Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology

Ball State University; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Tuition remission for dependents

Job summary

Ball State University invites applications for a full-time Non-Tenure-Track Assistant Teaching Professor in Biology. The successful candidate will teach microbiology to undergraduate and graduate students, and serve as instructor of record for multiple courses while collaborating with faculty on teaching and research.

The position is a 9-month, fixed-term appointment with benefits, a modest startup package, and lab space.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Biology or related field by date of appointment; commitment to excellence in teaching; evidence of classroom effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to teach biology using student-centered learning; evidence of scholarly activity.

Responsibilities

• Teach microbiology at undergraduate/graduate level; develop a research program engaging undergrad and master's students.
• Be instructor of record on multiple classes and participate in departmental activities.
• Potentially supervise thesis committees and assist in external funding efforts.

Skills

Teaching ability

Curriculum development

University teaching

Education

PhD in Biology or related field

Job description

Position Title:

Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology

Compensation:

$48,000 - $62,000

Department:

Biology

Start Date:

08/16/2027

About this opportunity:

The Department of Biology at Ball State University invites applications for a full-time Non-Tenure-Track Assistant Teaching Professor in Biology. This position is similar to a Research Faculty Fellow position, designed as a bridge position that combines teaching, postdoctoral research, and limited service.

The successful candidate will teach primarily in the microbiology concentration of the department, where they will be expected to teach general microbiology along with other undergraduate or graduate courses in their particular area of expertise. Other teaching assignments may include Introductory Biology courses. The successful candidate will be the instructor of record on multiple classes, gain evaluations and feedback on their teaching, and have access to the Department of Online and Strategic Learning to improve teaching.

The candidate will be provided a modest start-up package and lab space and will be expected to engage undergraduate and master's students in novel research. The position includes one course release per semester to devote to their research program. We welcome applications from candidates across the full spectrum of microbial sciences. Areas of interest may include-but are not limited to-virology, environmental & ecological microbiology (e.g., microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, soil/aquatic systems), medical/clinical (e.g., immunology, parasitology, mycology), microbial genetics and genomics, applied/industrial microbiology, or microbiome dynamics. Candidates whose research uses interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged to apply. Research activity could be 1) development of an independent research program, 2) continued collaboration with a PhD advisor or previous colleague, 3) development of collaboration with a Ball State faculty member, or 4) some combination of these modes. The department will guarantee support for 1 teaching assistant for all three years. Candidates will be highly encouraged to apply for external funding at the local level and be encouraged to apply for external funding at the federal level in year 2.

This position is ideally suited for recent PhD graduates or junior postdocs who are interested in pursuing careers at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) or R2 universities. The candidate will serve on departmental committees, participate in all departmental activities as other faculty do, and be eligible to participate in Search & Selection to gain insight into faculty hiring processes. They will have the opportunity to train undergrad and master's students, be a member of thesis committees and chair thesis committees, develop an externally funded research program, gain mentorship from other faculty, and have the potential to publish peer-reviewed scientific articles with undergraduate and graduate student co-authors.

This is a 9-month, full-time faculty position. This three-year fixed position is renewed on an annual basis. This position is eligible for benefits.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you will bring:

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will teach microbiology at the undergraduate or graduate level. The candidate will develop a research program that engages undergraduate and master's students in novel, cutting-edge research.

Minimum Qualifications

Earned doctorate in Biology or related field from an accredited college or university by date of appointment; Commitment to excellence in teaching as demonstrated by a teaching

statement and/or teaching evaluations; competency in current laboratory research concepts and approaches.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated teaching ability in Biology using student-centered learning techniques; Evidence of teaching ability or interest, as demonstrated by student or peer evaluation summaries

or other activities that indicate an interest in teaching and mentoring students. Evidence of scholarly activity, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.

Applications must be received by December 27, 2026, at 12:01 AM.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.

Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet.

Relocation Program: MakeMyMove

Looking for a place where your career, community, and quality of life can grow together? Muncie and Delaware County offer the advantages of a university community with the accessibility and affordability of a mid-sized city-short commutes, local arts and culture, parks and trails, educational opportunities, healthcare, athletics, and a strong sense of connection.

Through the City of Muncie's MakeMyMove program, eligible new residents may access relocation incentives, university-related benefits, co-working options, and community-building opportunities designed to help them get settled and connected.

Current benefits for eligible participants may include:

• Up to $5,000 cash for relocation
• Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
• Access to the Ball State University Library
• One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
• Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets
• Help desk for connecting to local resources
• Opportunity for board participation
• Six-month YMCA membership

Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility, available benefits, and program status.

Ball State's support for relocation resources and community partnerships aligns with Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, the University's strategic plan. The plan calls our University to work with community partners to promote talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.

Explore the program and check your eligibility through MakeMyMove.