Assistant Professor - Biology (Tenure-Track)

Utah Valley University • Main Campus - Orem, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Biology at Utah Valley University seeks an open-rank, tenure-track faculty member with a background in Vertebrate Zoology, starting in August 2027. The successful candidate will teach primarily College Biology II (BIOL 1620) and Vertebrate Zoology (ZOOL 3100), with possible additional courses such as Mammalogy (ZOOL 3500), Ichthyology, and other courses aligned with departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise. Candidates with backgrounds in vertebrate zoology, mammalogy, or veterinary medicine, including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, are encouraged to apply.

The faculty member will establish an active, welcoming research program that mentors undergraduates and leads to peer-reviewed publications. Potential research areas include organismal biology, mammalogy, ichthyology, herpetology, taxonomy and systematics, animal physiology, comparative vertebrate zoology, and applied veterinary research. The role also involves professional development, collaboration with faculty, staff, and students in support of the university’s mission and values, and service on department, college, and university committees.

The position includes planning, preparing, and delivering approved biology courses; teaching and supervising students in classrooms and laboratories; preparing instructional materials; selecting course books, supplies, and equipment; maintaining student and course records; holding office hours and advising students; and carrying out research, mentoring, and service. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Utah Valley University is an open-enrollment public university with more than 40,000 undergraduate students and a dual-mission model combining a teaching university and community college. The university describes its student population as varied, including working, non-traditional, and first-generation students, and emphasizes a welcoming and respectful learning and research culture. UVU provides teaching and scholarly resources, including professional development workshops and internal funding opportunities. The position is based in Orem, Utah.

Requirements

• Doctorate (PhD or DVM) in Biology or a related biological discipline from an accredited institution; ABD applicants may be considered if doctorate verification is received by July before the August hire date.
• Evidence of experience teaching undergraduate students.
• Graduation from a regionally accredited institution with an appropriate degree in a field related to the coursework being taught.
• Knowledge and skill in current instructional theories, strategies, techniques, and discipline content.
• Knowledge of biology theory and practice, biology’s relevance to individuals and society, biology research methods, and relationships between biology and other science fields.
• Skills in designing and teaching lectures and laboratory exercises, mentoring students in research, and carrying out scientific studies.
• Ability to communicate in writing and verbally with students, faculty, and others; collaborate with students and support staff; develop curriculum and courses; teach and design courses; and develop and maintain educational partnerships on campus.
• Ability to teach in a way that supports a welcoming and engaging learning environment and addresses the needs of students with varying levels of academic preparation.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in a biological science-related field, with experience and expertise teaching Biology or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of active-learning pedagogies and an established record of incorporating them into teaching, especially in vertebrate zoology, introductory biology, and other zoology-related courses.
• Experience or strategies for teaching at open-enrollment institutions.
• Evidence of successful undergraduate student mentorship, such as publications or presentations.
• Experience in, or commitment to, hybrid and online instruction.
• Background in vertebrate zoology, mammalogy, or veterinary medicine, including a DVM.
• Research interests in organismal biology, mammalogy, ichthyology, herpetology, taxonomy or systematics, animal physiology, comparative vertebrate zoology, or applied veterinary research.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver approved biology courses with measurable objectives.
• Instruct, manage, and supervise individuals and groups in classrooms and laboratories using demonstrations, discussion, and visual aids, while maintaining a student-oriented approach.
• Prepare instructional materials such as mock-ups, visual aids, and instruction sheets as needed.
• Select books, supplies, and equipment required for coursework.
• Maintain accurate and current records and reports concerning student accountability, attendance, performance, and follow-up.
• Establish and maintain office hours and advise students during office hours and at other times as needed.
• Establish an active and welcoming research program that actively mentors undergraduates and leads to peer-reviewed publications.
• Carry out research, mentoring, and service.
• Engage in professional development and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university’s mission and values.
• Serve on department, college, and university committees as appropriate for a tenure-track position.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and an excellent retirement program in addition to base salary.
• Free parking and public transportation passes.
• Teaching and scholarly resources, including certifications and workshops through the Office of Teaching and Learning and internal funding opportunities at the university, college, and department levels.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree