Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics

Located in the vibrant community of Walla Walla, WA, Whitman College is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving roughly 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe.

About the Role

The Department of Biology and the Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (BBMB) Program seek applicants with expertise in molecular genetics for a joint tenure-track position beginning August 2027 at the rank of assistant professor. The standard annual teaching load is five courses, typically including:

• Lecture and/or lab courses in Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Introductory Biology
• Mentoring students as they prepare senior theses
• An elective course in your specialty area for students across Biology, BBMB, and the Brain, Behavior, and Cognition Program (BBAC)
• Courses that contribute to the college’s general education requirements

The Biology Department is excited about a new, collaboratively designed introductory series aimed at engaging and supporting a diverse pool of prospective life science majors. The college is committed to integrating authentic research experiences into the undergraduate curriculum and seeks candidates who will develop a research program to be carried out by undergraduates in Biology, BBMB, and BBAC.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community with access to shared instrumentation, collaborative colleagues, and strong institutional support for undergraduate research. The college provides a generous pre-tenure sabbatical program and professional development support for both research and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Teach five courses per year, including lecture, lab, and elective courses
• Mentor students in senior thesis preparation
• Develop and sustain an active research program involving undergraduates
• Participate in faculty governance, mentorship, or other service activities
• Advance equity and inclusion in classroom and scholarly practices

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (required at the start of the appointment)
• Expertise in molecular genetics
• Demonstrated potential to sustain an active scholarly or creative research agenda
• Commitment to teaching undergraduates, including majors and non-majors, at all levels of instruction

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance (with optional additional coverage)
• 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with matching contributions after eligibility
• Tuition remission for dependent children (after eligibility requirements)
• Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester
• Employee Assistance Program
• Relocation stipend for new faculty based on distance

Benefit offerings and eligibility are subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents.

Pay

Salary Range: $71,000 - $78,000