Assistant Professor of Biology (Ecologist/Evolutionary Biologist)

Southwestern University

With an anticipated start date of August 2025, the Department of Biology at Southwestern University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in ecological/evolutionary biology with teaching and/or research experience in genetics. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a full undergraduate course load (3-2 or 2-3) that annually includes an upper-level course in Genetics with a lab. Additional teaching contributions will rotate between upper-level course(s) in the candidate’s area of expertise, contributions to the general education curriculum and offerings of our core courses in introductory biology, biological methods and a senior capstone. The successful candidate will also be expected to actively contribute to university and departmental service and participate in academic advising and retention initiatives.

The Department of Biology and Southwestern University are committed to recruiting candidates who both excel in teaching and research/creative work and can best serve our diverse student population. As of the spring 2024 semester, 38% of students enrolled at Southwestern were members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education and we are committed to further increasing and supporting the diversity of our students, faculty, and curriculum. The Department seeks candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to, and will take an active role in, enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity across the University, including fostering a sense of community and belonging for students.

To apply, candidates should submit the following information by September 20, 2024, to Interfolio apply.interfolio.com/152517:

• an up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• a cover letter (1-2 pages) that describes your particular interest and suitability for a career at an undergraduate-only, small liberal arts college characterized by active learning and interdisciplinary thinking;
• a statement (1-2 pages) of teaching experience and philosophy that includes brief descriptions of at least two upper-level undergraduate courses besides Genetics that you would be interested in teaching;
• a statement (1-2 pages) providing specific and detailed information about how you have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion through your teaching practices, research, and/or service experiences within the college or university setting;
• a statement (1-2 pages) of your past research experiences and accomplishments and future research plans involving undergraduates; and
• the names/contact information for three references

Additional information could be requested at a later stage in the search. Email and paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related discipline by August 1, 2025. Review of applications will begin in late September 2024, and will continue until final candidates have been selected for on-campus interviews planned for November. The search will remain open until the position is filled. For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Martín Gonzalez, Chair of the Search Committee, at gonzale2@southwestern.edu.

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution located in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student–faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, such as study abroad, internships, and faculty-student research. A member of the recently formed Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance, Southwestern is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in academia. Additional information about the university can be found at our website:

www.southwestern.edu.

Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating. Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds - including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities - are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time appointment begins. Sponsorship for an employment-based visa may be an option depending upon university needs and the applicant’s qualifications.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Southwestern University is an E-Verify Employer. EOE/M/F

Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds* are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community. Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating.

*including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/  and contains mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.