Assistant Professor - Biology (Tenure-Track)

Woodbury School of Business; Orem (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Valley University invites applications for an open-rank tenure-track faculty position in Biology to begin August 2027. We seek a Vertebrate Zoology scholar prepared to teach BIOL 1620 and ZOOL 3100, with potential to offer Mammalogy and Ichthyology courses as needed.

The successful candidate will establish an active undergraduate mentoring-based research program, publish peer-reviewed work, contribute to open-enrollment initiatives, and participate in college and university service.

Qualifications

• PhD or DVM in biology or a related discipline required.
• Experience teaching undergraduate students.
• ABD considered if doctorate verification is received by July prior to the hire date in August.
• Evidence of innovative teaching using data-driven methods.
• Ability to engage in open-enrollment and hybrid/online instruction.

Responsibilities

• Plan, teach, and assess approved Biology courses with measurable objectives.
• Contribute to course materials and maintain current records of student progress.
• Mentor undergraduate students and support research activities.
• Develop and maintain an active research program with undergraduate involvement.
• Participate in department, college, and university service as appropriate.

Skills

Teaching

Vertebrate Zoology

Active learning

Mentoring students

Education

PhD or DVM in Biology

Job description

Position Announcement

The Department of Biology at Utah Valley University invites applications for an open-rank tenure-track faculty position, to begin in August 2027. We seek an outstanding candidate with a background in Vertebrate Zoology.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to effective teaching utilizing engaging, data-driven pedagogies. Primary teaching responsibilities include College Biology II (BIOL 1620) and Vertebrate Zoology (ZOOL 3100). Other teaching responsibilities may also include: Mammalogy (ZOOL 3500), Ichthyology, other courses based on departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise. Applicants with backgrounds in vertebrate zoology, mammalogy, or veterinary medicine (including Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree) are encouraged to apply.

In addition, the candidate should demonstrate their ability to establish an active and welcoming research program that centers around the active mentoring of undergraduates and leads to peer-reviewed publications. Research interests may include, but are not limited to, organismal biology (e.g., mammalogy, ichthyology, herpetology), taxonomy/systematics, animal physiology, comparative vertebrate zoology, or research with an applied veterinary focus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to engage in professional development, collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university’s mission and values, and serve on department, college, and university committees as fitting a tenure-track position.

UVU is committed to preparing all students for success in an increasingly complex, diverse, and globalized society. We value and promote collegial relationships and mutual respect among students, faculty, staff, and the community. We acknowledge and seek to address the needs of populations who are underserved as well as students with varying levels of academic preparation. As such, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds who are eager to help construct and maintain a welcoming culture within biology education and research, and who act with resolute commitment to eliminate barriers to college access, success, and completion. UVU is an Aff…

Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah with over 40,000 undergraduate students, and one of a few in the US offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. As an open-enrollment institution, UVU serves a varied population that includes many working, non-traditional (24+ years old), and first-generation students. The university community is comprised of people from different cultural and religious backgrounds and is actively involved in interfaith and intercultural activities. UVU provides an abundance of resources for both teaching and scholarly activities, such as certifications and workshops through our Office of Teaching and Learning, and a plethora of internal funding opportunities at the University, College, and Departmental levels. Additionally, UVU offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, an excellent retirement program in addition to base salary, and free parking and public transportation passes.

UVU is located in Orem, Utah, at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. We are centrally located along public transportation, which spans from Provo to Ogden, including Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City has a bustling food and arts scene, an international airport, and access to multiple professional sports teams. Along the entire Wasatch Front, you are always within 30 minutes of hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities, along with a variety of family-friendly entertainment options including Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, and the nature discovery museums and gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Additionally, UVU is within four hours of six national parks and the highest concentration of dark sky parks anywhere in the world.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Plans, prepares, and delivers approved courses in Biology that include measurable objectives for each course taught. Instructs, manages, and supervises individuals and groups in classrooms and laboratories by demonstration, discussion, and visual aids while maintaining a student-oriented approach to education.
• Prepares instructional materials (mock-ups, visual aids, and instruction sheets) as necessary. Selects books, supplies, and equipment necessary for coursework.
• Documents and maintains accurate and current reports and records involving student accountability, attendance, performance, and follow-up.
• Establishes and maintains office hours and advises students during this time and at other times as needed.
• Carries out research, mentoring, and service. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

• Graduation from a regionally accredited institution with an appropriate degree in a field related to the coursework being taught.
• Knowledge and skill in current instructional theories, strategies, techniques, and discipline content.
• Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate (PhD or DVM) in Biology or related biological discipline required.
• Evidence of experience teaching undergraduate students.
• ABD applications will be considered if doctorate verification is received by July prior to the hire date in August.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited institution with a PhD in a biological science-related field, and experience and expertise in teaching Biology or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of active learning pedagogies and an established record of incorporation of those techniques in the classroom (especially in vertebrate zoology, introductory biology, and other zoology-related courses).
• Experience or strategies for teaching at open-enrollment institutions.
• Evidence of successful mentorship of undergraduate students, as demonstrated by publications, presentations, etc.
• Experience in, and/or commitment to, hybrid and online instruction.

Required Application Materials

• CV
• Cover letter
• Teaching philosophy—Explanation and justification of teaching practices, including statements on applying evidence-based methods for providing an engaging and welcoming learning environment.
• Research statement – Statement that includes a plan for a research program incorporating undergraduates and addresses the feasibility of that research program at a primarily undergraduate institution. In addition, the statement should address how the mentor creates a welcoming and engaging research environment.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the theory and practice of biology.
• Knowledge of the relevance of Biology to the individual and society
• Knowledge of biology research methods.
• Knowledge of the relationships between biology and other fields of science.

Skills

• Skills in the design and instruction of lectures and laboratory exercises.
• Skills in the mentoring of students in research and carrying out scientific studies.

Abilities

• Ability to communicate in written and verbal form with various students, faculty, and others.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students and support staff.
• Ability to develop curriculum and teach and design courses.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective educational partnerships on campus.