to ensure relevant, workforce aligned curriculum.
• Use student-centered, inclusive, and innovative teaching practices to support diverse learners.
• May teach in-person, hybrid, and/or online courses.
• Assess student learning and provide feedback, contributing to a positive learning environment.
• Maintain office hours at times and places convenient for students and respond to student emails and requests in a timely manner.
• Perform other related work of a similar nature and level.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the academic discipline, including current research, trends, and developments in the field.
• Knowledge of pedagogical theories, instructional design, and relevant accreditation standards and higher education regulations.
• Skill in effective teaching, classroom facilitation, and classroom management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues in team-based, committee, or interdisciplinary settings.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and support diverse student populations through adaptable and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Ability to assess student performance fairly, provide constructive feedback, and manage sensitive or complex student situations with professionalism.
• The ability to actively contribute to a work and learning environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity, while engaging diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to enhance the College's mission, vision and promise.

Working Conditions / Environment

• Work is completed primarily in the classroom environment. Position will sometimes perform standard office tasks and operate standard office equipment. Position may be required to traverse or travel across campus to other on campus buildings for any applicable meetings or needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in biology, or closely related field.
• Ability to teach both in person and online modalities dependent on departmental needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated teaching ability in microbiology and general biology.
• Experience designing, delivering, and assessing curriculum using evidence-based, student-centered, equity-minded, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Experience teaching in higher education, including online instruction and use of learning management systems (e.g., Canvas).
• Demonstrated ability to teach and support diverse and historically underserved student populations, incorporating feedback to improve learning outcomes.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills, with experience working in team-based environments.
• Leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to the mission and role of community colleges.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Licensure, Certification & Other Necessary Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and sexual misconduct review.
• Occasional travel to meetings, conferences and training sessions may be required.

Salary

• $7,731.00 per class for fall quarter 2026.

Benefits

• Accrues a percentage of 7 hours (equal to the percentage of workload) per month of sick leave (e.g., 50% quarterly employment contract x 7 hrs for full‑time = 3.5 hrs per month for that quarter).

Start Date

• Fall quarter 2026. Quarter begins on September 22nd, 2026.

Application Due Date

• For best consideration applications should be submitted Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

How to Apply

• Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
• Values statement that responds to the following prompt: Short Reflection (1 page max): One of the core values of this institution is building an inclusive and supportive campus. This core value is reflected in our strategic plan, goals, and the work that we do every day. Please describe your experience in building an inclusive environment that supports a sense of belonging.
• Current resume.
• Unofficial transcripts for all earned degrees; official transcripts required prior to the official start date.
• List of five recent professional references with contact information.

Mission, Vision & Promise

Mission: Whatcom Community College contributes to the vitality of its communities by providing quality education in academic transfer, professional-technical, and lifelong learning, preparing students for active citizenship in a global society.

Vision: Whatcom is a supportive community, empowering lives through education.

Promise: We transform lives through education. We accomplish this by supporting student growth, respecting student investment, embracing diversity, promoting excellence and creating opportunities.

EEO Statement

Whatcom Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender presentation, ancestry, ethnicity, family status, immigration status, citizenship, socioeconomic status, genetic information or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director for Human Resources, by phone: [phone] or email: [e-mail], 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. For Title IX compliance: Title IX Coordinator, by phone: [phone] or email: [e-mail], 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. WCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access & Disability Services office by phone: [phone], email: [e-mail], or Washington Relay: 711.