Assistant Professor, Biology (TENURE TRACK)

4cd

San Pablo (CA)

On-site

USD 68,000 - 120,000

Full time

45 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

STRS retirement system

District-paid benefits package

Job summary

Contra Costa Community College District in San Pablo, CA seeks a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Biology to teach non-majors Introductory Biology and at least one additional area such as Human Anatomy, Physiology, or Microbiology. The role includes lecture and lab responsibilities, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.

The candidate will contribute to equity-focused instruction, student mentoring, and service in the Biological Sciences department, with a start date in

Qualifications

Advanced college-level teaching experience in biology courses.
Ability to teach non-majors Introductory Biology and an additional area (Anatomy, Physiology, or Microbiology).
Experience with lecture and laboratory coordination and curriculum development.

Responsibilities

Provide engaging lecture and laboratory instruction in non-majors Introductory Biology.
Teach at least one additional area: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, or Microbiology.
Develop and assess student learning outcomes and laboratory activities; ensure safety in labs.
Collaborate on curriculum development, program assessment, and departmental initiatives.
Contribute to college service and governance activities.

Skills

Teaching experience

Curriculum development

Education

Master’s in Biological Science

Bachelor’s in Biological Science + Master’s in Biochemistry/Biophysics/Marine Science

Equivalent degree</br>equivalency form

Job description

Assistant Professor, Biology (TENURE TRACK)

Join Our Mission To Transform Lives

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please respond to the required Supplemental Questions addressing the minimum and desirable qualifications. These supplemental questions are a required part of the application. Applicants must address their preparation to teach non-majors Introductory Biology AND identify at least one additional teaching area: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, or Microbiology. They are designed to give you the opportunity to provide information about how you meet the desirable qualifications for the position. PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS , even if you repeat information provided elsewhere on the application. The information provided in your answers will be used to determine which individuals will be invited for an interview and teaching demonstration. In-person interview dates: First interviews are tentatively scheduled for February; final interviews are tentatively scheduled for March.

NOTE: The disciplines listed in the minimum qualifications are determined by the statewide Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. A PhD is considered to encompass a master’s degree. Other than that, if the title(s) of your degree major(s) listed on your official transcripts or other documents from the degree-granting institutions are not an EXACT MATCH to the degrees listed below, please submit a master degree equivalency form. Without it, your application will not be considered. Information on the equivalency process and required form is available at https://www.contracosta.edu/faculty-resources/equivalency/ . The completed form can be uploaded in the attachment section of the application.

Position Title

Position Title Assistant Professor, Biology (TENURE TRACK)

Special Instructions to Applicants

NOTE : The disciplines listed in the minimum qualifications are determined by the statewide Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. A PhD is considered to encompass a master’s degree. Other than that, if the title(s) of your degree major(s) listed on your official transcripts or other documents from the degree-granting institutions are not an EXACT MATCH to the degrees listed below, please submit a master degree equivalency form. Without it, your application will not be considered. Information on the equivalency process and required form is available at https://www.contracosta.edu/faculty-resources/equivalency/ . The completed form can be uploaded in the attachment section of the application.

Description of Position

The Biology Department at Contra Costa Community College is accepting applications for a Tenure-Track Faculty (full time). This assignment begins August 2027.

The student population of Contra Costa College ( CCC ) reflects its surrounding diverse communities. CCC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution ( HSI ) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution ( AANAPISI ) and serves predominantly historically disadvantaged and under-represented student groups including African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Latinx students. CCC is situated in a socioeconomically diverse, resilient, and culturally vibrant community. We seek candidates who embrace our community, our student population, and our central work: strengthening West County by meeting our students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.

We seek candidates who operate with a growth mindset, a strength-based approach centered on students, and a commitment to equity, especially concerning the elimination of barriers to college access, success, and completion. The ideal candidate will be eager to help construct and maintain a culture of continuous improvement in instructional effectiveness.

This is a full-time, tenure-track academic position in Biology at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California. Non-majors Introductory Biology is a core teaching responsibility. In addition, the successful candidate must be prepared to teach at least one of the following: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, or Microbiology. Teaching responsibilities include both lecture and laboratory instruction in non-majors Introductory Biology and the selected additional area.

The successful candidate will provide engaging, accessible instruction for students completing general education requirements, preparing for allied health programs, and pursuing transfer. Responsibilities include developing and accessing lecture and laboratory learning activities, guiding safe laboratory practice, evaluating student learning, and collaborating with department faculty and laboratory staff to support curriculum and student success. Teaching assignments will reflect department needs and the selected candidate’s preparation.

Inquiries

Amber Tu, Sr. Administrative Assistant, to VP of Equity and Instruction

Initial salary placement for full-time, tenure track positions is based on academic degree(s), upper/graduate level units earned, teaching experience and/or qualifying related professional occupation experience which ranges from $68,136 to $119,640 per year (Up to $132k).

