Assistant Professor in Animal Behavior or Behavioral Ecology

Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara, CA
$105,122 - $116,846Onsite

About The Position

Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic university, seeks an Assistant Professor in the area of Animal Behavior or Behavioral Ecology (specifically, the Michael and Elizabeth Valeriote Assistant Professor of Biology). This appointment includes annual discretionary funds to support professional development and scholarly activities for the duration of the probationary period. We seek to fill this full-time tenure-track position starting September 1, 2027. SCU is a welcoming and inclusive community of teaching scholars whose work is grounded in the University’s fundamental values. Those values, which include academic excellence, social justice and community engagement, are infused with a culture of care that defines our community, upholding the dignity of all. The University draws on the many resources of the greater Bay Area, including Silicon Valley, where we are located. The successful candidate will be expected to teach, engage in independent research, and contribute service to the Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, the University, and profession. The position comes with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and University contributions toward retirement. Recognizing the high cost of housing in the local area, there are two University housing assistance programs: Rental assistance to ease the transition into the local housing market, and housing purchase assistance for tenure-stream faculty.

Requirements

  • A Ph.D. in Animal Behavior, Behavioral Ecology, Zoology, or a related field is required.
  • Ph.D must be completed at the time of submission of application.
  • At least 12 months of postdoctoral experience is required, as it pertains to the candidate’s ability to develop an independent research program.
  • Evidence of high-quality research and potential for ongoing productivity involving undergraduate students is expected.
  • Demonstrated potential for effective and inclusive teaching and mentoring of a diverse undergraduate student population is expected.

Nice To Haves

  • Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that promote access and academic success for all students is encouraged.

Responsibilities

  • Teach lower- and upper-division courses in the major and university core curriculum, as assigned by the Chair in collaboration with the faculty member.
  • Regularly teach in our collaboratively-taught Introductory Biology Series, as well as upper division courses with laboratory in Animal Behavior, Biostatistics, and/or an organismal biology course relevant to their research interests (e.g., entomology, mammalogy, ornithology, etc.).
  • Develop a research program at SCU that will result in meeting the Biology Department’s established scholarship standards.
  • Provide effective service to the Department of Biology, the College of Arts and Sciences, the University and the profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship, such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, leadership, and community service performed by virtue of professional expertise or association with the University, as appropriate to rank and experience.

Benefits

  • medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • University contributions toward retirement
  • Rental assistance to ease the transition into the local housing market
  • housing purchase assistance for tenure-stream faculty
  • annual discretionary funds to support professional development and scholarly activities

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What This Job Offers

Job Type

Full-time

Career Level

Entry Level

Education Level

Ph.D. or professional degree

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