Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology

Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology

Department: Biology
Position: Full-time (10-month), tenure-track position with full benefits package
Salary:  Negotiable within the range established in the Collective Bargaining Agreement ($44,000 to $54,000)
Union Affiliation: MFPE
Posting Date:  December 2020
Start Date:  August 1, 2021

The Biology Department at the University of Montana Western seeks an innovative, passionate, science educator/researcher in the area of Biology. The University of Montana Western values diversity, so applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.  The position is a full-time, tenure-track appointment at the assistant or associate professor level. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a teaching approach that will take advantage of Montana Western’s unique immersion scheduling model (Experience One). This immersion-scheduling model, where students take and faculty teach a single course at a time, is the mission of the campus and an unparalleled opportunity for a talented and creative educator to merge research with undergraduate learning.

This position fills a critical role at the University of Montana Western and supports students from many different areas of study.  Initial teaching responsibilities will include Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions I and II, science majors’ and non-majors’ introductory biology courses and courses in the chosen candidate’s area of interest.  The exact area of expertise is not defined, but biomedical sciences, physiology, pathology, immunology, epidemiology or disease vector biology are some possible areas of interest that are appealing to the Biology Department.  The department is particularly interested in a candidate whose research interests will complement but be a unique addition to the department’s existing strengths in microbiology, ecology, parasitology, cell and molecular biology, and botany.  A strong ability to support various programs is expected and will include advising, writing student recommendation letters, providing student research opportunities and significantly contributing to departmental and university service activities.  The teaching load is 12 semester credits, which are typically taught during three of four blocks per semester. The fourth block is for conducting required professional development activities, such as research with undergraduate students, attending meetings or writing grant proposals and research papers.

The successful candidate will hold a doctorate in biology or a closely related field (ABD considered). The candidate should be an engaging and dedicated teacher who is committed to student learning and success. The research interests of the candidate should be able to accommodate undergraduate students that would like to pursue a biology research project.  In addition, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability, or strong interest in, experiential learning and innovative undergraduate education.  College-level teaching experience (including human anatomy and physiology) is highly preferred.

Application materials should include a letter of interest responding to this position description, a statement of teaching philosophy (< 2 pages), a statement of research interests (< 2 pages), a curriculum vitae including contact information for at least three professional references, and official or unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts. All application materials should be submitted as a single PDF file. Teaching evaluations may be requested at a later time. Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.   Application materials should be sent to:

Patti Lake
Personnel Officer
The University of Montana Western
710 South Atlantic Street
Dillon, MT 59725
patricia.lake@umwestern.edu

Inquiries can be made to Dr. Michael Morrow at (406) 683-7254; michael.morrow@umwestern.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate university with over 65 full-time faculty and 1,300 students. It is located in Dillon, Montana in the scenic Rocky Mountains and has been awarded numerous top national rankings for delivering high quality, affordable education.

Montana Western is the only public four-year college in the nation offering Experience One (X1), experiential learning delivered on the block schedule. Class sizes are small and students take a single course at a time, three hours each day for 18 days, before moving on to the next course. Each course is four credits and four blocks are offered each semester. The block schedule facilitates field and lab work, undergraduate research, study travel, and interdisciplinary teaching. Montana Western’s faculty strongly believe in mentoring and inspiring students, and assisting them in the transition from university life to professional careers.

The University of Montana Western is an integral part of the Dillon Community. With a population of 5,000 people, Dillon is known for outstanding public schools, safe environments, recreational opportunities, and an excellent quality of life.

The University of Montana Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from qualified women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. Qualified candidates may request veterans‚ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. Finalists for any position will be subject to a criminal background investigation.