Position Status

EEO Job Category

EEO Job Category Faculty & Other Instructional Staff

Employee Group

Employee Group Full-Time Faculty

Department

Department C7002-Biological Sciences

Discipline Biological sciences

Duties and Responsibilities

In addition to contractual duties, all full-time faculty are expected to participate actively in their disciplines, department activities, and the general intellectual life and governance of the college. Part of the teaching assignment may be in the evening and/or online. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. advancing equitable student learning through dedicated, exemplary instruction in accordance with established course outlines;
2. participating in the assessment of student learning outcomes for courses and programs; developing and implementing student learning outcomes assessment processes for courses and programs;
3. collaborating in the development and revision of curriculum and in program review;
4. engaging in department program improvement initiatives;
5. participating in department, division, and college committees;
6. participating in professional development activities, both departmental and college-wide;
7. maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter area and effective teaching/ learning strategies;
8. maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics;
9. informing students of course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance requirements;
10. preparing and grading class assignments and examinations and informing students of their academic progress;
11. maintaining attendance, scholastic, and personnel records and submitting them according to published deadlines;
12. posting and holding sufficient and regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy;
13. participating in College’s shared governance processes.

Understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and faculty.

EDUCATION

Note: Degrees must be from an accredited college/university. Transcripts must show degree(s) conferred.

Master’s in any Biological Science

Bachelor’s in any Biological Science AND Master’s in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or Marine Science

the equivalent

EQUIVALENCY

If you are applying for equivalency, please attach the Master’s Degree Discipline Equivalency form contained in the application packet and explain how your background is the equivalent.

License/Certificates/Credentials

Desirable Qualifications

Highly qualified candidates will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

Teaching Preparation and Experience

1. Academic preparation and effective college-level teaching experience in both lecture and laboratory courses in non-majors Introductory Biology, the primary teaching area for this position, and at least one additional area: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, or Microbiology. Proficiency in all three additional areas is not expected.

Laboratory Skills and Safe Practice
2. Ability to teach foundational laboratory skills in non-majors Introductory Biology, including compound light microscopy, slide preparation, accurate measurement and solution preparation, experimental design with appropriate controls, and collection, graphing, and interpretation of biological data. Ability to guide students in safe equipment use and clear scientific communication.

3. Technical proficiency in laboratory methods and equipment relevant to at least one of the following areas, including the ability to teach safe practices and troubleshoot common problems. Proficiency in all three areas is not expected.

Human Anatomy: Experience working with human cadavers and performing cadaver dissection; identification of anatomical structures using cadavers, anatomical models, and preserved specimens; microscopic identification of tissues; and application of anatomical terminology and structure-function relationships
Human Physiology: Experience with frog pithing and specimen preparation; laboratory experiments in enzyme activity, membrane transport, sensory function, and muscle physiology; recording and interpreting EMG , ECG , and blood pressure data; use of systems such as PowerLab and LabChart; and proficiency in solution preparation, spectrophotometry, physiological calculations, and data analysis.
Microbiology: Experience with aseptic technique, culture media preparation, microbial cultivation and isolation, microscopy and staining (including Gram staining), serial dilutions and viable plate counts, biochemical identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing; and proficiency in safe microbial handling, disinfection, sterilization, and biological waste disposal.

Effective and Inclusive Teaching

4. Evidence of rigorous, engaging, and effective instruction that develops students’ scientific reasoning and connects biological concepts to everyday life, human health, and scientific inquiry.

5. Ability to create an inclusive, accessible learning environment for students with varied academic preparation, abilities, backgrounds, and educational goals. Demonstrated sensitivity to differences in race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic circumstances, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, and disability in teaching pedagogy.

6. Ability to evaluate and improve instruction through evidence-based teaching strategies, student feedback, reflection, and assessment of student learning outcomes.

Commitment to Community College Students

7. Knowledge of and commitment to the open-access mission of California community colleges, demonstrated through support for students completing general education requirements, preparing for allied health programs, and pursuing transfer to four-year institutions.

Collaboration and Departmental Contribution
8. Effective communication and collaboration with students, faculty, and laboratory staff, including active listening, constructive responses to feedback, and shared work on curriculum development, laboratory instruction, assessment, and department and college initiatives.

9. Interest and ability to strengthen connections with high schools, counselors, college colleagues, and allied health and transfer programs through outreach and collaboration to help students understand and pursue their educational goals.

Job Open Date:

Job Open Date: 11/06/2026

Job Close Date:

Job Close Date: 01/10/2027

Open Until Filled No

Employment Begins:

Employment Begins: August 2027

# of Months

# of Months 10

Employee Benefits

Membership in State Teachers Retirement System ( STRS )
District-paid benefits (employee contributes 6%) for employee and dependents/domestic partners include:
- Medical (Anthem Blue Cross or Kaiser) insurance including chiropractic services
- Dental and vision
- Flexible spending (125) plan
- Life and long-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Deferred compensation (403b and 457)
- Sabbatical Leave

Additional Benefits: The District also offers eligible faculty employees, travel assistance plan, retiree benefits, and employee discounts on health memberships.

