Assistant Professor of Science Education

Ball State University • Muncie, IN

6d • $65,000 - $72,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Ball State University’s Department of Biology, in collaboration with the STEM Education Center, seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Science Education beginning August 2027. This is a full-time, on-campus, nine-month, benefit-eligible position with a salary of $65,000–$72,000. Employer will consider sponsorship.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate science education courses for prospective secondary and/or elementary teachers, potentially including a biology content course for elementary educators. The position may also involve other undergraduate or graduate teaching, student-teacher supervision, and support for local school district programs through professional development school relationships. The typical teaching load is three courses (nine credit hours) per semester.

The candidate will develop an externally funded science education research program, ideally engaging undergraduate and graduate students and complementing or collaborating with faculty in Biology and the STEM Education Center. The strongest candidates will bring accomplished K–12 experience, engagement with local schools, and peer-reviewed publications supporting a well-defined research program with strong potential for external funding.

The Department of Biology has 30 full-time faculty, including faculty focused on science education, and offers BS and MS degrees in Biology and a PhD in Environmental Sciences. The STEM Education Center supports teacher preparation, community engagement, K–12 partnerships, and STEM education scholarship. The position provides access to the Foundational Sciences Building, including teaching and research labs, science education methods labs, collaboration and conferencing space, and a research library. Ball State also has a formal partnership with Muncie Community Schools supporting scholarship, outreach, and engagement.

Applications must include a cover letter addressing the responsibilities and qualifications, a curriculum vitae, a research statement (maximum two single-spaced pages), and a teaching statement (maximum two single-spaced pages). Applications must be received by November 30, 2026, at 12:01 AM. Questions may be directed to Tim Carter, Chair of the Department of Biology.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in Science Education or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
• At least 24 months of experience teaching in a K–12 setting.

Nice To Haves

• Current or previous K–12 teaching licensure or certification.
• Undergraduate teaching experience relevant to science teacher preparation.
• Partnership experience with K–12 public schools.
• Record of science education scholarship related to K–12 teacher preparation or professional development, such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, postdoctoral research, or comparable scholarly accomplishment.
• Experience applying for external research grants; funded proposals are an additional strength.
• Accomplished K–12 experience, engagement with local schools, and peer-reviewed publications supporting a well-defined science education research program with strong potential for external funding.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate science education courses for secondary and/or elementary teachers, including courses such as Introduction to Science Teaching, Methods of Secondary Science Teaching, Curriculum & Research, and Using Science Methods and Materials.
• Teach methods courses paired with field experiences and addressing planning, instruction, and assessment in the science classroom.
• Develop an externally funded science education research program, ideally involving undergraduate and graduate students.
• Complement and collaborate with faculty in the Department of Biology and the STEM Education Center.
• Potentially teach other undergraduate and graduate courses, supervise student teachers, or support local school district programs through professional development school relationships.

Benefits

• 12 paid sick days per year.
• 10 holidays per year.
• Six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Affordable health and dental insurance.
• Long-term disability and life insurance plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Coverage of 90 percent of the employee's child's or children's undergraduate tuition at Ball State University.
• Potential relocation incentives for eligible MakeMyMove participants, which may include up to $5,000 cash for relocation, co-working space, access to the Ball State University Library, a one-semester Rec Fit pass, discounted Ball State Athletics tickets, local resource assistance, board participation opportunities, and a six-month YMCA membership.

What This Job Offers

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