Assistant Professor of Biology (Plant Biology)

Texas Lutheran University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month contract, tenure-track position in Biology to begin August 2023.  The Biology Department consists of 8 full-time faculty members and about 100 undergraduates majoring in one of five biology degrees. We seek a colleague whose interests complement and enhance our existing activities. 

Requirements for the position include:

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Biology or related field Expertise in plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant genomics, plant ecology, or a closely related field.
• Ability to teach an upper division plant biology course and first-year courses for biology majors
• Evidence of effective teaching and commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching
• The Biology Department currently has funding from a private foundation to support biological research and teaching on a 4000-acre ranch that is 15 miles from TLU.  The individual hired for this position will be expected to become involved in these currently funded activities, including an 8-week summer research program (with supplemental salary for the faculty member and the undergraduate students under their supervision).
• Oversee operations of a small greenhouse and herbarium of 8000 specimens.
• Commitment to continued professional development and advising of undergraduate students
• Ability to work collegially with other faculty members and staff in the department and across campus
• Understand and support of the mission of Texas Lutheran University

In our selection, preference may be given to candidates who also offer one or more of the following:

• Ability to complement the current strengths of the department
• Professional skills, experience, and/or the willingness to engage with our diverse student body
• Ability to teach other courses within their specialization that could include evolutionary biology, ecology and/or genetics.
• Ability to support and develop student internships in Biology

Texas Lutheran University, a Hispanic Serving Institution, seeks applicants who are eager to join a culturally diverse community of learning. Our student body, reflective of the diversity of the State of Texas, is well over 40% Hispanic, with a strong African American presence as well. Candidates who have professional skills, experience, and/or the willingness to engage in teaching, collaborative research, and community service with our diverse student body are particularly sought.

Salary is competitive, with excellent benefits. Texas Lutheran University is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA’s 26 colleges and universities value and practice academic freedom while preparing women and men for lives of leadership and service in a diverse world. For more information, consult our website at www.tlu.edu.

Texas Lutheran University has been consistently recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Texas Lutheran University (TLU) is an official U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” selection among regional colleges in the West, ranking second on the list for “Best Value,” and fifth overall. This is the eighth consecutive year TLU has been featured on the “Best Value” rankings. Other notable recognitions include TLU’s acknowledgment as a top 20 regional college for Social Mobility—the fourth year the university has appeared in this category.  

The University is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and is also subject to the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Texas Lutheran University is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion across all levels of the University. Candidates who believe they can contribute to this goal are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please submit a single PDF that contains the following:

• cover letter addressing the requirements of the position,
• curriculum vitae,
• 1–2 page statement of teaching philosophy that also addresses serving a diverse student population,
• 1–2 page statement of research interests that addresses adapting those interests to a smaller, undergraduate institution,
• unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and
• three professional references (names, email addresses, and telephone numbers).

Please send your submissions to:

biologysearch@tlu.edu

Stephanie Perez, Ph.D.

Chair of the Department of Biology

Texas Lutheran University

1000 W. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155

Phone: 830-372-6069

Review of applications will begin 26 October 2022, and will continue until the position is filled.