Newly hired employees may notify the respective union (Local 1 or United Faculty) if they opt to join and/or authorize payment to the union. If the newly hired employee authorizes payment to the union then the following fees apply: Local 1 has a one-time initiation fee of $45.00 and monthly contribution of 1% of gross pay +$1. United Faculty has an agency fee of .55% of gross pay plus $2.50.

Selection Process

Applications will be screened to ensure the applicant meets the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement.
1. The applications, cover letters, answers to required supplemental questions, resumes, unofficial college transcripts, and other supporting materials submitted by all qualified applicants will be reviewed by a screening committee. Those who are deemed to possess the highest degree of desirable qualifications will be invited to the college at their own expense.
2. During the campus visit, each applicant will be interviewed and may be asked to conduct a demonstration appropriate to the discipline. Selected interviewees may be invited to present an entire lecture in front of a class. Responses to the interview questions and demonstration will be rated by the interview committee.
3. Based upon the overall rating, a small number of applicants will be invited at their own expense to the campus for an interview with the college president and vice president of instruction.
4. After consultation with the interview committee, the college president will make the final recommendation for employment to the chancellor and the governing board of the Contra Costa Community College District.
5. Upon hire, the successful candidate must meet the conditions of employment. Finalists must provide verification of transcripts. TB test, physical examination, fingerprinting/conviction clearance and proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Foreign Degree and Credit Statement

In accordance with the United Faculty Contract, Article 20.3.1.3.2, all foreign degrees and credits used to meet the minimum qualifications must be evaluated by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) agency www.naces.org prior to the implementation of the equivalency process. Please upload your evaluation with your application when you apply for this position. We cannot accept foreign degree evaluations after the closing date

Request For Reasonable Accommodation

Medical Verification

Candidates with legally defined disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by notifying the Human Resources Department by the deadline date. Candidates will be required to supply documentation supporting the need for the accommodation when the request is made. Please complete the forms provided in the links above and email to
slever@4cd.edu

It is the District’s policy to ensure that all qualified applicants for employment and employees have full and equal access to employment opportunity, and are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the District on the basis of ethnic group identity, race, color, ancestry, religion, marital status, sex, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, parental status, citizenship or because an individual is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Tell us in your own words how you meet the Minimum Qualifications.Master’s in any Biological ScienceORBachelor’s in any Biological Science AND Master’s in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or Marine ScienceORthe equivalent
(Open Ended Question)

* Teaching Preparation and Experience | Non-Majors Introductory Biology: This is the primary teaching area for the position. Describe your academic preparation and college-level lecture and laboratory teaching experience in non-majors Introductory Biology. Identify relevant courses, instructional settings, and your teaching responsibilities, and explain how your preparation equips you to teach this subject. | Additional Teaching Area: Select at least one of the following: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, or Microbiology. Describe your academic preparation and college-level lecture and laboratory teaching experience in your selected area, including relevant courses, instructional settings, and teaching responsibilities. You are not expected to address all three areas, but address the areas you feel are relevant to your application.
(Open Ended Question)

* Laboratory Techniques and Instruction | Non-Majors Introductory Biology: Describe your design of a laboratory exercise that explores a biological concept for non-majors Introductory Biology students and connects it to everyday life, human health, or an environmental issue. Include description of learning objectives, materials and equipment, safety considerations, procedures, and questions that guide students in interpreting observations or data. Briefly explain how the activity supports students with varied backgrounds and levels of scientific preparation. | Additional Teaching Area: Provide one example from your selected additional teaching area that demonstrates how you teach laboratory methods and equipment use. Explain how you guide students in safe, accurate technique and help them interpret observations and data. Choose an example relevant to the Laboratory Skills and Safe Practice qualifications.
(Open Ended Question)

* Inclusive Teaching and Instructional Improvement | Describe a specific example of how you adapted your biology instruction to support students with varied backgrounds, abilities, or levels of academic preparation. Explain how you identified a learning need or barrier through student feedback, reflection, or assessment, and what teaching strategies you used to make learning more accessible and engaging while maintaining academic rigor and developing students’ scientific reasoning. Describe how you evaluated the results and used what you learned to improve your instruction.
(Open Ended Question)

* Community College Mission and Student Goals | What aspects of the community college mission do you think are most important to the students served by CCC? How do you address equity gaps in underrepresented students in Biology courses? Describe how you would support biology students with different educational preparation and goals, including completing general education requirements, preparing for allied health programs, and pursuing transfer. Include specific examples of how your teaching and student support would address these goals.
(Open Ended Question)

* Collaboration and Departmental Contribution | Describe a specific example of how you worked with colleagues or laboratory staff to improve instruction, curriculum, laboratory activities, or assessment. Explain your role, how you communicated and responded to feedback or differing perspectives, and what the collaboration accomplished. How would you contribute to shared department and college responsibilities at CCC?
(Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

Required Documents

Unofficial Transcript (must show degree(s) conferred)
Cover Letter
Resume/CV

Optional Documents

Application for Equivalency
Foreign Degree Evaluation Form (NACES Approved Agency)
Unofficial Transcript 2
Unofficial Transcript 3
Unofficial Transcript 4

Candidate Employment Notice:The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country.

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