Assistant Professor of Biology - Plant Genetics / Biotechnology emphasis

Position Announcement

The Department of Biological Sciences at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position, emphasizing in Biotechnology. This position will start Fall Semester or August 2022. The Biological Sciences department houses degree options for students in the fields of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, and Natural Sciences, with BS degrees in Bioinformatics and Biology Secondary Education as additional options. Additional information about the department, faculty, and program offerings can be found online at https://biology.dixie.edu/ .

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credit hours of lower and/or upper division courses per academic year, plus provide institutional service as defined by University Policy and the College of Science, Engineering & Technology.
• Teach courses in upper-division biology and biotechnology, specifically courses in genetics, plant genetics, plant tissue culture techniques and micropropagation to support a newly developed biotechnology program. Additionally, teach introductory biology and biotechnology courses in a rotation for freshman biology & biotechnology majors and non-majors. Responsibilities also include the opportunity to develop innovative, upper-level courses that compliment and diversify the department's offerings.
• Work with Department Chair, Dean, Biotechnology program coordinator and other faculty in the Biological Sciences department on curriculum and program development.
• Perform defined campus-wide duties, including holding office hours, attendance at department and division meetings, service on committees, outreach programs, and other responsibilities as defined by university policy.
• Assist in mentoring, supervising, and assisting part-time instructors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Biology, with an emphasis in Plant Genetics/Biotechnology or a closely related field, required.
• Successful teaching experience at the college or university level, ideally with experience using active learning models of instruction, required. Preference will be given to candidates with teaching experience and those with a background in plant genetics, plant tissue culture techniques, micropropagation and biotechnology. Additional preference given to those with research experience with cannabinoids.
• Ability to develop innovative curriculum and appropriate course content for face-to-face instruction, flipped, hybrid, and online instruction; willingness to teach evening and summer courses, when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with other faculty, staff, and students and contribute to a collegial environment. Candidates should respect students and colleagues from all backgrounds, and should be an advocate for women, people of color, and other groups underrepresented in sciences.
• Ability to communicate clearly with students, staff, and colleagues orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to continually learn new skills, tools, and practices that are adopted by the professional and academic communities.
• Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary curricular and scholarly activities within the department, the College of Science, Engineering & Technology, and the University.
• Be strongly committed to the teacher-scholar model, maintaining high-quality teaching while also supporting research involving highly motivated undergraduates.

Supplemental Information

POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position. Faculty service begins August 2022, with pay & benefits starting July 1, 2022. Annual base salary of $54,000 - $56,000, depending upon qualifications & experience; additional compensation available for summer/overload teaching. Excellent benefits package included that begins on start date; includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance and wellness programs, life, disability, retirement, undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents, etc. See https://humanresources.dixie.edu/employee-benefits/ under 'Benefits Summary' for more details.

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Application review begins November 18 , 2021 ;position open until filled. Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (including email addresses), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (approximately one page, single-spaced, about their teaching or other experience, successes, and challenges in working with a diverse student population). Please upload all of the requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check. If, because of a disability, you need special services or facilities in order to apply for this opening, please call the Human Resources Office (435) 652-7520.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY: Dixie State University (DSU), soon-to-be-called Utah Tech University starting July 1, 2022, is an open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic institution committed to exceptional student learning and success. The university has adopted an instructional approach of 'active learning. active life' and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek faculty and staff committed to creating an active, applied and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, the university is located in picturesque southwestern Utah with its red rocks, desert climate, over 300 days of sunshine annually, and featuring easy access to world-class outdoor recreational opportunities. The nearest metropolitan area is Las Vegas, NV (120 miles), with amenities such as an international airport and professional sporting teams. Click here to learn more about the University.

DSU is a fast-growing Utah public institution of higher education, with more than 12,000 students. We offer over 230 programs, including masters, bachelors, associates, certificates, endorsements, minors, and/or emphases. DSU seeks to recruit and retain diverse and ambitious faculty and staff who bring new ideas, possess values and career aspirations aligned with the mission and vision, and are inspired to build a premier open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university. DSU is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer; the President and employees of DSU are fully committed to Affirmative Action and within its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Dixie State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or DSU’s non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Equity Compliance / Title IX Coordinator: Hazel Sainsbury - titleix@dixie.edu , HCC 579, 435-652-7747.
• Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Abby Del Giacco - titleix@dixie.edu , 435-652-7731.

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://titleix.dixie.edu/ or contact:

• U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, ocr@ed.gov , 800-421-3481.
• U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, ocr.denver@ed.gov , 303-844-5695.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.