Assistant Professor, Computational Biology

Florida Gulf Coast University • Lexington, MA

115d

About The Position

As Assistant Professor of Computational Biology, your primary responsibilities will be those of a ranked faculty to include teaching, research, and service. You will teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels, as applicable; be involved in course and/or curriculum development; conduct research/scholarship; participate on College and University committees and/or initiatives; and perform other duties as assigned. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning and success; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning (when applicable); and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region. The Department of Biological Sciences and FGCU provide unique opportunities for candidates interested in this position. On an average year, we support 900 undergraduate students and 15 – 25 Master’s students. Departmental faculty possess a wide range of scholarly interests to include molecular, genetic, and organismal pursuits as well as community-engaged research and SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning). Faculty also provide a variety of learning opportunities that run the range of Bloom’s taxonomy (from recall to creation) and, therefore, employ different approaches to include integrated lab-lectures, active-learning, and Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). Faculty, staff, and students also partner extensively with the community members, which supports the university’s sustainability and service-learning goals. In addition, half of the campus is set aside as conservation areas, which creates a living laboratory for both teaching and research opportunities for the field and lab. This is a special place for people who want to connect their teaching, research, and service. The biology department has a core of faculty that have an emphasis on quantitative approaches in their research and teaching. To support this growing focus, the ideal candidate for the computational biology position would exemplify our steadfast dedication to students and research. This person should possess a student-focused approach, prioritizing mentorship, and fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth. Additionally, this candidate should demonstrate exceptional collaborative skills, seamlessly working with individuals across the department and the university, including students, faculty, and staff. Their ability to build bridges and facilitate partnerships would contribute to a thriving academic community. Furthermore, this candidate would exhibit a flair for creative endeavors that enhance both student experiences and the research endeavors of the department. Through innovative teaching methods and research initiatives, they would play a vital role in elevating the academic landscape at FGCU.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biology, or related area from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• ABD will be considered if degree is conferred by August 7, 2026. If successful candidate is ABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract.

Nice To Haves

• Research and/or teaching experience in computation biology.
• Demonstrated experience teaching any combination of computational biological courses, such as bioinformatics, genomic analysis, statistical modeling in biology/ecology, computational systems biology, population dynamics, and/or spatial ecology in addition to other core courses that support the department.
• Demonstrated peer-reviewed publications in any area of computational biology, such as bioinformatics, quantitative biology/ ecology, and/or simulation or analytical modeling.
• Experience with multidisciplinary research and/or teaching and a willingness to cultivate interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Demonstrated experience to implement impactful teaching approaches that could include active-learning approaches, such as Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) or Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL).
• Experience or commitment to mentor undergraduate and/or graduate research students.
• Willingness to engage in service opportunities commensurate with career maturity.

Responsibilities

• Teaches 9 credit hours per semester of core and upper-level, and/or graduate courses in Biology and other assigned courses as outlined in the annual assignment.
• Plans, prepares, and teaches assigned courses, including developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Delivers consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
• Maintains the highest standards of classroom instruction and engages in reflective self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement.
• Holds regular office hours and provides academic advising and individual support to students.
• Utilizes the University's learning management system and other instructional technologies effectively.
• Collaborates with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program advancement.
• Ensures curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
• Establishes and maintains an active research program, including opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.
• Demonstrates evidence of scholarly publication and grantsmanship.
• Engages in continued professional development and maintains professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
• Actively participates in departmental, college, and university committees and meetings.
• Contributes to community, institutional, and professional service in support of the University’s mission.
• Participates in faculty evaluation, student learning assessment, and required training activities.
• Communicates professionally and in a timely manner with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and excellence in all professional activities.
• Complies with University policies, procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree