Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology - Plant

Position Summary:

The Biology Department at Adams State University invites applicants for a tenure-track assistant or associate professor position in plant biology. We are seeking a broadly trained plant biologist to join an engaged and vibrant faculty committed to excellence in undergraduate education. Primary responsibilities include teaching multiple upper-division lecture and laboratory courses in plant ecology, plant systematics, plant physiology, mycology, and/or vegetation management. Participation in lower-division biology courses, including general biology, non-majors biology, ecology or evolution may also be required. While we are primarily an institution focused on teaching excellence, tenure-track faculty are expected to maintain currency in their field and conduct scholarly or creative activity. The ability to involve undergraduate students in research is valued. Faculty also provide service to the department, university, and community. With small class sizes, a diverse student population, and opportunities for one-on-one mentoring, our campus environment lends itself well to those who are interested in being a positive influence in the lives of students.

Candidates should demonstrate that they possess (1) a commitment to student-centered instruction, 2) a knowledge of or willingness to develop skills in high-impact and inclusive pedagogy in the context of biology education, and 3) a plan for conducting research/scholarly activity at a primarily undergraduate institution. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse faculty, staff, and students within the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and across campus.

Start Date: The position is available to start August 2027

Mission of the Department

The biology program provides an inclusive and empowering education that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. We support and inspire students in their pursuit of scientific excellence through innovative teaching, research, and community engagement. We are committed to creating a diverse community of scholars who will lead with compassion, innovation, and a commitment to advancing both science and social equity.

We recognize that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they don’t match 100% of the job qualifications. Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology with a background in botany/plant biology; or ABD with expected completion date within 6 months of employment.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and student-centered learning.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, sensitivity to, and ability to work effectively with, the educational needs of individuals and groups with a diverse range of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities
• Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity of Adams State University’s student population, including students with different abilities (e.g. physical and or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity minded, inclusive practices within the classroom
• Demonstrated commitment to honesty, efficacy, and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level
• Knowledge of or experience with high-impact, active teaching strategies
• Commitment to undergraduate inquiry-based laboratory and field-based instruction
• Ability or experience working with historically under-served and/or underrepresented populations, and first-generation college students.
• Ability or experience in the recruitment and/or retention of underrepresented students, including students of color.
• Commitment to professional development, scholarship, and service to the university and community.
• Demonstrated self-awareness of one's own cultural beliefs, perspectives, and privileges as a part of one's orientation towards teaching.
• Demonstrated decision-making that is informed by research, data, and theory and that leverages students' unique cultures, experiences, and background as strengths.

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50,469-$63,086 for the assistant professor level and $58,862-$73,578 for those with experience at the associate professor level. Salary offers will be based on experience and education. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit our Human Resources Benefits Page. 

How to Apply: 

All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State University’s Workday application portal.

No other format of application material will be accepted.

Required Documents:

Completed applications should include the following:

• A detailed cover letter of application addressing teaching interest/experience as well as how professional interests and goals align with Adams State’s vision and values.
  • We encourage applicants to discuss their ability to teach the courses listed above ○ We encourage applicants to discuss their commitment to scholarly and/or creative excellence.
  • Additionally, we seek to learn how scholarly excellence is interwoven with their approach to service, teaching, mentoring, and affirming diverse perspectives.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Statement: (include sample course syllabi) in addition to describing your approach to teaching in general, please address the following questions:
  • What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting students who have been historically marginalized in biology?
  • What role should faculty play in student success?
• Informed Response regarding Adam State’s Commitment to People, Place and Perspective.
  • People: An understanding of, and commitment to, the people who study, work, lead and help or have helped shape our university.
  • Place: An understanding of our university's geographical and historical context within the San Luis Valley region and commitment to the unique opportunities and responsibilities that come with being part of this place.
  • Perspective: An understanding of the intersecting perspectives that define our university’s resilience, grit, strength, and innovation from being a low-income, first generation, and Hispanic-serving, rural anchor university and commitment to intentionally supporting individuals who possess these characteristics. ○
    • Please address the following:
      • Your understanding of Adams State’s history, the people who occupy it, and the place in which it is located and how you will contribute to our unique university environment.
        • Articulate how your understanding of our location in the San Luis Valley, with its unique challenges, and its realities, such as scarce resources, rurality, the land and geography, and current and historical occupants will be manifested in your approach to teaching, research, and service.
        • Share your understanding of the unique characteristics that make up our university such as First-Generation, Low-Income, Hispanic Serving, and being a rural anchor university, and how those perspectives influence your role as a faculty member. Please give specific examples from your experiences in the classroom, or in your teaching and mentoring experience(s), or other relevant experiences from your life that inform your perspective(s).
• Unofficial photocopies of graduate transcripts. Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.
• Four professional references: name, job title, and contact information (email, phone).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For priority consideration, please apply by Nov. 9, 2026. Questions and inquiries can be directed to: Dr. David Bertolatus dbertolatus@adams.edu

Adams State University is committed to building and expanding the talent of its professional staff and actively seeks qualified applicants who bring unique perspectives, experiences, skills, and attributes that can augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff and can contribute to serving and preparing our students to engage and thrive in their learning, leadership, and service.

We strive to create a more representative workforce that mirrors the people who study, work, and lead our institution and welcome applications from candidates from all walks of life, especially members of communities who fall within state and federally protected classes such as: women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities.

We value qualified candidates, with varied language skills, who have a record of successful experience with varied communities and student populations, and who have a deep understanding of and commitment to the unique geographical and historical characteristics of the place we are situated in and the intersecting perspectives that define our university being a low-income, first-generation, and Hispanic-serving, rural anchor university. Therefore, we seek individuals committed to intentionally supporting students and colleagues who possess these characteristics through their teaching, service, and scholarship.

The successful candidate will join a campus that is dedicated to inclusive excellence and acknowledges Adams State’s purpose to foster the educational goals of its students and the well-being of the surrounding community.

Additional information about the university and the academic mission may be found at www.adams.edu/academics/
 

Disclosures:

In compliance with the Immigration Control Act of 1968 candidates for positions must provide proof of eligibility to work before an offer of employment can be made final.

Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to protecting its funds, property and other assets. Well-informed hiring decisions contribute to this effort. Therefore, Adams State University has adopted a policy on background screening for its prospective, continuing, and returning employees as well as students in certain circumstances. Offers of employment will be contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. The information received in response to a background check will be treated as confidential to the extent provided for by law.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Adams State University (ASU) may be directed to ASU's Office of Equal Opportunity, and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Support resources for sexual misconduct, ASU's  sexual misconduct policies, contact information for the Adams State University's Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, as well as a detailed  procedure for filing a grievance due to discrimination on the basis of sex may be found online at  https://www.adams.edu/administration/oeo/reporting-sexual-harassment/.  These  procedures also describe the University's response to reports and/or complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.  

Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability, and, as covered by law, veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression, marital status, and parental status.