Assistant Professor of Biology

The Biology Department at Washington College welcomes applications from committed teacher-scholars with expertise in microbiology for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. Applicants who can contribute to courses in cellular and molecular biology and/or those who can contribute to the interdisciplinary Neuroscience or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology programs, will be given preference. Tenure expectations include teaching excellence, a pattern of productive scholarship leading to peer-reviewed publication, and effective participation in the shared governance of the College.  

A typical course load consists of two lectures and two labs each semester during the academic year (3/3 load). Courses taught will depend on the experience and training of the applicant, but will include majors-level introductory courses, microbiology, cellular/molecular biology, and advanced biology courses in the candidate’s area of expertise, with the possibility of a lab course for the general education curriculum. Faculty are also expected to mentor senior thesis students, periodically contribute to the college’s first year seminar program, and academically advise students.

• Required
  • a Ph.D. in microbiology, cellular biology or a related field. PhD must be completed by the start of August 2025
  • experience teaching lectures and/or labs at a college-level or comparable experience
  • ability to teach microbiology
  • track record of successful research
• Preferred
  • expertise that diversifies those of existing faculty in Biology
  • experience developing lectures and labs
  • track record of contributing service to previous institutions of employment, the greater scientific community, or your local/regional community

The faculty of the Biology Department are committed to rigorous and inclusive experiential education, development of innovative courses, and the potential for engaging students both within and outside the classroom. We provide numerous curricular and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities including short-term study abroad courses.  We pride ourselves on being a student-centered institution, focusing on student success in and out of the classroom.

We also value strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate clearly and engage with a diverse population of students, staff, and faculty. Individual laboratory space will be provided along with access to shared molecular, tissue culture, and microscopy suites. Candidates will also have access to a rooftop greenhouse, aquaculture facility, research vessel on the Chester River, and the River and Field Campus, a 4,700-acre mixed-habitat field station.

Founded in 1782, Washington College is a selective liberal arts college in the Chesapeake Bay watershed on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and was the first college chartered in the sovereign United States of America. Washington College invests in the success of its faculty through funding for travel and scholarship, support for curriculum development, and pre- and post-tenure leaves. Curricular development is further supported by the Cromwell Center for Teaching and Learning and a diverse community of passionate teacher-scholars. The quality of life is enhanced by a beautiful campus in historic Chestertown, ready access to the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay, and proximity to exciting cities (Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia).

How to apply:

Candidates wishing consideration need to submit all the following application materials:

• a letter of intent indicating how you will complement or expand the existing program
• a curriculum vitae
• a statement, not to exceed three pages, describing your teaching philosophy, research interests and future plans, and the ways in which you promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, mentoring, and/or outreach
• names of three professional references with contact information. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance to finalist interviews.

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 10^th, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Application materials must be submitted through the college’s employment portal.

Inquiries regarding this appointment can be directed to Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Jennifer Wanat (jwanat2@washcoll.edu).

Washington College values diversity within our students, faculty, and staff, and strives to recruit, develop, and retain talented people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Washington College does not discriminate in employment on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws. For information on Washington College’s Title IX compliance, please visit https://www.washcoll.edu/title-ix/ .

Employment is contingent upon completion of a successful background check and establishment of identity and verification of employment eligibility as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Washington College provides a competitive benefits package.

It is the policy of Washington College to provide reasonable accommodations. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact hr@washcoll.edu.