Assistant Professor of Plant and/or GIS Ecology

Botanical Society of America; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A private liberal arts college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, seeks an Assistant Professor of Plant and/or GIS Ecology for a tenure-track position starting in Fall 2026. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field, and demonstrate teaching excellence and a commitment to undergraduate education. Responsibilities include teaching courses in Ecology and GIS, mentoring students, and conducting research. This position offers a collaborative academic environment with a commitment to inclusivity, but visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to excellent teaching and mentoring of diverse student populations.
• Active research agenda with a publication record.
• Experience with undergraduate research is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in Ecology and/or GIS.
• Design and teach upper-level electives with lab.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teaching when possible.
• Conduct student-faculty research and advise students.

Skills

Teaching

Research

Mentorship

Inclusive pedagogies

Ecology

GIS

Education

Ph.D. in Ecology, Plant Biology, Botany or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor of Plant and/or GIS Ecology

Coe College - Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States

Position Title: Assistant Professor of Plant and/or GIS Ecology

Application Review Begins: Friday, October 31, 2025

Application Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025

Institution: Coe College

Department/Division: Biology

Field (e.g., systematics): Plant Ecology, Botany and/or Spatial Analysis

General Information: Coe College invites applications from dynamic, student-centered individuals for a full‑time tenure‑track position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology to begin in the Fall of 2026. 9‑month academic year appointment. The Department is interested in applicants who will complement our commitment to undergraduate education, and who will enhance and expand the expertise and experiences represented through the faculty. This position will expand the Environmental Science side of our departmental expertise and is open with respect to sub‑specialty. https://www.coe.edu/academics/majors-areas-study/biology

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Plant Biology, Botany or a related field, with post‑doctoral and GIS experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellent teaching, including the use of inclusive pedagogies along with strong mentoring and academic support of undergraduate student populations of diverse backgrounds.
• Active research agenda that can be modified for undergraduate research, with a publication record in appropriate scientific journals in the candidate’s field of expertise. Previous experience working with undergraduates is also strongly preferred.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States as visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States.
• Successful completion of a background check in accordance with Coe College policy.

Responsibilities:

• Primary responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses in Ecology and/or GIS for Biology majors.
• Design and teach both an upper‑level elective with lab in the candidate’s field of expertise, as well as teaching the organismal and ecologically‑focused lecture with lab, which is part of the sequence for first‑year biology majors.
• Ability to teach courses such as Spatial Statistics, Field Botany, Evolution, Invertebrate Biology, Environmental Studies or similar topics is also desirable.
• When course rotations allow, participation in interdisciplinary and First Year Seminar teaching is also expected.
• Normal course load typically includes two lecture courses and two labs per semester.
• Non‑teaching responsibilities include student‑faculty research, student advising, prospective student recruitment, and committee work.

Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.):

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial)
• Statements on both research interests and teaching philosophy.

Compensation Range: TBD, based upon experience