Assistant Professor Of Biology, Cluster Hire

Assistant Professor Of Biology, Cluster Hire

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Department

Biology

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve
students underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and
experiences do not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the
University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's
extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the
foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third
largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU
Denver is a model university for today's college students.

The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student
population in the state, as well as the most first-generation
students. As a university community, we are proud to have earned
the federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving
Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and
to work at the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in
Colorado. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU
Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a
multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and
graduate degrees, and career and life success.

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access,
Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a
supportive and inclusive environment where all community members
are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to
education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class
scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and
innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and
staff.

About the Department of Biology

The mission of the Department of
Biology is to foster a learning environment where students
from diverse backgrounds can build the conceptual framework to
examine living organisms from the molecular level to entire
ecosystems gaining comprehensive knowledge of biological
principles. MSU Denver is a primarily undergraduate serving
institution (PUI) and the Biology department supports development
of inclusive teaching practices that engage students in active
learning and community building in the classroom. As part of our
commitment to innovative pedagogy, the Biology Department is a
campus leader in engaging students in undergraduate research
opportunities in the classroom, through course-based undergraduate
research, and in faculty research laboratories and guiding students
to build analytical, laboratory and field-based scientific skills
necessary to conduct contemporary biological research, pursue
graduate studies, or directly enter the workforce.

Position Description

The Department of Biology at Metropolitan State University of
Denver (MSU Denver) seeks outstanding candidates for three
tenure-track positions in the fields of microbiology, cell biology,
genetics, and/or anatomy & physiology. Candidates will be
expected to teach in classroom, laboratory, and/or virtual settings
and must be able to use and apply current technologies and
evidence-based, inclusive teaching practices. Faculty in these
positions should have experience or skills applicable to teaching
or developing courses in any combination of the following:
introductory courses in general biology, microbiology, and/or
anatomy & physiology; and upper division courses such as cell
biology, genetics, virology, microbial genetics, comparative
vertebrate anatomy, animal physiology, bioinformatics,
biostatistics, and/or genomics.

Candidates selected through this curricular cluster hire will be
given modest start-up funds to support their scholarly work in
science and/or science pedagogy while engaging undergraduates in
research activities. In addition, tenure-track faculty support
student progress to degree completion through academic and career
advising, and provide service to the department, school,
university, community, and/or profession. This position requires
presence in Colorado on MSU Denver's Auraria campus for in person
teaching and other activities.

MSU Denver and the Biology Department are committed to a
transparent process that provides a clear path to tenure. As such,
new faculty will participate in a robust mentoring program for
tenure-track faculty at both the university and department levels.
In their first year, new faculty will be enrolled in the MSU Denver
Roadrunner Faculty
Academy, a year-long course designed to support new faculty
as they navigate faculty life and thrive in teaching, scholarly
activity and service. Incoming faculty will also be mentored by
current members of the Biology Department, who will provide support
and guidance for teaching biology courses and laboratories,
establishing their research program, and building a strong
portfolio for tenure application. Faculty can also choose to
participate in university programs that help new faculty connect
with diverse affinity groups and networks offering additional
mentorship opportunities.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate must have the ability to
effectively:

• 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 fields listed

• Engage undergraduate students in research and scholarly

activities

• Pursue scholarly and professional activities appropriate for

the undergraduate teaching-focused mission of the university

• 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

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

A successful candidate will possess the following:

• Demonstrated ability or experience teaching any combination of

the following: introductory courses in general biology,
microbiology, and/or anatomy & 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 to 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 (but not limited to)
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

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred
qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who
will best contribute to our Department and the University.

Salary for Announcement

The salary range for these faculty positions is $65,000 - $75,000
at Assistant Professor rank. The salaries of the finalists selected
for these roles will be set based upon a variety of factors,
including but not limited to, internal equity, education,
experience, specialty and training.

MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that
include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD
pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit
our Benefits section.

Please Note: MSU Denver is currently not sponsoring
applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee
established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry
of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025.
Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the
fee.

Instructions to Apply

To apply, complete an online application through our career site
and search for JR105923: https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.

To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and
potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the
following required materials:

• Curriculum vitae; for previous teaching experience, please

clearly indicate when serving as instructor of record

• Cover letter (1 page max)
• Unofficial graduate transcripts
• Teaching philosophy (2 pages max) with a focus on engagement

with diverse students and how you will use evidence-based,
inclusive teaching practices to remove barriers and promote
equitable access and advancement for all students in science. If
applicable, include examples from past experiences teaching and/or
mentoring students

• Research plan (2 pages max) in science or science pedagogy that

is appropriate for an entirely undergraduate, teaching-centered
institution without housing or care staff for mammals or vertebrate
animals larger than fish. Please indicate specifically how you plan
to engage undergraduates in your research program

Important Note: Due to volume of applications
received, only applications completed as outlined above will be
considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required
documents into the Resume/Cover letter section of the application.
A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded, so you may need to combine
some documents or all documents into one pdf file.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for
hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to
applications received through Friday, December 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM
MST.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Tanya Rogowsky

Posting Representative Email

trogowsk@msudenver.edu

Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers
medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement,
as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement
plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability
(LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to
learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants
with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To
request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with
Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA
Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a
safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and
visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background
checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to
employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique,
access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and
inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of
nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of
color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in
downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert
with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity
and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and
perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that
in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go
beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and
dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture
of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and
professional success.

To apply, please visit: https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MSUDenver/job/Denver-Colorado/Assistant-Professor-of-Biology--Cluster-Hire_JR105923

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