Assistant Professor of Biology/Cellular/Molecular Biology

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

The WKU Department of Biology invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track eligible, faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor in Molecular/Cellular Biology. Candidates for the Molecular/Cellular Biology position will investigate prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells in areas including, but not limited to, cellular signaling, cell-cell interactions, organelle biology, intracellular trafficking, bioinformatics, and/or gene expression, sharing their experience with mining genomic/transcriptomic data or other bioinformatic skills with our students.

The successful candidate will deliver high-quality instruction in both undergraduate and graduate courses, including courses in the Biology Department's pre-health curriculum, based on the expertise of the candidate. Courses to be taught may include introductory biology, molecular/cellular biology for undergraduates and graduate students, bioinformatics, and upper-level courses in area of specialty. The position will require development of an active, biomedically-relevant, research program attractive to M.S. students and to undergraduates in our pre-health programs, as well as career and academic advisement of pre-health professions students. The KY INBRE program provides a network of support for biomedical researchers and educators within the Commonwealth of Kentucky and presents many opportunities for collaboration as well as competitive funding programs. Opportunities are also available to collaborate on clinical research projects with physicians, residents, and fellows of Med Center Health and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine - Bowling Green Campus.

Requirements:

• Completion of a Ph.D. in Biology or related discipline by time of application 
• A record of publishing relevant research in peer-reviewed journals and of writing grant proposals
• Evidence of strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills
• Evidence of enthusiasm for teaching and working with undergraduate and graduate students

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU''s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at joshua.hayes@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Ena Demir, who can be contacted via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by September 19, 2022, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Cover letter describing candidate's interest in and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts from the Ph.D.-granting institution
• Separate statements about (1) teaching interests, (2) research goals and objectives, and (3) experience with or dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  All documents must be in pdf format.

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.