Instructor, Biology

Des Moines Area Community College; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Des Moines Area Community College invites applications for the position of Instructor, Biology. This 9-month faculty role focuses on providing competency-based instruction across biology courses in the classroom, lab and clinical settings.

The successful candidate will teach assigned courses, develop syllabi, maintain current materials, advise students, and participate in program development, recruitment, and professional activities. Employment date January 6, 2027; deadline 10/19/2026.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Biology or 18 graduate credits in Biology.
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide competency-based instruction in classroom, lab and clinical settings.
• Develop/update syllabi and materials; advise students.
• Promote the program and participate in recruiting and advising.

Skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal communication

Adaptability

Education

Master’s in Biology or equivalent with 18 graduate credits in Biology

Job description

This Vacancy Requires

• A complete DMACC Employment Application in English (personal information, educational history, employment history, and supplemental questions). Incomplete applications and or “See Resume” will not be accepted.
• Attachment of transcripts to your electronic application (if required). Transcripts must include the applicant’s name and degrees conferred. Scans, photos, or unofficial copies are acceptable. Official transcripts will be collected upon hire (if applicable).

Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Individuals with disabilities desiring a reasonable accommodation in the application process should notify Human Resources at [phone] or by email [e-mail] .

*The application form will be used to screen applicants for required qualifications and for salary placement of finalist(s). Please include all relevant work experience.

Position Information

Job Title

Job Title Instructor, Biology

Campus

Campus

Job Number

Job Number 27-F06

Employment Date

Employment Date January 6, 2027

Job Category

Job Category Faculty Positions

Application & Position Contact Information

Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] for information regarding the application process. Scott Schultz at [phone] or [e-mail] for information regarding the position or your status once the position has closed.

Salary Information

Per Faculty Salary Schedule

Job Summary

Provides competency-based quality instruction in accordance with the stated philosophy and objectives of the College in classroom, lab and clinical settings. Assignment may include evening or off-campus teaching, individualized and/or competency-based instruction and/or online/distance learning.

Essential Functions

Teaches assigned courses in accordance with course competencies and syllabi. Develops and/or utilizes a variety of instructional strategies, techniques and delivery methods designed to meet the individual learning styles of students. Fosters a safe and civil learning environment. Develops and maintains current course syllabi and outlines; prepares lecture/lab and class materials. Informs students about course requirements, evaluation procedures, and attendance policies. Works collegially in an academic environment; participates in College and program projects, events, and committee work, including advisory committee activities and advising student organizations. Monitors, evaluates, and documents student attendance, progress and competency attainment; submits related reports as required. Maintains established office hours and is otherwise available to assist students outside of the classroom. Participates in the ongoing development and revision of curriculum and course materials and competencies, and in the selection of textbooks and other instructional materials/equipment. Advises students regarding their academic needs and refers them for additional assistance as needed. Promotes the College and the program and assists in recruiting and marketing the program to prospective students. Participates in professional development activities and stays current in his/her field.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s in Biology or any Master’s with 18 graduate semester credits in Biology OR D.C.M (Chiropractic Medicine), M.D (Medicine), N.P. (Nurse Practitioner), P.A (Physician Assistant)
• Two graduate courses in Microbiology.
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with populations having diverse values, and/or coming from varied cultures and backgrounds.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to use and apply alternative instructional delivery systems to enhance learning.
• Experience in curriculum development and learning assessment.

Physical Requirements

Constant

• Sit

Frequent

• Stand

Occasional

• Lift Knuckle to Waist 20 lbs
• Lift Floor to Waist < 10 lbs
• Carry 20 lbs
• Push/pull horizontal < 20 lbs
• Push/pull vertical < 5 lbs up to 84 in
• Lateral Pinch
• Crouch
• Neck Flexion, Extension & Rotation
• Fine Motor Coordination
• Hand & Foot Coordination
• Ability to be Mobile

Mobility accommodations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and determined by the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demand Category

Physical Demand Category Light

Post offer, Pre-Employment Physical Test

Post offer, Pre-Employment Physical Test N/A

Work Schedule

9 Month Per Year Position

Posting Date

Posting Date 10/06/2026

Deadline for Submitting Applications

Deadline for Submitting Applications 10/19/2026

Open Until Filled No

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Why are you interested in this position and why should we consider you a leading candidate? (250 words or less)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your teaching strengths, weaknesses, and style. (250 words or less)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * What do you consider to be the two most significant issues facing community colleges today? (250 words or less)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Write a brief statement on your philosophy of the function of a comprehensive community college. (250 words or less)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How did you learn about this job opening?
  • DMACC Employee Referral
  • Friend/Relative
  • Indeed.com
  • TeachIowa.gov
  • HigherEdJobs
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • LinkedIn
  • Iowa Workforce Development
  • DMACC Website
  • DMACC Applicant Job Alert Email
  • Other
• * Have you completed the DMACC Employment Application (all personal information, educational history, and supplemental questions)?
  • Yes
  • No (If no, please return to the application and complete all additional information.)

Equality and Diversity Statement

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO /AA Officer, Human Resources https://www.dmacc.edu/hr/index.html .

ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone [phone], [e-mail] .

Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: [phone], FAX : [phone], TDD 800-877-8339, Email: OCR [e-mail] .