Assistant Professor of Biology, Cluster Hire

Metropolitan State University of Denver•Denver, CO

2d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Biology at Metropolitan State University of Denver seeks three tenure-track faculty members in microbiology, cell biology, genetics, and/or anatomy and physiology. Faculty teach in classroom, laboratory, and/or virtual settings and use current technologies and evidence-based, inclusive teaching practices. Courses may include introductory general biology, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology, as well as upper-division courses such as cell biology, genetics, virology, microbial genetics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, animal physiology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and genomics. Faculty receive modest start-up funds to support scholarship in science and/or science pedagogy while involving undergraduates in research. They also advise students, support progress toward degree completion, and contribute service to the department, school, university, community, and/or profession. The role requires presence in Colorado at MSU Denver’s Auraria campus for in-person teaching and other activities. New faculty participate in a university and departmental mentoring program. In the first year, faculty enroll in the year-long Roadrunner Faculty Academy, which supports teaching, scholarly activity, and service. Department mentors provide guidance on teaching courses and laboratories, establishing a research program, and preparing a tenure portfolio. Faculty may also participate in university programs connecting them with affinity groups and mentorship networks.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in Biological Sciences or a related field, conferred by the start of fall 2027 classes.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability or experience teaching a combination of introductory general biology, microbiology, and/or anatomy and physiology, and upper-division courses such as cell biology, genetics, virology, microbial genetics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, animal physiology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and/or genomics.
Demonstrated commitment and effectiveness in inclusive teaching and learning.
Demonstrated commitment and effectiveness in engaging undergraduates in research and scholarly activities.
Experience working with, and sensitivity to, the needs of a diverse, urban student population, including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, non-traditional students, student veterans, and English-language learners.

Responsibilities

Teach 24 credit hours of undergraduate courses during the 9-month contract period.
Teach a broad range of lower- and upper-division undergraduate biology courses in the listed fields.
Engage undergraduate students in research and scholarly activities.
Pursue scholarly and professional activities appropriate to the university’s undergraduate teaching-focused mission.
Advise a diverse student body through their academic program.
Participate in course and program development.
Perform university and professional service.
Perform other duties as assigned by the department chair.
Work with, and be sensitive to, the educational needs of a diverse, urban population.