Assistant Professor - Biology (Tenure-Track)

Assistant Professor - Biology (Tenure-Track)

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Job Type: FT Faculty

Job Number: FY2706778

Closing: 1/15/2027 11:59 PM Mountain

Location: Main Campus - Orem

Division: VP Academic Affairs

Position Announcement

The Department of Biology at Utah Valley University invites
applications for an open-rank tenure-track faculty position, to
begin in August 2027. We seek an outstanding candidate with a
background in Vertebrate Zoology.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to
effective teaching utilizing engaging, data-driven pedagogies.
Primary teaching responsibilities include College Biology II (BIOL
1620) and Vertebrate Zoology (ZOOL 3100). Other teaching
responsibilities may also include: Mammalogy (ZOOL 3500),
Ichthyology, other courses based on departmental needs and the
candidate's expertise. Applicants with backgrounds in vertebrate
zoology, mammalogy, or veterinary medicine (including Doctor of
Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree) are encouraged to apply.

In addition, the candidate should demonstrate their ability to
establish an active and welcoming research program that centers
around the active mentoring of undergraduates and leads to
peer-reviewed publications. Research interests may include, but are
not limited to, organismal biology (e.g., mammalogy, ichthyology,
herpetology), taxonomy/systematics, animal physiology, comparative
vertebrate zoology, or research with an applied veterinary focus.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to engage in
professional development, collaborate with faculty, staff, and
students to promote the university's mission and values, and serve
on department, college, and university committees as fitting a
tenure-track position.

UVU is committed to preparing all students for success in an
increasingly complex, diverse, and globalized society. We value and
promote collegial relationships and mutual respect among students,
faculty, staff, and the community. We acknowledge and seek to
address the needs of populations who are underserved as well as
students with varying levels of academic preparation. As such, we
encourage applicants from all backgrounds who are eager to help
construct and maintain a welcoming culture within biology education
and research, and who act with resolute commitment to eliminate
barriers to college access, success, and completion. UVU is an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer.

Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the
state of Utah with over 40,000 undergraduate students, and one of a
few in the US offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor
and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness
and vocational programs of a community college. As an
open-enrollment institution, UVU serves a varied population that
includes many working, non-traditional (24+ years old), and
first-generation students. The university community is comprised of
people from different cultural and religious backgrounds and is
actively involved in interfaith and intercultural activities. UVU
provides an abundance of resources for both teaching and scholarly
activities, such as certifications and workshops through our Office
of Teaching and Learning, and a plethora of internal funding
opportunities at the University, College, and Departmental levels.
Additionally, UVU offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits
package, including health insurance, an excellent retirement
program in addition to base salary, and free parking and public
transportation passes.

UVU is located in Orem, Utah, at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch
Mountains about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. We are centrally
located along public transportation, which spans from Provo to
Ogden, including Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City has a bustling food
and arts scene, an international airport, and access to multiple
professional sports teams. Along the entire Wasatch Front, you are
always within 30 minutes of hiking, skiing, and other outdoor
recreational activities, along with a variety of family-friendly
entertainment options including Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet
Aquarium, and the nature discovery museums and gardens at
Thanksgiving Point. Additionally, UVU is within four hours of six
national parks and the highest concentration of dark sky parks
anywhere in the world.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Plans, prepares, and delivers approved courses in Biology that

include measurable objectives for each course taught. Instructs,
manages, and supervises individuals and groups in classrooms and
laboratories by demonstration, discussion, and visual aids while
maintaining a student-oriented approach to education.

• Prepares instructional materials (mock-ups, visual aids, and

instruction sheets) as necessary. Selects books, supplies, and
equipment necessary for coursework.

• Documents and maintains accurate and current reports and

records involving student accountability, attendance, performance,
and follow-up.

• Establishes and maintains office hours and advises students

during this time and at other times as needed.

• Carries out research, mentoring, and service. Performs other

job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

• Graduation from a regionally accredited institution with an

appropriate degree in a field related to the coursework being
taught.

• Knowledge and skill in current instructional theories,

strategies, techniques, and discipline content.

• Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate (PhD

or DVM) in Biology or related biological discipline required.

• Evidence of experience teaching undergraduate students.
• ABD applications will be considered if doctorate verification

is received by July prior to the hire date in August.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited institution with a PhD in a

biological science-related field, and experience and expertise in
teaching Biology or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of active learning pedagogies and an

established record of incorporation of those techniques in the
classroom (especially in vertebrate zoology, introductory biology,
and other zoology-related courses).

• Experience or strategies for teaching at open-enrollment

institutions.

• Evidence of successful mentorship of undergraduate students, as

demonstrated by publications, presentations, etc.

• Experience in, and/or commitment to, hybrid and online

instruction.

Required Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Teaching philosophy-Explanation and justification of teaching

practices, including statements on applying evidence-based methods
for providing an engaging and welcoming learning environment.

• Research statement - Statement that includes a plan for a

research program incorporating undergraduates and addresses the
feasibility of that research program at a primarily undergraduate
institution. In addition, the statement should address how the
mentor creates a welcoming and engaging research environment.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the theory and practice of biology.
• Knowledge of the relevance of Biology to the individual and

society

• Knowledge of biology research methods.
• Knowledge of the relationships between biology and other fields

of science.

Skills

• Skills in the design and instruction of lectures and laboratory

exercises.

• Skills in the mentoring of students in research and carrying

out scientific studies.

Abilities

• Ability to communicate in written and verbal form with various

students, faculty, and others.

• Ability to work collaboratively with students and support

staff.

• Ability to develop curriculum and teach and design

courses.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective educational

partnerships on campus.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's
qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to
race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability,
veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related
conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by
applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/jobs/5535311/assistant-professor-biology-tenure-track

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