Assistant Professor - Biology (Aquatic Biologist)

Inside Higher Ed; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a tenure-track faculty member in Biology to begin in August 2026. The position focuses on aquatic biology, involving both teaching and research responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree, effective teaching experience, and a commitment to mentoring students. This role offers the opportunity to engage in a vibrant academic community and contribute to the university's mission of excellence in education.

Qualifications

• Ability to teach courses in freshwater or marine biology.
• Record of effective teaching suitable for career stage.
• Research plan involving undergraduate and Master's students.
• Commitment to teaching and learning.
• Record of research productivity.
• Research plan involving undergraduates and Master’s students.

Responsibilities

• Teach up to 12 credits per semester in relevant fields.
• Establish an independent research program.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute through service to department, college, university, and communities.

Skills

Effective teaching

Research productivity

Mentoring students

Collaborative working

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Doctoral degree in Biology or closely related field

Job description

About Us

Valdosta State University (VSU) is a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, welcoming a vibrant community that values teaching, research, and service. VSU provides rigorous programs that enrich students, the university, and the region. The mission encompasses student, university, and regional goals, emphasizing community, civility, integrity, and citizenship.

Job Summary

The Department of Biology seeks candidates for a ten‑month full‑time, tenure‑track faculty position beginning August 1, 2026. We look for an aquatic biologist (freshwater or marine) who uses an integrative approach to understand how environmental factors influence aquatic organisms. The selected candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise, maintain scholarly productivity, and participate in service to the department, college, university, and surrounding communities.

Applicants Should Submit The Following With Their Online Application

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching philosophy that describes how you will incorporate student‑centered, active learning, and/or inquiry‑based approaches in your teaching
• Research statement that describes your research goals, how you will engage undergraduate and Master’s students, and your anticipated equipment needs
• Names and contact information, including email addresses, for at least three professional references

Full consideration requires application by December 10, 2025. For more information, contact Dr. Theresa Grove, Department Head, at [e-mail].

Responsibilities

• Teach up to 12 credits per semester at the undergraduate and graduate levels in marine biology, limnology, ecophysiology, or ecology, and in your specific area of expertise.
• Establish an independent and productive research program that complements departmental programs.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute through service to the department, college, university, and professional communities.

Typical Allocation of Duties:

• Teaching and scholarship - 80%
  Teaches classes and conducts/presents research in the employee's academic discipline.
• Service - 20%
  Participates in service at the department, college, and university levels.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Biology or a closely related field by appointment date.
• Record of effective teaching appropriate to the applicant's career stage.
• Ability to teach courses in freshwater or marine biology that expand or enhance departmental course offerings.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
• Record of research productivity in aquatic biology appropriate to the applicant's career stage.
• Research plan that actively involves undergraduate and Master’s students in scholarly activities at VSU.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of mentoring students.
• Postdoctoral experience in aquatic biology or a closely related field.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting.

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants Are Required To Provide

• Professional references with current contact information.
• Documentation of academic credentials.
• Employment history.

During the search process, VSU reserves the right to:
- Ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment.
- View social media outlets.
- Remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment Is Contingent Upon

• Successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check.
• Reference checks.
• Satisfactory credit check.
• Successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
• Pre‑employment drug testing.
• Confirmation of credentials.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, Office of Human Resources, at [e-mail].