Assistant Professor, Biology

About the role

The Department of Biological Sciences at Butler University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position starting in August 2027. We are searching for a broadly trained vertebrate ecologist. Experience in the areas of form and function, and quantitative or computational methods would be viewed favorably.

Responsibilities

• Teach major courses in organismal biology including those in the applicant’s specialty (e.g., ornithology, ichthyology, mammalogy, functional morphology, comparative vertebrate anatomy, etc.)
• Teach introductory classes in ecology and evolution, biostatistics, an occasional senior Capstone, and Core Curriculum courses for non-majors
• Sustain a research program involving undergraduates

For this position, the typical teaching load is 9 credit hours (two laboratory courses) per semester, which is approximately 12 contact hours per semester.

Requirements

• Candidates must have a PhD by the time of appointment in biology, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated commitment to evidence-based and engaged-learning pedagogies
• Commitment to building an inclusive classroom environment for an increasingly diverse student body
• Commitment to engagement and inclusion of students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences

Qualifications

• Cover letter discussing qualifications for and interest in the position, including previous experience with and commitment to inclusive and evidence-based pedagogy
• CV
• Statement of teaching interests that highlights strategies for inclusive and evidence-based pedagogy
• Statement of research interests with plans for a program of research involving undergraduate students
• Transcripts of graduate work or other evidence of terminal degree(s) (unofficial is acceptable for candidate review)
• List of 3 professional references, including name, title, and contact information

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation. Finalists will be required to submit official transcripts and to undergo a background check.

Research support

Butler has an established undergraduate research program supported by institutional funds, including internal research funds and equipment funds, the Butler Summer Institute to support summer student research, and the annual Undergraduate Research Conference. There are also funds available to support faculty and student travel to conferences. Start-up funds are available for this position.

About the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences at Butler University is a collaborative department made up of approximately 20 full, associate and assistant professors, lecturers and staff with a variety of interests and backgrounds. The department is housed in Butler’s new Science Complex, which includes:

• State-of-the-art microscopy suite with a spinning disk confocal microscope and research grade fluorescent microscopes
• Quantitative PCR equipment
• Brand-new vivarium
• Growth chambers
• Greenhouse
• Newly renovated herbarium
• 3-acre demonstration prairie
• Proximity to other natural areas, computing resources, and fully mediated classrooms for teaching