Assistant Professor of the Practice - Biology

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, NC invites applications for an Ecologist in the Assistant Professor of the Practice track. The successful candidate will advance climate and sustainability understanding, linking teaching, service, and scholarship, and will teach two courses per semester including introductory ecology and quantitative ecology.

The initial appointment runs from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2031 with opportunities for renewal and promotion; it is a regular rank, career-track faculty

Qualifications

• PhD required before start date (June 1, 2027).
• Experience in ecology/climate science and teaching is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Teach two courses each semester, including introductory ecology and quantitative ecology.
• Contribute to Duke's Climate Commitment through teaching, service, and scholarship.

Job description

Assistant Professor of the Practice - Biology

The Department of Biology at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, invites applications for an Ecologist for an Assistant Professor of the Practice (PoP) position. Specifically, we seek a scholar or practitioner who will advance the understanding of climate and/or sustainability, with opportunities to connect to major teaching and service initiatives as part of Duke's Climate Commitment (climate.duke.edu). The successful candidate will contribute to the department's mission through teaching, service, and scholarship. The expectation is that they will teach or co‑teach two courses each semester, including courses in introductory ecology and quantitative ecology. The type of scholarship the PoP pursues is flexible (e.g., disciplinary, pedagogical, or course‑based research). The initial appointment runs from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2031 with opportunities for renewal and promotion. This is a regular rank, career track faculty position and is not eligible for tenure.

Duke Biology is the intellectual home for more than 50 faculty members whose research programs span the discipline of Biology (including developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution, organismal biology, and genomics). The department graduates ~175 students annually with more than half of our majors conducting independent research. Learn more about Duke Biology at biology.duke.edu.

• Cover Letter: This one‑page document is your first introduction to the department and the search committee. Be specific but brief in explaining your interest in the position, your pertinent skills and vision, and a summary of what makes you a competitive applicant. Include your contact information, and if comfortable, add your preferred name and pronouns.
• Curriculum Vitae: The CV is a document that describes your career trajectory to date. You should include details about where you have completed previous academic training, lists of publications and presentations, awards and grants received, courses taught, and service activities conducted.
• Teaching Statement: In this 2‑3 page document, you should describe your teaching philosophy, previous experiences (including courses taught), professional development focused on teaching, and future plans for teaching at the undergraduate levels. We are interested in candidates who not only have experience implementing evidence‑based pedagogies in their teaching, but who also can provide examples of how your teaching philosophy has led to specific teaching innovations and/or student learning gains.
• Scholarship Statement: This 1‑2 page document should focus on your current as well as your future scholarly agenda. Highlight your main accomplishments and discuss the goals of your scholarship.
• Service and Outreach Statement: In one page or less, please share with us your approaches, training, and experiences in service and outreach.
• List of References: Provide a list of the names and contact information for three professional references (no letters are necessary at this time).

Applications received by November 30, 2026 will be guaranteed consideration, but we will continue to accept applications through December 30, 2026. Only candidates who have completed their Ph.D. at least one month before the start date of June 1, 2027 can be considered. For additional questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Julie Reynolds, Search Committee Chair, [e-mail]

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status. Duke University aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.