Biology Adjunct Faculty Pool - Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 1,653,000 - 2,480,000; Part time

Job summary

Portland State University invites qualified adjunct instructors to teach biology courses, including BI207–BI209, BI221Z–BI223Z, BI234 and others in the Biology Department. Instructors must reside in Oregon or SW Washington and hold an MS in Biology (or a closely related field).

A PhD is preferred for higher-level courses and assignment stability. Applicants should have prior teaching experience in undergraduate or graduate biology, readiness to contribute to curriculum development, and the

Qualifications

• MS in Biology (or closely related field) with biology teaching experience in undergraduate/graduate courses.
• Instructors must reside in Oregon or SW Washington.
• PhD Degree in Biology (or closely related field) with biology teaching experience in undergraduate/graduate courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach listed Biology courses (BI207–BI588 range) as assigned.
• Prepare and deliver course materials, assessments, and student feedback.
• Engage in department activities and contribute to student learning outcomes.

Skills

Biology teaching

Course instruction

Curriculum development

Education

MS in Biology

PhD in Biology

Job description

Position Announcement

Position Details

Proposed Start Date 09/16/2026 Working Title Biology Adjunct Faculty Pool - Academic Year 2026 - 2027 Department 220300 - BIO Biology Position Number D97761 Representation AP - AFT, Local 3571

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

A thriving campus in the heart of the city, Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable Public Research University and we offer tremendous opportunity to over 21,000 students from all backgrounds. Our mission to “Let Knowledge serve the City” reflects our dedication to finding innovative, sustainable solutions to local and global problems. Our location in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities gives our students unmatched access to career connections and an internationally acclaimed culture scene.

The Biology Department offers undergraduate, masters, and PhD degrees in Biology and is home to over 600 undergraduate and over 40 graduate majors. The Department is housed within the Science Research and Teaching Center, home to the Center for Life in Extreme Environments and Museum of Natural History, and in the Robinson Life Science Building, shared with Oregon’s premier medical school, Oregon Health and Science University. Our faculty are committed to excellence in both research and teaching, and sustain externally-funded research programs encompassing all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems.

Position Summary

The Department of Biology at Portland State University (PSU) invites outstanding applicants for local Adjunct Instructors with expertise in core areas of Biological / Biomedical Sciences and teaching experience to teach the following Biology courses. This is a listing for recruitment purposes. However, the actual course offerings and / or number of sections of course offerings will be based on availability of funds and the needs of the department.

BI207 / BI208 / BI209 Biology For Allied Health & Associated Labs

BI221Z / BI222Z / BI223Z Principles of Biology

BI234 Elementary Microbiology

BI301 / BI302 / BI303 Human Anatomy & Physiology

BI330 Introduction to Plant Biology

BI357 General Ecology

BI380 Microbiology

BI388 Microbiology Techniques

BI412/BI512 Animal Behavior

BI423/BI523 Microbial Ecology

BI435/BI535 Plant Systematics

BI453/BI553 Biology of Aging

BI455/BI555 Histology

BI463/BI563 Neuroscience II: Sensory and Motor Systems

BI471 Plant Ecology

BI486/BI586 Pathogenic Bacteriology

BI487/587 Immunology and Serology

Minimum Qualifications

MS in Biology (or closely related field) with biology teaching experience in undergraduate / graduate courses.

Instructors must reside in Oregon or SW Washington.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD Degree in Biology (or closely related field) with biology teaching experience in undergraduate / graduate courses.

Key Cultural Competencies

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
• Adheres to all PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
  
  

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Required Professional Standards of Conduct

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at www.pdx.edu/hr/professional-standards-conduct.

Compensation Adjunct faculty members are paid per credit hour per the AFT Collective Bargaining Agreement which can be found at https://www.pdx.edu/academic-affairs/academic-unions#psufa

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes

Search Details

Posting Close Date 04/30/2027 Projected Close Date for Posting Closes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Interest
  
  

Optional Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Teaching Interest