Assistant Professor of Biology

Whitman; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Ecology beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will teach five courses annually across ecology, environmental biology for majors and non-majors, and introductory biology, while mentoring students on senior theses.

The department emphasizes collaboration and opportunities with Environmental Studies; a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• PhD required at the start of the position.
• Tenure-track appointment in ecology at a liberal arts college.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and scholarly activity.

Responsibilities

• Teach five courses annually across ecology, environmental biology, and introductory biology.
• Mentor students on senior theses and undergraduate research projects.
• Develop and deliver lectures and lab experiences in ecology and related fields.
• Collaborate with the Environmental Studies program and life science faculty.
• Contribute to faculty governance, service, and outreach initiatives.

Skills

Ecology

Teaching

Mentorship

Education

PhD

Job description

Located in the vibrant community of Walla Walla, WA , Whitman College is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving roughly 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top undergraduate, liberal arts colleges in the country.

The Department of Biology seeks applicants for a tenure-track position beginning August 2027, with expertise in ecology, at the rank of assistant professor. Applicants must have a Ph.D. at the start of the position.

The standard annual teaching load is five courses, which will include some combination of lecture and/or lab courses in their area of expertise within ecology, non-majors environmental biology (and/or other courses that contribute to the College’s general education requirements), introductory biology, and mentorship of students as they prepare their senior theses. The successful candidate will also offer research opportunities of interest to students in Biology. This candidate will join a highly collaborative department that supports and engages our diverse and enthusiastic pool of life science majors. The Biology department provides ample opportunity for faculty to engage in field courses and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with the interdisciplinary Environmental Studies program.

The College provides a generous pre-tenure sabbatical program and professional development support for both research and teaching. The successful candidate will demonstrate potential to sustain an active scholarly or creative research agenda and to participate in faculty governance, mentorship, or other forms of service in ways that fit their interests and talents.

Whitman College is committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that values diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. In the cover letter, candidates should describe their interest in teaching undergraduates, majors as well as non-majors, at all levels of instruction. In doing so, candidates should address how their classroom and scholarly practices will advance equity and inclusion in the learning environment.

Review of applications will begin September 15th, 2026.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment.

Whitman College is an EEO employer.The college shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.