Michigan State University

Working/Functional Title

Inst/Ast Prof/Asc Professor - Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Biological Sciences (BioSci) Program is seeking 1-2 fixed term faculty members to join the BioSci Program teaching team. The successful candidate will join a diverse group of educators and discipline-based education researchers dedicated to providing high-quality undergraduate biology education. The initial appointment will be for one academic year (9 months) with the expectation of continuing renewal based on satisfactory performance. Typical salaries in BioSci range from $61,000 to $75,000 based on rank and experience.

The successful candidate will serve as an instructor for introductory biology lecture and lab courses designed to actively engage life-science majors in three-dimensional learning. Depending on the needs of the program and the expertise of the candidate, they may teach in cellular and molecular or organismal biology courses. A typical teaching load includes teaching four lab sections or one lecture and two lab sections per semester. BioSci is committed to providing a connected and supportive curriculum for students and faculty alike and promotes teamwork in curriculum development and teaching. Opportunities for advancement in rank and five-year rolling contracts are possible after 4 years of exemplary teaching. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Biological Sciences or related field

Minimum Requirements

An advanced degree in the biological sciences or related fields with college teaching experience (as a teaching assistant or instructor of record) or experience mentoring students through research projects is required.

• A PhD is required for the rank of Assistant Professor or higher;
• a master’s degree is required for the rank of Instructor.

Candidates must also demonstrate commitment to fostering welcoming learning environments and professional development. 

Desired Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching introductory cell and molecular lab courses that include inquiry-based projects, working with teams of instructors, conducting and/or leading curriculum development (particularly three-dimensional curricula and assessments), supervising graduate teaching assistants and undergraduate learning assistants, using teaching that supports all learners and broadens participation, and those with programmatic assessment experience. We have a specific need for an instructor to teach introductory cell and molecular biology, but candidates with different disciplinary expertise who would help BioSci improve our curricula and instructional approaches to support the learning and success of all students are invited to apply. 

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit

• a CV,
• a letter of application (described below),
• an example of a teaching activity and/or assessment to illustrate your teaching philosophy (up to 2 pages, separate from the letter of application), and 
• contact information for three professional references (references will be contacted during the screening process).

In the letter of application, please address the following in no more than 5 pages total: 

1. How has your education and experience prepared you to contribute to teaching introductory biology? If applicable, please highlight specific experiences teaching in and developing assessments for inquiry-based cell and molecular biology lab courses and/or mentoring students through research projects. 
2. How have your experiences working in collaborative groups prepared you for working with the BioSci team? 
3. How will you approach creating an environment where all feel welcomed, supported, and valued? If applicable, please highlight specific examples of actions taken towards these aims. 
4. If you have participated in or led the development of new curricula and/or programmatic assessment efforts, explain how those experiences have prepared you to contribute to these efforts in the BioSci program. 
5. How have you approached your professional development, and how do you see yourself continuing to do so in BioSci and at Michigan State University? 

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on March 20, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Katie Krueger, BioSci Program Assistant Director and Chair of the Search Committee (krueg172@msu.edu). 

Review of Applications Begins On

03/20/2025

Website

https://biosci.natsci.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The Biological Sciences Program at MSU prides itself on providing a connected and supportive community for its students, but also for its faculty. To this end, supporting our new faculty is a priority. We believe that our mission to prepare students to succeed in their subsequent courses and careers is strengthened when our faculty work together to provide a coordinated and integrated curriculum. In addition to the program’s own efforts, successful candidates will find that MSU provides ample opportunities for professional development and growth. 

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.