Assistant Professor of Biology

Job Title

Assistant Professor of Biology

Agency

West Texas A&M University

Department

Life, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Canyon, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Biology

West Texas A&M University, a Member of The Texas A&M University System located in Canyon, Texas, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position (plant ecology) in Biology. This full time (9 month) position at West Texas A&M University will include responsibilities in teaching (minimum of 9 ACH/semester), research, and service supportive of the wildlife biology, environmental science, and biology programs. Teaching duties will include existing and new courses within the successful candidate's area of expertise at the undergraduate and graduate levels, particularly related to the area of plant ecology. We seek candidates with research expertise in plant ecology or related area. The successful candidate will conduct research in some area of ecology; seek extramural funding; publish in genuine peer-reviewed journals; attend professional meetings; provide academic advisement to undergraduate and graduate students; and engage undergraduate and graduate students in research.  

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Teaching selected undergraduate and graduate courses including Plant Classification and others such as Ecology, Plant Ecology, Process of Science, General Biology, Botany and new courses based on candidate's interest, experience, and expertise. An exceptional candidate would have interest in and ability to teach Biometry.
• Incorporating field trips in relevant courses.
• Advising students on matters of degree plans, course scheduling, and other academic matters.
• Developing a research program that results in peer-reviewed publications and provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student participation.
• Providing professional service to the institution, academic field, and community.
• Contributing media (photos and video) in support of department’s academic media marketing (social media, web page).
• Recruiting students for undergraduate and graduate programs in Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences.

Necessary Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. in Biology or related area from an accredited institution. ABD will not be considered.
• Demonstrated interest and ability to teach a number of the courses listed above.
• Willingness to teach a minimum of 9 adjusted contact hours (ACH) per semester.
• Competency in research as evidenced by publications (full citations) in genuine peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and quantitative and computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in instruction
• Familiarity with modern ecological techniques/methodology and plant taxonomy.
• Experience in seeking/obtaining extramural funding (including documentation of awards and amounts).
• Demonstrated ability and skills in leadership, mentoring, and building teamwork.
• Experience/interest in developing collaborative research with other scientists, research centers and/or agencies and organizations.

Special Instructions:
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.   Position is available beginning in the spring or fall semester of 2024.

Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested applicants may apply at jobs.wtamu.edu.

Applicant Instructions:  

This section may be customized to meet specific requirements.  We will request the following items be included with their application:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three references

Please list additional documents you would like applicants to include:

Applicants must provide the following materials in order to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter describing your teaching, research, mentorship, and service.
• Curriculum Vitae, including full citations for publications, awards, and amounts.
• Summary of current and proposed research interests, including how the candidate plans to involve undergraduate students in their research program (limit 2 pages)
• Statement of teaching philosophy & interests.
• Contact information for three professional references.

West Texas A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Texas law requires that males, age 18 through 25, be registered w/Selective Service.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.