Assistant Professor, Zoology

About the role

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) seeks an exceptional Assistant Professor of Zoology whose scholarship and teaching advance our department’s strengths in animal biology, ecology, evolution, biological variety, conservation, and related areas of biological science. The successful candidate will be a student-centered educator and an active scholar who integrates undergraduates and master’s students into a sustainable research program. FGCU is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning; committed to effective use of technology including distance learning; produce peer reviewed scholarship; and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region. The Department of Biological Sciences and FGCU provide unique opportunities for candidates interested in this position. On an average year, we support 900 undergraduate students and 15 to 25 Master’s students. Departmental faculty possess a wide range of scholarly interests to include molecular, genetic, and organismal pursuits as well as community-engaged research and SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning). Faculty also provide a variety of learning opportunities that run the range of Bloom’s taxonomy (from recall to creation) and, therefore, employ different approaches to include integrated lab-lectures, active-learning, and Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). Faculty, staff, and students also partner extensively with community members, which supports the university’s sustainability and service-learning goals. In addition, half of the campus is set aside as conservation areas, which creates a living laboratory for both teaching and research opportunities for the field and lab. This is a special place for people who want to connect their teaching, research, and service. The ideal candidates will complement departmental strengths; demonstrate the potential to secure external support; and show a clear commitment to pedagogy that elevates student success (e.g., active learning, CUREs, POGIL), mentoring, and collaborative engagement within and beyond the University. FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Responsibilities

• Teach 9 credit hours per semester of core and upper-level, and/or graduate courses in biology and related subjects.
• Plan, prepare, and teach assigned courses, including developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Deliver consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
• Maintain the highest standards of classroom instruction and engage in reflective self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement.
• Hold regular office hours and provide academic advising and individual support to students.
• Utilize the University's learning management system and other instructional technologies effectively.
• Collaborate with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program advancement.
• Ensure curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
• Establish and maintain an active research program, including opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.
• Demonstrate evidence of scholarly publication and grantsmanship.
• Engage in continued professional development and maintain professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
• Actively participate in departmental, college, and university committees and meetings.
• Contribute to community, institutional, and professional service in support of the University’s mission.
• Participate in faculty evaluation, student learning assessment, and required training activities.
• Communicate professionally and in a timely manner with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and excellence in all professional activities.
• Comply with University policies, procedures,