Assistant Professor of Biology

Ball State University•Muncie, IN

1d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Biology at Ball State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Botany. This is an on-campus, nine-month, benefit-eligible position with a competitive salary and generous start-up package. The anticipated start date is August 2027. Employer will consider sponsorship. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses broadly in plant biology and biodiversity, including Botany, Dendrology, Aquatic Botany, Forestry, and Plant Taxonomy/Systematics, along with an upper-level or graduate course in their area of expertise. Appropriate courses should incorporate field experiences and experiential learning. The typical teaching load is two to three courses per semester, or 18 credit hours per year. The candidate will develop an externally funded, field-based research program that engages undergraduate and graduate students and complements and collaborates with current Biology faculty. Research should address fundamental or applied questions about plants in natural systems, across levels from individuals and populations to species, communities, and ecosystems. A substantial field component is required. Relevant areas include plant ecology, evolutionary biology, ecophysiology, systematics, conservation and restoration science, and plant interactions with other organisms. The Department of Biology has 30 full-time faculty and offers BA/BS degrees in Biology, an MS in Biology, and a PhD in Environmental Sciences. Facilities and resources include the Ball State University Herbarium; a teaching and research greenhouse with roughly 2,000 living specimens from more than 100 plant families; the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, with over 2,000 orchids; Christy Woods, a 17-acre campus natural area; and field properties including Cooper Farm, Ginn Woods, Skinner Field Area, Donald E. Miller Wildlife Area, and the Juanita Hults Environmental Learning Center. Applications must be received by November 19, 2026, at 12:01 AM. Required application materials are a cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, research statement, and curriculum vitae. A doctoral transcript is optional. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Suman Neupane at [email protected]. Benefits include 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays annually; six weeks of paid parental leave; health and dental insurance; long-term disability and life insurance; retirement benefits; and coverage of 90 percent of an employee's child's or children's undergraduate tuition at Ball State University. Eligible new residents may also qualify for MakeMyMove relocation and community incentives, subject to program eligibility and availability.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in Botany, Plant Biology, Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
At least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Ability to develop a field-based research program with a substantial field component.
Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in plant biology and biodiversity.

Nice To Haves

Teaching experience in botany or related plant biology courses using student-centered approaches.
Experience taking students into the field for coursework or mentored research.
A defined field-based research agenda capable of generating publishable results with undergraduate and master's-level researchers.
A record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, postdoctoral research, or comparable scholarly accomplishment.
Evidence of grant-seeking; successfully funded proposals are an additional strength.
Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers.
A research program that complements or extends departmental strengths and opens collaborative possibilities.
Effective written and oral communication.
A record of accomplished undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, outstanding scholarship, and strong potential for external funding.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in plant biology, including Botany, Dendrology, Forestry, Aquatic Botany, and Plant Taxonomy/Systematics, as well as a course in the candidate’s area of expertise.
Incorporate field experiences and experiential learning into appropriate courses.
Develop an externally funded, field-based research program that engages undergraduate and graduate students and complements and collaborates with current departmental faculty.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
Contribute to the department’s teaching, research, and student engagement in field botany and related areas.

Benefits

12 paid sick days per year
10 holidays per year
Six weeks of paid parental leave
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Retirement benefits
Coverage of 90 percent of an employee's child's or children's undergraduate tuition at Ball State University
Potential relocation incentives for eligible new residents, including up to $5,000 cash, subject to program requirements and availability
Potential access to co-working space, Ball State University Library, a one-semester Rec Fit pass, discounted athletics tickets, local-resource help desk, board participation opportunities, and a six-month YMCA membership for eligible relocation program participants