Biological Sciences - Assistant Professor - Tenure/Tenure Track - 521545

Department/Organization
204411 - Biological Sciences

Rank
Assistant Professor

Position Summary
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, invites applications for a tenure-track position in Biology Education. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an active, extramurally funded research program in biology education research, and to participate in undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Detailed Position Information
Biology Education Position, Biological Sciences

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, invites applications for a tenure-track position in Biology Education. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an active, extramurally funded research program in biology education research, and to participate in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Teaching responsibilities for this position may include Principles of Biology I & II, Honors General Biology, General Ecology Lab, and a graduate-level Pedagogy in the Biological Sciences course. We seek an individual with training in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and someone who will engage in biology education research, ideally focused on biology teaching assistant teaching professional development. As a faculty member, the successful candidate will also be expected to serve on various committees in the Department and College of Arts and Sciences and participate in undergraduate advising. Preference will be given to applicants with non-traditional terminal degrees, including Doctor of Arts.

The Department of Biological Sciences has approximately 1,800 undergraduate students pursuing BS degrees in biology, microbiology, and marine science. In addition, the department has approximately 130 graduate students enrolled in Biology MA and MS, Marine Biology MS, and Biology PhD programs.

The University of Alabama is the state’s flagship public university with an R1 rating for research activity. UA enrolls over 38,645 students. UA has ranked among the top 70 public universities in the nation by U.S. World and News Report’s annual college rankings for more than a decade and has produced 62 Goldwater Scholars, 16 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 41 Hollings Scholars, and 17 Boren Scholars. The University of Alabama is also a leader among public universities nationwide for enrollment of National Merit Scholars with more than 1,088 currently enrolled. UA was named a Top Producing Institution for Fulbright U.S. Student Awards for the sixth time in eight years. There are currently 35 faculty who have received NSF Career Awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of top-performing young scientists. UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of over 268,000, with a vibrant economy, an innovative and progressive community, and an excellent quality of life. It offers exceptional educational, cultural, sports, and recreational opportunities to faculty and their families. Tuscaloosa also provides easy access to mountains and water recreation, tremendous biodiversity, and is one hour from Birmingham, three hours from Atlanta, and five hours from the Gulf Coast.

Questions about the position should be addressed to the interim department chair, Dr. John Friel ([email protected]). To apply, go to https://careers.ua.edu , complete the online application (Job #521545), and upload: (1) a cover letter; (2) a CV; (3) a one-page statement of research; (5) a one-page statement of teaching interests and philosophy; (6) a one-page statement on how your experience, background, and/or interests have shaped your approach to teaching, research, and service; and (7) a list of three to five references (including contact information). Letters of reference will be requested as needed. Consideration of applications will begin January 3, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Before hiring, the final candidate must pass a pre-employment background check. The start date is August 16, 2024. Additional information about the Department of Biological Sciences and this position can be found on our website at http://bsc.ua.edu . The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Statement for Joint Advert: The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

Minimum Qualifications
The successful candidate will be expected to develop an active, extramurally funded research program in biology education research, and to participate in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Teaching responsibilities for this position may include Principles of Biology I & II, Honors General Biology, General Ecology Lab, and a graduate-level Pedagogy in the Biological Sciences course. We seek an individual with training in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and someone who will engage in biology education research, ideally focused on biology teaching assistant teaching professional development. As a faculty member, the successful candidate will also be expected to serve on various committees in the Department and College of Arts and Sciences and participate in undergraduate advising. Preference will be given to applicants with non-traditional terminal degrees, including Doctor of Arts.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Questions about the position should be addressed to the interim department chair, Dr. John Friel ([email protected]). To apply, go to https://careers.ua.edu , complete the online application (Job #521545), and upload: (1) a cover letter; (2) a CV; (3) a one-page statement of research; (5) a one-page statement of teaching interests and philosophy; (6) a one-page statement on how your experience, background, and/or interests have shaped your approach to teaching, research, and service; and (7) a list of three to five references (including contact information). Letters of reference will be requested as needed.

About the Division/College/School
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.

As the largest college at The University, we house over 8000 students and 1000 faculty and staff across our 25 departments.

With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression.

The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning.

About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.

It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.

With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf