Assistant Professor in Biology Education

Assistant Professor in Biology Education

The Department of Biology at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic university, is currently accepting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biology Education beginning Fall 2024. We seek candidates interested in conducting research in biology pedagogy or biology education with an emphasis on higher education. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Biology, Biology Education, or a related field. A postdoctoral experience in Biology Education is recommended. The Biology department is part of the College of Arts and Sciences at SCU, which is entirely dedicated to undergraduate students. Therefore, ideal applicants must have experience and passion for teaching undergraduates and a strong record of scholarship with the potential to include undergraduates as research assistants. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate inclusive pedagogical practices that advance SCU’s goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and who provide evidence of experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students. The candidate should be prepared to teach Introductory Biology courses as well as additional upper-level or non-majors courses in their area of expertise.

Santa Clara is a Jesuit, Catholic, private university located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. Faculty are teaching scholars who balance a commitment to high quality instruction with active research programs and creative scholarship. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences are all undergraduates. Ideal candidates should, therefore, demonstrate potential for excellent undergraduate teaching and show promise in sustained research and scholarly publication, and service to the department, College and University, as well as an understanding and support of the University’s mission, identity, values, and goals.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach six undergraduate courses per year on the quarter system (i.e., two courses per quarter), successfully develop a research agenda that leads to peer-reviewed publications, and provide service to the department, College, University, and the profession.

The College of Arts & Sciences is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among the faculty and is currently conducting its third cluster hire in the area of Inequality & Social Justice. If the person hired for this position has research and teaching interests that are aligned with this program, they may be included in the Fall 2024 cohort. Participants in the cluster hiring program will receive mentoring, frequent group sessions that offer peer support, and access to an interdisciplinary intellectual community to help them with their scholarly and creative work.

Santa Clara University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to excellence through diversity and inclusion, and, in this spirit, particularly encourages applications from women, persons of color, and members of historically underrepresented groups. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Completion of the Ph.D. by the time of appointment.
2. Evidence of potential for effective and excellent university-level teaching in lower- and/or upper-division classes.
3. Evidence of a research program and promise of publication in the area of expertise.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that advance SCU goals of equity and support student success. Experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students. Postdoctoral experience in Biology education research.

Responsibilities:

Tenure track faculty at SCU are teaching scholars who are expected to balance teaching, research, and service. This is an in-person position. More specifically, duties include but are not limited to:

TEACHING

1. Teach lower- and upper-division courses in the major and University Core Curriculum, as assigned by the chair. These courses might include Introductory Biology courses, as well as upper-level or non-majors courses in their area of expertise. SCU is on the quarter system and a typical load is two courses per quarter. When teaching lab courses, a typical load is one lecture and two lab sections. Teaching responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
2. Conducting and appearing at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner that demonstrates a command of the discipline and skill in effective presentation.
3. Assigning and evaluating written work, projects, and exams that align with course or core learning objectives, and providing timely feedback to students.
4. Holding weekly office hours.
5. Assigning and submitting student grades that are appropriate, accurate, and fair measures of student performance to the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline.
6. Seeking regular student feedback and updating courses as appropriate.
7. Develop and teach courses that contribute to curriculum development in the relevant degree program and/or the University Core. Faculty teaching University Core Courses should follow an approved syllabus or work with the chair to design an appropriate syllabus for submission for approval from the relevant Faculty Core Curriculum Committee.
8. Assess student learning in their courses.
9. Provide informed advice and mentoring to undergraduate students.
10. Fulfill other instructional or academic duties as may be assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences or by the Chair of the Biology Department.

RESEARCH

1. Develop a research program at SCU that will result in the publication of peer-reviewed publications, monographs, and/or creative work per the Biology Department’s scholarship standards.
2. Candidates must demonstrate that their research program can accommodate the participation of undergraduates.

SERVICE

1. Provide effective service to the Department of Biology, the College, the University and profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship. This can include service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, leadership, and community service performed by virtue of professional expertise or association with the university as appropriate to rank and experience.

Starting Date: September 1, 2024

Application Deadline: November 1, 2023

Application Procedure:

Application materials should be submitted via WorkDay and must include (1) a cover letter that addresses how your expertise and experience aligns with the position; (2) a current curriculum vitae; (3) a research agenda highlighting how you will involve undergraduate students; (4) a teaching philosophy statement describing your approach to teaching and that highlights your prior teaching experiences; (5) a statement describing your experience and skills in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; and (c) the applicant’s understanding of the mission of Santa Clara, and how they might contribute to the College or University priorities; (6) the names and contact information of three references. Three letters of recommendations will be requested for candidates advancing beyond initial review. Applicants should identify in their application materials any areas of intersection between their teaching, research, and their diversity goals and the academic mission of Santa Clara University. Inquiries regarding the position may be emailed to Dr. Brian Bayless at

COVID-19 Statement:

The health and safety of the university community is a top priority. All Santa Clara University students, and employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or request a medical or religious exemption. Please visit our COVID-19 webpage for additional information.

Work Authorization:

A foreign national who is appointed to a tenured or tenure-track faculty position is eligible for sponsorship by Santa Clara University.

EEO Statement:

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender, and prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally.

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources, and 408-554-5750.

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