Biology-Chemistry Faculty

Position

John Brown University seeks a full-time Faculty member to teach in the departments of Biology and Chemistry beginning Fall of 2023. This position reports to the Biology and Chemistry Department Chairs.  Responsibilities include teaching lecture and laboratory courses in Biology, Chemistry and General Science, including Genetics. Teaching duties and courses are determined by the needs of the department and faculty experience and/or area(s) of expertise.  Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, advising and recruitment of students, participation in departmental governance, attendance and participation at public events, as appropriate, and service on college and university committees.

Programs

The Department of Biology offers courses designed to give students a broad foundation in the principles of biology as well as preparation in specific subdisciplines of biology. The approach taken by the department is to help students understand scientific methods and the key scientific facts, concepts, and theories of life processes, while emphasizing harmony with a Biblically-based worldview. The Chemistry program is a heavily mentored, thesis driven program. Students experience individual training on research grade analytical instruments, mentored teaching assistantships, enhanced chemical hygiene training, and mentored research projects. Students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry are well-prepared for a careers or graduate training in these disciplines. The Biology and Chemistry Departments offer pre-professional training for students interested in a wide variety of health-related careers such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistance, and public health. Additionally, these departments offer courses that fulfill the Natural Science component of the university Core Curriculum.

Institution

John Brown University’s mission is to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Founded in 1919, JBU is a Christ-centered, Biblically-faithful, interdenominational university that represents the best of Protestant evangelicalism in our commitment to the following theological principles: the fundamental human need for conversion and lifelong discipleship; the centrality of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for the redemption of human beings; high regard for, and obedience to, the Bible as our authority; and active involvement in a local church, in missions and in ministries that work for Biblical justice and serve people in need. At JBU, we seek to integrate faith and learning, foster holistic Christian formation, promote pragmatic liberal arts education, and prepare people to follow Christ’s call to serve others in all areas of life. All employees must affirm JBU’s Employee Expectations and Articles of Faith.

With more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 48 countries, JBU offers approximately 50 undergraduate programs, seven fully online bachelor’s degrees and 16 graduate degrees in business, education, cybersecurity and counseling. JBU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds program-specific accreditations from various agencies. More information is available at jbu.edu/accreditation.

JBU has benefited from stable and excellent leadership throughout the organization. President Chip Pollard started in 2004 and has led the organization in consistently meeting enrollment goals, completing two capital campaigns and launching a third, completing two strategic plans and launching a third, 17 major building projects, encouraging efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students, and navigating the educational and financial challenges of the pandemic successfully. He served on the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) board for thirteen years and as chair for five years. Most of the president’s cabinet has served for over 20 years, and all cabinet members have held volunteer leadership positions in the CCCU, ACSD, CIC, NACUBO, and other higher education associations. JBU’s board of trustees are people of deep Christian faith, generous spirit, and professional expertise, with an average length of service of 11 years. They are deeply committed to maintaining JBU’s mission to educate students to honor God and serve others.

JBU has experienced a season of God’s favor and blessing, for which we are grateful. In the last 20 years, JBU has received over $300 million in gifts and grants and has built or renovated over 90% of the university’s facilities. JBU has only about $4 million of debt on over $220 million of assets. During that same time, JBU’s endowment has grown from about $50 million to over $150 million, much of it dedicated to scholarships and academic programs and to support maintenance costs for new facilities. This financial strength has enabled JBU to retain excellent faculty and staff with consistent compensation increases and funds for faculty and staff development. JBU has not been not immune to the economic and cultural challenges facing higher education, but it is positioned better than many institutions to respond.

JBU has received national recognition from many national newspapers and industry journals. For instance, in seven out of the last eight years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has named JBU on its “high honor roll” in its “Great Place to Work” survey. Two out of the last three years, The Wall Street Journal has named JBU the best public or private university in Arkansas. We are typically in the top 10% in our category (master’s level universities in the South) in U.S. News and World Report rankings.

JBU is located in Northwest Arkansas, a region predicted to have the third fastest job growth rate in the country behind only Austin, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina. Three of the largest corporations in the world are located here—Walmart, Tyson Foods, and JB Hunt—and there is a growing technology, entrepreneurial, and art business ecosystem in the region. The quality of life is enhanced with a world-class art museum, Crystal Bridges, 25 miles from campus, over 400 miles of mountain biking trails, several state and national historic sites, parks, and large lakes, and a new $33 million whitewater rafting park just five miles south of campus. Siloam Springs has approximately 17,500 people with affordable housing and good private and public schools.

Required Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in a field related to Chemistry or Biology
• Must be able to teach sophomore-level Genetics (and associated lab)
• A commitment to teaching and to supporting teaching-related efforts
• A commitment to good chemical hygiene practices
• A commitment to the integration of faith and learning
• A commitment to working with a diverse population of students, faculty and staff
• A commitment to supporting a culture of scholarship Must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ

Preferred Qualifications

• A terminal degree in a field related to Chemistry or Biology
• Ability to teach Molecular Genetics
• Demonstrated experience in teaching
• Demonstrated experience with diverse populations

Salary

A competitive salary exists which will be commensurate with training and/or experience. In addition, JBU offers a comprehensive benefits package including 403(b) retirement plan, medical and dental insurance, tuition remission, leave related to the birth of a child, adoption leave, and moving expenses.

Important Dates

Position begins July 1, 2023. Screening process begins February 15, 2023, and continues until the position is filled.

Diversity

JBU desires to increase the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students to honor how all humans are created in the image of God, to reflect better the diversity of the Kingdom of God, to further our Christian commitment to justice, and to increase the quality of our educational experience. JBU is pursuing the goal of teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from ethnic minorities and women. For more information, visit our diversity webpage.