Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow-Department of Biology

Founded in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution steadfastly committed to academic excellence through a dynamic core curriculum, a distinctive Development of Western Civilization Program, and abundant experiential learning opportunities. The only U.S. higher education institution administered by the Dominican Friars, PC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Providence College believes that cultural and intellectual pluralism is essential to the excellence of its academic programs, and strives to foster an academic culture and campus community reflecting the global environment in which we live and work.

The approximately 105-acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital city and is close to the many cultural and educational offerings of Rhode Island’s “renaissance city.” Additionally, Providence is located an hour from Boston and just a few hours from New York City.

For years, Providence College has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report “Regional Universities – North Category” and has been commended by several other ranking publications.

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title
Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow-Department of Biology

Rank

Tenure Information
Non-Tenure Track

Job Description

The Department of Biology at Providence College invites applications for a teaching and research postdoctoral training position. The position is initially for one-year with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The successful applicant will perform research under the direction of Dr. James Waters. The candidate will help and will teach one course per semester with mentorship from Dr. Waters and other faculty members. Courses may include an upper level laboratory course in physiology, an introductory general biology course, a non-majors biology course, and other related courses for biology majors. Candidates with a background in inclusive research and teaching, myrmecology, respiratory physiology, and collective behavior are encouraged to apply.

The Waters lab at Providence College, which is currently funded by a National Science Foundation ( NSF ) Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks (URoL:EN) grant, is seeking a Ph.D. level researcher who is interested in a postdoctoral teaching fellow position. The fellow’s responsibilities include 1) performing research in the Waters lab, which investigates the natural history, collective behavior, and metabolic physiology of ants including clonal raider ants (Ooceraea biroi), and 2) teaching one course per semester in the Providence College Biology Department.

Because the position includes significant independent teaching and the opportunity to mentor undergraduates performing research in the Waters lab, it is an excellent training opportunity for an individual interested in pursuing a tenure-track faculty position at a primarily undergraduate institution ( PUI ).

Funding for this position is available for two years, preferably starting in the Fall of 2023. Availability of this funding is contingent on identifying qualified candidates, particularly those who can contribute to the diversity and mission of the college.

Interested candidates should have a background in myrmecology, respiratory physiology, and data processing and management using the R programming language. The successful candidate will receive direct guidance in mentoring students, the development of new scientific skill sets, and career planning. In addition, funding is available to attend development workshops and conferences. Part of the project planning will include a roadmap for generating products that correspond with the candidate’s long-term career goals. The full postdoctoral mentoring plan associated with this research project is available upon request.

Essential Duties

Education and Experience Required

Applicants are required to have a Ph.D., a strong commitment to undergraduate education, and be able to work collaboratively with undergraduate students and other faculty members.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
F176P

Open Date
02/23/2023

Close Date
04/20/2023

Open Until Filled
Yes

Full consideration of application if received by:

Instructions to candidates

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their interest and relevant training, a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and contact information for up to three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin on April 20th, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information or to send application materials, please contact: Dr. James S. Waters, Biology Department, Providence College, Providence, RI 02918-0001 or jwaters2@providence.edu.

Alternate Application Submission Instructions

College Information/EOE Statement

Providence College is a Roman Catholic, four-year liberal arts college conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars and seeks candidates who can affirm and contribute to its Mission. An AA/ EOE, the College especially encourages the applications of women and persons of color.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Transcripts
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Teaching Statement / Philosophy

Optional Documents

1. Optional Document