Cellular and Molecular Genetics Assistant Professor

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA invites applications for a 10-month tenure-track Assistant Professor in cellular and molecular genetics with a start date in August 2027. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is required; postdoctoral experience is preferred.

The position focuses on undergraduate and graduate teaching and developing courses within Biology. The successful candidate will establish a funded research program, mentor student researchers, and contribute to the department’s scholarly

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required at time of appointment.
• Postdoctoral experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory genetics course.
• Potentially teach introductory cellular and molecular biology.
• Develop other upper-level and/or graduate-level courses in their field.
• Establish and maintain an externally funded research program with mentoring and publishing with student co-authors.

Skills

Teaching experience

Mentoring students

Curriculum development

Education

Ph.D. in genetics/cellular/molecular biology

Job description

Working Title: Cellular and Molecular Genetics Assistant Professor

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Instructional / Teaching Faculty

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Science and Mathematics

Department: 100006 - Biology Department

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 10/10/2026

About JMU

Mission We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are Situated in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information

The Department of Biology at James Madison University (JMU) invites applications for a 10-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in cellular and molecular genetics. This is a full-time position with an anticipated start date of August 2027. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is required at the time of appointment, and postdoctoral experience is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities

A strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student teaching is a core tenet of our departmental mission and a highly valued criterion for this position. The successful candidate will teach an introductory genetics course and may teach an introductory cellular and molecular biology course in the Department of Biology. They may also have the option to develop other upper-level and/or graduate-level courses in their field of expertise. Expectations of the position also include establishing and maintaining an externally funded research program that includes mentoring and publishing with student co-authors.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in genetics, cellular or molecular biology, or a related field with demonstrated expertise in these areas. Postdoctoral experience is preferred.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.