Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics

Whitman College; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA invites applications for a joint tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biology and the BBMB program. The appointment emphasizes molecular genetics and includes a standard five-course teaching load with opportunities for lab and lecture instruction.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. at the start of the appointment and will develop an undergraduate research program leveraging shared instrumentation and collaborative mentorship.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required at start of appointment.
• Expertise in molecular genetics with potential for undergraduate research.
• Experience teaching Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Intro Biology.

Responsibilities

• Teach five courses per year, including lecture and/or lab in Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Intro Biology.
• Mentor undergraduate students on senior theses and research projects.
• Develop an undergraduate-focused research program with access to shared instrumentation.
• Contribute to department governance, service, and inclusive teaching practices.

Skills

Molecular genetics

Teaching undergrad biology

Mentoring students

Research program development

Education

Ph.D. at start of appointment

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 and the Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (BBMB) Program seek applicants with expertise in molecular genetics for a joint tenure-track position beginning August 2027 at the rank of assistant professor. Applicants must have a Ph.D. at the start of the appointment.

The standard annual teaching load is five courses. This will typically include some combination of lecture and/or lab courses in Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Introductory Biology; mentoring students as they prepare senior theses; an elective course in your specialty area for students across Biology, BBMB, and the Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Program (BBAC); and courses that contribute to the college’s general education requirements. The Biology Department is excited about our new, collaboratively designed introductory series aimed at engaging and supporting our diverse and enthusiastic pool of prospective life science majors. We are committed to integrating authentic research experiences into the undergraduate curriculum, so are seeking candidates who will develop a research program to be carried out by undergraduates in Biology, BBMB, and BBAC. The successful candidate would join a vibrant research community, with access to a suite of shared instrumentation, highly collaborative colleagues, and strong institutional support for undergraduate research.

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.

To apply, go to https://apply.interfolio.com/190719 . The online application will prompt you to submit all of the required materials: a cover letter describing interest in teaching and pursuing research at a primarily undergraduate institution; curriculum vitae; a teaching statement that also includes your approaches to designing and leading lecture and lab courses, as well as student mentorship; a research statement proposing future research projects feasible for undergraduates; contact information for three references; graduate transcripts.

Review of applications will begin September 21, 2026.

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conductthis search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossieraccount and can send all application materials, includingconfidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

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.