Visiting Assistant Professor - Biological Sciences

Central Washington University is recruiting a Visiting Assistant Professor to join our Biological Sciences team in Ellensburg, Washington. This campus-based position plays a key role in enhancing the university’s vision and directly impacts student lives.

About the University

Central Washington University is a dynamic community committed to Changing Students' Lives. Our 380-acre campus functions like a mini city, offering robust academics, libraries, athletics, dining, conferences, recreation centers, housing, health services, and public safety for a population of ~8,300 students. CWU has been recognized as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution (2022-2023) and has received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for seven of the past eight years. RentCafe also ranked CWU #13 among the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

About the Role

The Biology Department seeks a non-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor for a 9-month position with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will teach face-to-face courses primarily serving biology majors and students interested in health-related sciences, including:

• Introductory biology sequence for majors
• Genetics
• Anatomy and physiology for majors

The role emphasizes rigorous, student-centered instruction and contributions to the department’s commitment to engaging students from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in biology and health-related sciences for majors and non-majors.
• Contribute to the department’s mission of student-centered instruction.
• Support CWU’s commitment to access, opportunity, and student success.

Requirements

In your cover letter, address how you meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Earned Master’s Degree by September 15, 2026, in one of the following fields:
  • Human Biology
  • Genetics
• Excellent teaching abilities.
• Willingness to teach a wide range of courses at all levels and modalities.
• Preparation to contribute to CWU’s commitment to engaging students from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

In your cover letter, address the following preferred qualifications if applicable:

• Earned PhD by September 15, 2026.
• Experience or interest in biological sciences.
• College or university teaching experience.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment and/or utilizing diverse teaching methods for broad student success.
• Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
• Commitment to improving access to higher education through teaching and/or mentoring.

Skills

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of work, acknowledges and corrects mistakes, and meets deadlines.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions and determines appropriate courses of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing needs and recovers quickly from setbacks.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values individual uniqueness and fosters an environment of respect and empowerment.

Benefits

CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Retirement and optional savings plans.
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents.
• Discounts across town.
• Employee Assistance Program for individualized counseling.
• Wellness incentive program.

Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

Pay

Annual Salary: $56,000 - $66,000, based on a full-time, nine-month appointment. Individual placement within the range is determined by experience, education, skills, and abilities.

Schedule

• Temporary, non-tenure-track, 9-month appointment (mid-September through mid-June).
• Additional summer teaching may be available.
• CWU operates on the quarter system.