Widener University: Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor – Physiology

Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected educational institution in Chester, PA is seeking a Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology. This full-time position emphasizes excellence in teaching animal and human physiology, with opportunities to contribute to a diverse and inclusive academic environment. Candidates are encouraged to apply if they demonstrate strong teaching experience and a commitment to undergraduate education.

Qualifications

• Strong teaching experience in biological sciences.
• Demonstrated experience teaching undergraduate students.
• Ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach lecture and laboratory sections for first- and second-year Biology majors.
• Participate in departmental faculty meetings.
• Maintain regular office hours for student support.

Skills

Teaching experience in animal or human physiology

Commitment to inclusive excellence

Ability to supervise students in laboratory

Education

Ph.D. in Biology with specialization in Physiological Ecology

Job description

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology is a full-time, temporary non-tenure track position beginning in Fall 2026, with the possibility of renewal.

The Department of Biology at Widener University seeks candidates with strong teaching experience in animal or human physiology and welcomes applicants with a broad array of backgrounds in physiological ecology research. Candidates who have expertise in physiological ecology, or related fields are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching. They will join a supportive environment in the Department of Biology, with a history of close collaboration between non-tenure track teaching faculty and tenure-track faculty in teaching and scholarly pursuits. Facilities available include greenhouse space, Widener’s arboretum, a staffed prep room, and multi-use laboratory space. While faculty-student research is not required for this temporary position, the department is very supportive of early career faculty members seeking collaborative projects, to be well-positioned for a future tenure-track faculty position.

The Department of Biology is committed to fostering a sense of belonging in science. We comprise faculty, staff, and students representing a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences. We seek candidates who aspire to create an environment of inclusive excellence where our students can thrive and achieve success in their chosen fields. Those candidates experienced in, or who would enjoy, working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and those who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity, are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas throughout their application.

Review of application materials will begin November 10th, 2025. Applicants must submit: a letter of application, 3 letters of reference, a curriculum vitae, and a statement of teaching philosophy. In addition, three confidential letters of reference must be sent to [e-mail].

In these materials, provide examples of your experiences with diverse student populations and demonstrate how you could promote an environment of inclusive excellence in our department and in the broader Widener University community through your teaching, scholarship, and service activities. All documents must be submitted electronically (docx or pdf format).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching

• Teach lecture and laboratory sections for first- and second-year Biology majors and non-majors.
• Potential to teach upper-level electives for junior and senior Biology majors.
• Maintain regular weekly office hours to provide academic support and guidance to students enrolled in assigned courses.

Departmental Engagement

• Participate in weekly departmental faculty meetings focused on departmental operations and planning, faculty development, including pedagogical strategies and student support initiatives.

Secondary Duties

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission of the Department of Biology, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Ph.D. in Biology with a specialization in Physiological Ecology.
• Demonstrated experience teaching undergraduate students, specifically in animal or human physiology.

Preferred:

• 2–3 years of teaching experience at the college or university level.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS

• Must be available for in-person instruction.
• Ability to stand and move throughout laboratory spaces to supervise students.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy. U.S. work authorization is required.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener’s main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D

Widener University is an equal opportunity employer that encourages excellence through diversity. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.