Pool for Part-time lecturer in Vertebrate Biology

The California State University; Sonoma (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

Sonoma State University seeks a part-time lecturer to teach Vertebrate Biology (BIOL 327) in the Department of Biology. The position involves delivering lectures and a lab section, with courses spanning vertebrate evolution, classification, anatomy, physiology, and ecological perspectives.

Required an advanced degree in Biology (or PhD) and college teaching experience. Salary is set per CSU guidelines; benefits and terms follow temporary faculty policies.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Biology or PhD in a closely related field.
• Demonstrated teaching experience in college level biology courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach both lecture and one lab section in Vertebrate Biology (BIOL 327).
• Cover topics on vertebrate evolution, classification, anatomy, physiology, and ecology.
• Prepare and assess course content and student performance.

Skills

Teaching experience

Education

Advanced degree in Biology or PhD in a closely related field

Job description

Pool for Part-time lecturer in Vertebrate Biology

Apply now Job no: 563452
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: Sonoma
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Faculty - Natural Sciences, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Faculty Employment Opportunity - Lecturer

Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 22 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education.

The Department

The Department of Biology is housed within the College of Science, Technology, and Business, and offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum that addresses foundational and emerging principles that span multiple levels of biological organization and disciplines. The overall mission of our undergraduate and graduate programs is to educate the next generation of scholars, professionals and citizens so that they are prepared to meet the biological, environmental and technological challenges of the future.

To promote academic excellence, the Department actively recruits students from a range of backgrounds, including but not limited to local community college students, first generation college students, dual language learners/students, and Pell eligible individuals. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with this commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Department of Biology serves approximately 400 majors, that pursue either a BS or BA degree with a concentration in: Ecology and Evolution, Physiology, Marine Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or Zoology. The Department also serves students interested in the allied health fields through various course offerings required in several health-related fields. The Department provides students with a broad interdisciplinary understanding of biological principles. Our graduates often pursue graduate education, obtain work in the biotech or conservation and restoration industry.

Responsibilities include teaching both lecture and one lab section in Vertebrate Biology (BIOL 327). Course content includes: evolutionary history of vertebrates and the major radiations within Vertebrata, classification of the major vertebrate groups and their phylogenetic relationships, major evolutionary innovations and features impacting vertebrate diversification, structural and functional systems, adaptive strategies to environmental challenges, anatomical, physiological, and ecological perspectives that explain how form and function interact in vertebrate survival and performance, fundamental field skills used by vertebrate biologists, and the roles, methods, and career paths of vertebrate biologists across academic, conservation, governmental, and applied settings.

Required Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Biology or a Ph.D. in a closely related field.
• Demonstrated teaching experience in college level biology courses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in field directly related to the subject matter.

Rank and Salary

Full-time is a 15-unit workload per semester. Actual salary is dependent upon the number of units assigned, educational preparation, and availability of funds subject to any CSU system faculty contract salary increases.

• Salary commensurate with degree level and experience.
• Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,507 - $6,677 per full-time month.
• The full-time (15 units per semester) monthly base salary rangeindicated above is prorated to the number of units worked and are paid in six monthly payments for each full semester.
• Selection as a candidate in the applicant pool, does not guarantee employment. Temporary Faculty appointments are made on a part-time, temporary basis and contingent upon department needs and funding.
• Temporary Faculty appointments are made on a semester-by-semester basis.
• Relocation expenses will not be provided for temporary faculty appointments.
• Expenses incurred to attend an interview for temporary faculty positions are not reimbursed by the University.

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter indicating courses for which you would like to be considered
• Unofficial transcripts (Official transcripts may be required of the selected candidate)
• Statement of Relevant Research Experience and/or Teaching Experience
• Teaching Philosophy
• Contact Information for 3 References

Application Deadline

First consideration will be given to applications received by November 9, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Early response is encouraged.

Questions concerning this position may be directed to:Dr. Derek Girman at [e-mail]

Please refer to the requisition job number on all correspondence and inquiries regarding this position.

The ADA Coordinator is also available ( [e-mail] ) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Our Commitment

Sonoma State University is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, as such we are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and we endeavor to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.

Guided by our core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. We have a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad-based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged.

Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which bias and intolerance have no place. It is our expectation that all students, faculty, and staff work together to honor this commitment and hold each other accountable to create an open and inclusive environment.

We are committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on our students’ assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. The successful candidate will be one who can collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and students to achieve these goals. We are especially interested in candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting

The University is an Affiantative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Employment Eligibility & Conditions

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent upon presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Sonoma State University does not facilitate the process of applying for an H1B Visa for temporary positions.

Education Code 89521

Applicants will