Tenure-Track Faculty Position - Applied Biotechnology

State of Virginia•Harrisonburg, VA

47d

About The Position

We invite applications for a tenure-track or renewable term appointment position in Applied Biotechnology, at the Assistant Professor rank, to begin August 2026. Exceptional candidates may also be considered for the rank of Associate Professor. The successful candidate will primarily support the Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) Applied Biotechnology concentration and work cooperatively across the School of Integrated Sciences (SIS). Other undergraduate programs in the school include Geography and Intelligence Analysis. The ISAT Program is an ABET-accredited, multidisciplinary, applied science program with roughly 300 undergraduate students and an international Master's Program focused on environmental management and sustainability. ISAT also contributes to the cross-college JMU B.S. in Biotechnology Program, in partnership with the Departments of Biology and Chemistry & Biochemistry. ISAT graduates are versatile problem-solvers who apply the principles of STEM and systems thinking to design and actualize socially responsible solutions to complex issues. Students declare concentrations in one of six areas: Applied Biotechnology, Applied Computing, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Industrial & Manufacturing Systems, or Public Interest Technology & Science. Faculty share a commitment to true integration and leveraging their unique strengths for impactful and socially engaged STEM education and scholarship. For more information about SIS and its undergraduate and graduate programs, please visit: https://www.jmu.edu/cise/sis/

Requirements

We seek colleagues with expertise in applied cell and molecular biology, computational biology or 'omics, bioengineering/synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, or related applied fields. Areas of specialization should support and enhance our current personnel and curriculum and provide opportunities for a wide variety of students. We are particularly interested in candidates with broad biotechnology training and diverse skill sets who recognize the value of holistic problem-solving and responsible innovation through integration, and can contribute to our team in a wide variety of ways.
A Ph.D. in a field relevant to biotechnology by August 2026 is required for a tenure-track appointment. A Master's degree and significant professional experience in a biotechnology relevant field is required for a renewable term appointment (RTA). Individuals with prior successful and relevant academic experience as an Associate Professor at another institution may be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor.
Successful candidates must also demonstrate: A commitment to engaged learning, through the application of innovative and supportive pedagogies and continuous improvement, in the context of undergraduate education and hands-on project mentoring.
Ability to teach a wide variety of courses within the ISAT-Applied Biotechnology concentration including a foundation level general education course.
Willingness to pursue an active scholarly program that augments the strengths of the ISAT curriculum and can include undergraduate scholarship.
A strong interest in getting involved and helping to steer academic programs at all stages of one's career.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching and mentoring hands-on projects and biotechnology lab techniques.
Experience as a biotech professional beyond academia-e.g., industry, consulting, government, or the non-profit sector.
Evidence of productive research collaborations and the ability to seek external funding (as appropriate).

Responsibilities

Teaching - A typical teaching load is three courses per semester, equivalent to 60% of a faculty member's effort, with support for a wide variety of research and scholarship activities. Primary teaching assignments will include introductory through senior-level biotechnology lecture and laboratory courses with applied emphases. We encourage faculty to propose and adapt courses to align with their dynamic interests and areas of expertise.
Scholarship - Candidates must demonstrate the potential to grow and sustain an active scholarly program that aligns with the ISAT model of complex problem-solving and would provide opportunities for students to engage in industry-relevant practices. While specific research interests may focus on any of a wide variety of biotechnology subfields, the candidate should demonstrate experience connecting that research to and collaborating with a broader scholarly community to address elements of large-scale, complex problems.
Mentoring - Successful candidates must demonstrate aptitude for and interest in engaging undergraduate students in multi-semester hands-on capstone projects, independent research, and Honors College theses. These projects provide opportunities for teams of students and faculty to explore, develop, and expand scholarly interests.
Service Leadership - Our new colleague will support the ISAT and University mission of fostering a welcoming environment for all learners and removing barriers to participation. All faculty engage in service and leadership activities to support the school, college, and university. Community engagement is encouraged.

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