Cellular and Molecular Genetics Assistant Professor

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University invites applications for a 10‑month tenure‑track Assistant Professor in cellular and molecular genetics. Beginning August 2027, a Ph.D. is required and postdoctoral experience is preferred.

The department seeks a passionate teacher who will cover introductory genetics and potentially cellular/molecular biology, with opportunities to craft advanced courses. The candidate is expected to establish a funded research program, mentor student researchers, and publish with

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in genetics, cellular or molecular biology, or a related field.
• Postdoctoral experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory genetics course and possibly an introductory cellular and molecular biology course.
• Develop additional upper‑level and/or graduate courses in area of expertise.
• Establish and maintain an externally funded research program with mentoring and co‑authors.

Skills

PhD in Genetics

Molecular Biology

Postdoctoral Experience

Education

PhD 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

Specify Range or Amount:

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.

Additional Posting Information:

Candidates will complete the application and attach the following documents:

1. Cover Letter of Application (up to 2 pages) that addresses the outlined minimum and preferred position qualifications;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. A Teaching Statement (up to 2 pages, uploaded to PageUp under “Statement of Teaching Philosophy”) that describes your planned and/or ongoing approach to:
   • Effectively teach undergraduate students
   • Promote a welcoming and supportive climate for students in teaching and research
4. A Research Statement (up to 2 pages, uploaded to PageUp under “Other Document #1”) that includes:
   • A ~5-year plan that centers undergraduate students at JMU
   • Plans to promote the growth and excellence of student researchers

JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

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.