Visiting Assistant Professor in Biology

Posting Details


Job Title Visiting Assistant Professor in Biology Rank Assistant Professor Classification Title Term Position Summary

The Department of Biology at New Mexico Highlands University Department invites applicants passionate about student success, teaching, and student research to fill one nine-month, Term Visiting Professor of Biology positions beginning in the Spring 2021 semester (January). Ideal candidate with teaching expertise and research areas in Ecology/Vertebrate Biology and Wildlife, are invited to apply.

As a member of the Highland’s community, you are also responsible for:
• Demonstrating a commitment to the university’s mission, vision, core values of excellence, diversity, accessibility, and responsiveness, and strategic goals.
• Understanding that as a staff member of NM Highlands University, you are considered a Responsible Employee under Title IX, and are expected to fulfill the responsibilities as such.
• Contributing to the overall success of your department and the university by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The biology program offers BS and BA degrees in Biology and a MS Degree in Natural Sciences with a concentration in Biology. The mission of the Biology Program is to provide students with a high quality education incorporating research experiences in the laboratory and in the field. The program is centered in student-centered learning pedagogical practices and provides a scientific and technical background that empowers students to successfully pursue science and technology careers or proceed to advanced graduate or professional studies. The faculty strives to make each student’s educational experience challenging and rewarding. All biology students seeking a BS are required to complete a capstone research project that provides a realistic perspective of biology and insights into scientific investigations. For a list of current biology faculty and links to their webpages see http://www.nmhu.edu/our-faculty/natural-sciences-faculty/.

New Mexico Highlands University is a regional comprehensive university with open enrollment providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. Highland’s new executive leadership team and faculty are committed to student success and improved retention and graduation rates.

Highlands serves approximately 2,200 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students on our main campus in Las Vegas, NM and at centers. The student population is diverse with more than 70% of students identifying as Hispanic, Native American, or African American coming from 42 states, 19 tribes, and 35 foreign countries. For more information about the university, visit the website at www.nmhu.edu.
Highlands University is located in historic Las Vegas, NM. Las Vegas is in the northeastern part of the state, where the Great Plains meet the southern Rocky Mountains. It lies just two hours north of Albuquerque and one hour from Santa Fe, the state capital. Santa Fe is home to many world class restaurants, excellent shopping, and noted cultural venues including the Santa Fe Opera. Las Vegas is an easy drive to Taos, Angel Fire, and other ski resorts. Founded in 1835, Las Vegas was for many years a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, and became a tourist destination after the arrival of the railroad in 1879. Many of the town’s architectural landmarks date from the late 1800s. Las Vegas offers hiking, art activities, biking, historical and cultural exploration, and fishing at nearby rivers and lakes. It is a frequent movie and TV location. Films include Red Dawn, Blind Horizon, All the Pretty Horses, Wild Hogs, No Country for Old Men, and Due Date. The Longmire television series is also filmed in Las Vegas. Las Vegas offers easy access to a wide variety of outdoor activities and venues including snow skiing, national forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate in this position is expected to teach a combination of entry level biology courses and upper division, or graduate courses within the candidate’s specialty (generally 24 credit hrs/academic). Successful candidates will also have to participate in service, advising, and course based research projects; as well as maintain regular attendance, and hold office hours. The candidate will be expected to provide department service such as and supervise Teaching Assistants, and supervise the functioning and equipment of the teaching laboratories

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in a biological science or related fields. ABD would be acceptable. Background in Ecology/Wildlife/Vertebrate Biology.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a biological science
• Experience with diverse student populations or underrepresented minorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and to one’s own professional development including training/experience in active, and cooperative learning teaching strategies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Typical knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the positions.

Work Location Las Vegas, NM Campus
Posting Number F220P Posting Open Date 05/05/2021 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete application must include 1) A one to two page letter of interest highlighting key experiences that make the applicant particularly suited for the position, 2) A one to two page statement of teaching philosophy highlighting training and expertise in active and cooperative learning strategies and techniques. 3) Curriculum vitae and, 4) Unofficial copies of advanced degree transcripts. Online application must include names, phone numbers, and e‐mail addresses of three (3) professional references. At least one reference must be able to comment directly on the applicant’s current teaching experience or potential for teaching. References will be contacted in conjunction with an on-campus interview and official transcripts should be requested upon acceptance of the on-campus interview. For more detailed information regarding the position you may contact: Dr. Jesus Rivas at Rivas@nmhu.edu. For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or TDD 505-454-3003. New Mexico Highlands University is an EEO Employer.

Quick Link https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/6560 Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
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2. * What is the highest level of education attained?
   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
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   • PHD
3. * What is your Philosophy for serving students?
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
4. * Please describe the attributes that will make you a strong candidate for this position
   
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Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/ Letter of Interest
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching Philosophy
4. Unofficial Transcripts Conferring Required Degree
5. Letter(s) of Recommendation

Optional Documents