Assistant Professor of Instruction - Biology

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Full Consideration Date:

Job Description:

The University of Northern Iowa’s Department of Biology seeks applications for an Assistant Professor of Instruction position with expertise in evolutionary biology. This is a full-time, two-year term position starting in August 2027, with the possibility of renewal. We are looking for a successful candidate who will expand and enrich the biology curriculum, contribute to undergraduate and graduate education, and participate in departmental service. Evolutionary biologists with any taxonomic specialization are encouraged to apply. For more information on the Department of Biology visit chas.uni.edu/biology.

Responsibilities:

The standard teaching load is twelve total classroom/prep/lab contact hours per week. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in a general biology core course with a large lecture and lab sections; an upper-level Evolutionary Biology lecture; a discussion-based sophomore-level Evolution, Ecology and the Nature of Science course; and additional course(s) within the candidate's area of expertise. This position will also contribute to curriculum development; employ evidence-based teaching practices; and participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities.

Education Requirements:

Master's degree in biology required. 

Required Qualifications:

Demonstrated success for excellence in teaching evolutionary and organismal biology required. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D.; at least two semesters of experience as an instructor at the college level; experience integrating research into coursework and student mentorship; courses in the candidate’s area of expertise that complement the Biology Department’s needs; and strong mentoring skills on undergraduate student research preferred. 

Position Details:

Job Category: Faculty

Type of Position: Term

Service Schedule: Academic Year

For more information, please contact Ai Wen, Search Committee Chair, at ai.wen@uni.edu. Pre-employment background checks required.

Applications Instructions:

All application materials received by November 6, 2026, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:

1) Curriculum Vita

2) Cover letter addressing qualifications

3) Statement of Teaching Philosophy and Research Experience, including approaches to teaching evolution and organismal biology

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, make sure that all required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.

Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.

If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.

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