Assistant Professor of Science Education

Position Title:

Assistant Professor of Science Education

Compensation:

$65,000 - $72,000

Department:

Biology

Start Date:

08/16/2027

About this opportunity:

The Ball State University Department of Biology, in collaboration
with the STEM Education Center, is seeking applications for a
tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Science Education
beginning August 2027. This is a full-time, on-campus, nine-month,
benefit-eligible position offering a competitive salary.

Employer will consider sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you will bring:

Position Function:

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses within
science education, including secondary and elementary methods
courses as well as a biology content course for elementary
educators. There may be opportunities for teaching other
undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising student teachers,
or supporting programs in local school districts through our
professional development school relationships.

The successful candidate will also develop an externally funded,
science education research program, ideally engaging undergraduate
and graduate students while complementing and collaborating with
current faculty in the Department of Biology and the STEM Education
Center.

The strongest candidates will bring accomplished K-12 experience,
engagement with local schools, and a record of peer-reviewed
publications supporting a well-defined science education research
program with strong potential for external funding.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Will teach undergraduate courses in science education for secondary
and/or elementary teachers. The teaching assignment may include:
Introduction to Science Teaching, Methods of Secondary Science
Teaching, Curriculum & Research, and Using Science Methods and
Materials. Methods courses are paired with field experiences, and
address planning, instruction, and assessment in the science
classroom, among other topics. Typical load is 3 courses (9 credit
hours) per semester.

Department, Facilities, and Support

The Department of Biology comprises 30 full-time faculty, including
multiple faculty focused on science education, and offers the BS in
Biology, the MS in Biology, and the PhD in Environmental Sciences.
The Ball State STEM Education Center is the home of the
interdisciplinary Teaching Major in Science, with concentrations in
middle school science, chemistry, Earth/space science, life
science, and physics. The successful candidate will have access
to:

Foundational Sciences Building. The Department of Biology is
housed within the Foundational Sciences Building, which includes
more than 70 teaching and research labs, specific labs for science
education methods courses, additional space for collaboration and
conferencing, and Foundational Sciences Research Library. This
building, completed in 2021, is a beautiful campus space for
research, collaboration, and teaching.

STEM Education Center. The
Ball State STEM Education Center serves as a STEM education hub
and involves an interdisciplinary network of faculty. The Center
supports STEM teacher preparation, community engagement, K-12
school partnerships, and STEM education scholarship. The Center’s
mission is to expand access to high-quality STEM teaching, prepare
the next generation of outstanding STEM teachers, and position Ball
State as a state and national leader in STEM education.

Local School District Partnership. Ball State University has
a formal partnership with the Muncie Community Schools district
that provides collaborative opportunities for scholarship, outreach
and engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

• Evidence of K-12 science education research demonstrated by at

least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or previous teaching K-12 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 / professional development (e.g., peer-reviewed
publications, conference presentations, postdoctoral research, or
comparable scholarly accomplishment).

• Experience applying for external research grants (funded

proposals are an additional strength).

How to apply:

Questions about the position may be directed to Tim Carter,
tccarter@bsu.edu, Chair of the Department of Biology.

Please follow upload instructions to attach all of the required
supporting documents listed below: NOTE: Do not use the
Autofill feature for resume:

Applications should include:

• Cover letter addressing the stated responsibilities and

qualifications.

• Curriculum vitae
• A research statement (2 single-spaced page max).
• A teaching statement (2 single-spaced page max).

Applications must be received by November 19, 2026, at 12:01
AM.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing
professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why
we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid
parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant
moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust
long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of
retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your
family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and
personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of
your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or
children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer
is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do
our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a
calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.

Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and
download our calculator spreadsheet.

Relocation Program: MakeMyMove

Looking for a place where your career, community, and quality of
life can grow together? Muncie and Delaware County offer the
advantages of a university community with the accessibility and
affordability of a mid-sized city—short commutes, local arts and
culture, parks and trails, educational opportunities, healthcare,
athletics, and a strong sense of connection.

Through the City of Muncie’s
MakeMyMove program, eligible new residents may access
relocation incentives, university-related benefits, co-working
options, and community-building opportunities designed to help them
get settled and connected.

Current benefits for eligible participants may include:

• Up to $5,000 cash for relocation
• Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
• Access to the Ball State University Library
• One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
• Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets
• Help desk for connecting to local resources
• Opportunity for board participation
• Six-month YMCA membership

Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility
requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should
review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility,
available benefits, and program status.

Ball State’s support for relocation resources and community
partnerships aligns with Destination 2040:
Our Flight Path , the University’s strategic plan. The plan
calls our University to work with community partners to promote
talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East
Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of
the communities we serve.

Explore the program and check your eligibility through
MakeMyMove .