Assistant Professor of Biology

Full Time

Tenure-Track

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
Virginia Union University (VUU) was founded in 1865 in the heart of Richmond, VA. Over the past 155 years, the university has become a premier liberal arts urban research institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Natural Sciences at Virginia Union University is part of the School of Arts & Sciences, one of the University largest academic degree-granting units. The department is committed to advancing the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Science Education on a global scale by providing quality learning experiences and opportunities for innovative research and meaningful service to individuals from diverse backgrounds with varying skill sets, including those who have traditionally been overlooked and underestimated. Our mission is to prepare the next generation of leaders with the tools to help shape medical, technological, and educational developments of the future, while embracing the standards of ethical scientific behavior and engaging in safe and sustainable practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The department seeks to recruit a dynamic faculty member who will:

• teach undergraduate and graduate (MS) courses, including General Biology and Microbiology
• develop Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs)
• establish a research program that engages graduate students.
• secure external grants
• advise undergraduate Biology majors.
• serve in Departmental, School, and University committees.
• engage in campus life.

Annual evaluations and Promotion and Tenure guidelines will adhere to the University’s strategic goals, which include Student Success, Academic Excellence, Entrepreneurial Enterprise, and Brand Prestige. Excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service, as well as a commitment to equity and diversity are expected.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD. In Biology, Microbiology, or related field

• Two to three years of post-doctoral research experience or two to three years of college teaching experience
• A record of professional and scholarly activity appropriate to desired rank

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Microbiology research experience
• Experience with Project-Based Learning or CUREs
• Involvement in the Science Education Alliance – Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program.
• Proven ability to secure external grants.

HOW TO APPLY
Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications should include:

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum vita/resume
• List of three (3) references with contact information
• Statement of teaching philosophy, including examples of how it informs your pedagogical practices (1 page max)
• Statement describing your commitment to equity and diversity, including examples of how it informs your teaching, research, and/or service (1 page max)
• Copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial acceptable; official required by appointment date).