Visiting Assistant Professor - Biological Sciences

Central Washington University; Ellensburg (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Central Washington University invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Biology Department in Ellensburg, WA. The role emphasizes face-to-face teaching for biology majors and health-science students within a nine-month, non-tenure-track appointment, with potential renewal based on performance.

The successful candidate will teach across introductory biology, genetics, and anatomy & physiology courses, contributing to rigorous, student-centered instruction and CWU's commitment

Qualifications

• Earned Master’s Degree by Sept 15, 2026 in Human Biology or Genetics.
• Excellent teaching abilities.
• Willingness to teach a wide range of courses at all levels and modalities.
• Preparation to contribute to CWU's commitment to engagement of students from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Teach face-to-face courses primarily serving biology majors and students in health-related sciences.
• Cover introductory biology sequence, genetics, and anatomy & physiology.
• Contribute to rigorous, student-centered instruction across areas.
• This is a 9-month non-tenure-track appointment with potential renewal.

Skills

Teaching experience

Willingness to teach broad courses

Collaboration in a team

Education

Master's Degree in Human Biology or Genetics

PhD (preferred)

Job description

Central Washington University is recruiting a Visiting Assistant Professor to join our Biological Sciences team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-basedposition, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

The Biology Department at Central Washington University seeks to fill a non-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor position. Responsibilities include face-to-face teaching in courses primarily serving biology majors and students interested in health-related sciences, including the majors introductory biology sequence, genetics, and anatomy and physiology for majors. The successful candidate should be prepared to teach across these areas and contribute to the department's commitment to rigorous, student-centered instruction. This is a 9-month position with the possibility of renewal.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned Master's Degree by September 15, 2026, in one of the following fields:
• Human Biology
• Genetics
• Excellent teaching abilities
• Willingness to teach a wide range of courses at all levels and modalities
• Preparation to contribute to CWU's commitment to the engagement of students from a variety of backgrounds through teaching, research, service, or other experience

Preferred Qualifications (please address in your cover letter:)

• Earned PhD by September 15, 2026
• Experience or interest in biological sciences
• College or university teaching experience
• Experience working in a collaborative environment and/or utilizing a variety of teaching methods designed for broad student success.
• Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through teaching and/or mentoring activities.
• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!

Pay & Work Schedule

Annual Salary: $56,000 - $66,000, based on a full-time, nine-month appointment

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position

Appointment

Temporary, Non-Tenure-Track, 9 Month Appointment. Additional Summer teaching may be available. Central Washington University is on the quarter system with appointments from mid-September through mid-June.

Benefits

CUW offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance. CWU Benefits, Perks & Discounts Overview.

Additional Information

For additional information about the University, visit: http://www.cwu.edu

For additional information about Ellensburg, visit: http://www.myellensburg.com

OR http://www.kittitascountychamber.com

NOTE:

Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

Screening Begins

August 31, 2026

NOTE: Although copies of transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, all job offers are contingent upon verification of highest degree. Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

CWU is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Veteran/Disability Employer.