Assistant Professor, Biology

AACTE Connect360; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 72,599 - 77,438; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biology, beginning August 16, 2027. The appointee will specialize in neurobiology with model organisms and contribute to teaching introductory and upper-division neuroscience courses.

The successful candidate will establish an active undergraduate research program, mentor students, and collaborate across departments while participating in service to the university and the

Qualifications

• PhD in Neurobiology or closely related field.
• At least one year of undergraduate teaching experience.
• Evidence of a research program using non-mammalian model organisms (Gonzaga University lacks animal facilities).

Responsibilities

• Teach an equivalent to 9 credits per semester: typically 2 lecture sections and one or two labs (1 credit each).
• Develop a neuroscience research program with undergraduate involvement and external funding pursuit.
• Mentor 15–25 undergrad students per year in Neuroscience starting in year two.
• Support the Biology Department, Neuroscience major, and university through service and collaboration with Psychology/Neuroscience Department.
• Engage in professional activities to inform teaching and enhance student experience.
• Maintain professional standards.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching experience

Research mentoring

Non-mammalian model organisms

Education

PhD in Neurobiology or related field

Job description

Title: Assistant Professor, Biology

Area: College of Arts and Sciences

Department: Biology

Telework Availability: On-campus Position

Employee Classification: Tenure Track Faculty (Full-time)

Appointment Percentage: 100

Months per year: 9

Salary Range: The budgeted annual salary that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position is $72,599. The internal salary range is $72,599 - $77,438.

Relocation reimbursement eligibility: Yes

Signing bonus eligibility: No

Visa sponsorship: At this time, the University has suspended all new H1B visa sponsorships.

Job Purpose

The Department of Biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA invites applicants for a full-time Assistant Professor position (tenure-track) in Biology beginning August 16, 2027. We are seeking a neurobiologist specializing in research with model organisms. Gonzaga University is committed to pursuing excellence in teaching by creating engaging, inclusive learning environments for undergraduate students, and we are seeking a colleague who shares that commitment. Courses will include a mixture of introductory-level Biology courses and upper-division Neuroscience courses. We seek candidates who demonstrate an active program of research in neuroscience and who can mentor undergraduate students in their research.

Responsibilities

• Teach an equivalent to 9 credits each semester, typically 2 lecture sections and one or two labs per semester (1 credit each). Teaching areas will be matched to candidates' preparation and interests according to program and department needs but will include a mixture of introductory-level Biology courses such as BIOL105: Information Flow in Biology Systems, BIOL 106: Information Flow in Biology Systems, and upper-division Neuroscience courses like BIOL 376: Cellular Neurophysiology, and/or advanced seminar courses in their area of scholarly expertise.
• Develop a successful neuroscience research program providing quality research experiences to undergraduates. A successful researcher will publish in peer reviewed journals and seek external research funding.
• Provide academic and career advising and mentoring to 15 - 25 undergraduate students per year in the associated Neuroscience major, starting in the second year.
• Support the Biology Department and Neuroscience major and university through service and other forms of academic citizenship while maintaining a close relationship to the Psychology and Neuroscience Department.
• Engage in professional activities that inform teaching, enhance student experience, and help the faculty member to remain current in their field.
• Maintain standards of professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Neurobiology or a closely related field.
• At least one year experience teaching undergraduate students in relevant courses.
• Evidence of a research program that makes use of non-mammalian model organisms (Gonzaga University does not have appropriate animal facilities).

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of postdoctoral work or a similar experience.
• Evidence of engaging, inclusive teaching at the undergraduate level.
• Evidence of effectiveness in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed scholarship.

Educational Requirement

Terminal Degree

Physical & On-Campus Requirements

• In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week
• Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Often (50%-75% of time)
• Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Rarely (1%-49% of time)
• Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight: Never (0% of time)
• Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)
• Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

Required Application Materials

To apply, please visit our website and submit the following materials:

• A Cover Letter which summarizes the areas above and describes the candidate's understanding of and commitment to the university's mission.
• Curriculum vitae
• A statement of teaching philosophy (2-page max) referencing evidence of teaching effectiveness and describing how the candidate creates and maintains an inclusive environment that can support and promote learning for students with a variety of backgrounds and identities.
• Evidence of effective teaching and/or sample materials from relevant courses, if available.
• A research statement (2-pages max) that describes how the candidate will mentor undergraduate students in their research program at Gonzaga.
• Copies of unofficial graduate school transcripts.

Names and contact information for three professional references will be collected from advancing candidates during the interview process. References will be sent a link to upload a confidential letter of recommendation.

Applications must be received by September 21, 2026. Questions about this position can be directed to Dr. Marianne Poxleitner, Department Chair, at [e-mail]. For assistance with your online application, please contact Human Resources at [phone].