Assistant Professor, in Discipline-Based Education Research in Biology

Position Information

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 31, 2025. Applications received after December 31, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Establish a vibrant research program supported by extramural funding in discipline-based education research in biology.
Develop a sustained record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Teach undergraduate courses in biological sciences, and at least one graduate course based on one’s research expertise that will enhance both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University of Rhode Island.
Employ evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies to ensure student success and retention, and support equity and inclusion, without regard to protected status or characteristics.
Provide advising, training, and research mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
Engage in outreach and service activities as well as governance within the Department, College, University, and broader scholarly community.

Qualifications Required

• Ph.D. in Biology, Biology Education, or related field by June 2026.
• Primary area of research in discipline-based education research (DBER) in biological sciences or related field.
• Record of excellent scholarship in discipline-based education research (DBER) in biological sciences or related field.
• Ability to work with diverse groups, and treat all persons with dignity, without regard to protected status or characteristics.
• Proficiency in oral communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in written communication skills in English.

PREFERRED

• Active participation in collaborative research.
• Success in obtaining funding through competitive grant programs (including graduate or postdoctoral fellowships and grants).
• Post-doctoral research experience at the time of application.
• Record of excellent teaching and mentorship.
• Evidence of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Commitment to foster equal opportunity for all undergraduate students without regard to protected status or characteristics.
• Expertise making research findings accessible to a broad audience through outreach, social media, and other mixed media outlets.
• Commitment to participate in professional service and outreach.

EEO Statement

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state’s public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status.

Department Information

Department: Biological Sciences
Contact(s): Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: https://jobs.uri.edu

Grant Funded

No

Extension Contingent on Funding Date

Not specified

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following 6 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:
(#1) Cover letter describing qualifications for the position and how you meet the minimum, and where applicable, preferred qualifications (as one complete document).
(#2) Curriculum Vitae, including information pertaining to the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position, and the names and contact information for three professional references (as one complete document).
(#3) Statement of research interests and future research plans, no more than 3 pages in length. The research statement should include the following: (1) a discussion of results and accomplishments in discipline-based education research (DBER) and/or STEM education (including funding applications, whether funded or not, and publications), and (2) future research plans in undergraduate biology education research (as one complete document).
(#4) Statement of teaching philosophy and interests, no more than 2 pages in length. The teaching statement should include the following: (1) a discussion of the philosophy that guides your teaching and your pedagogical approach; (2) how your research intersects with your teaching philosophy; (3) how your work promoting access to education for all intersects with your teaching philosophy; and (4) a plan for engaging and motivating students in a large lecture setting (as one complete document).
(#5) Diversity Statement – statement on promoting equal learning opportunity for students, no more than 2 pages in length.
(#6) Other Document – PDFs of up to three published or in-press papers (as one complete document).