Biology, Full-Time, Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor

Position Overview

Teaches, advises and mentors students, evaluates student performance, and maintains department and student records in accordance with university policies. Adheres to the educational philosophy of the university. Works in a collaborative manner with colleagues and professional peers. Teaching, research, departmental/school and university service are expected. Engages in teaching, service, and scholarly and/or creative activities as defined by the tenure and promotion policy in the UCO Employee and Faculty Handbook. This position is a full-time, tenure-track position. The Department of Biology at the University of Central Oklahoma is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse faculty and to creating a welcoming environment for all. Individuals from under-represented groups in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.  Preference given to applicants prior to November 25, 2023.

College/Department Overview

The College of Mathematics and Science currently has 135 full-time and over 70 part-time faculty in 6 academic departments and the School of Engineering. The College serves more than 3,000 undergraduate students in 29 majors and provides graduate programs in Biology, Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Applied Mathematical Science, Engineering Physics, and Nursing.  Accreditation/Certification is held by ABET, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the American Board of Funeral Service Education, and the American Chemical Society. UCO is an institutional member of the Council on Undergraduate Research. For further information see our website at http://www.uco.edu/cms.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions

The Biology Department at the University of Central Oklahoma, as a metropolitan institution serving a diverse student body, has a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education through transformative learning and research. The department invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Biology, with an emphasis in invertebrate zoology, who is committed to excellence in teaching and collaborative student-centered research. Primary areas of teaching responsibility include introductory Biology courses for majors, invertebrate zoology, aquatic ecology, and other courses as needed. The department has a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education through transformative learning and research, and approximately 12,000 catalogued invertebrates in the natural history collection. Candidates are expected to develop an active research program featuring undergraduate research participation, with Master’s level research projects encouraged. Duties include teaching day/evening undergraduate/graduate classes in various formats, research and scholarly activities, and service to the department, college, and university. Duties include teaching undergraduate Biology courses, scholarly activities, and service to the department, college, and university appropriate to rank and appointment. The successful applicant will have a clear plan for cultivating discipline-specific research involving undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds and demonstrate a willingness to contribute to mentoring and/or teaching master’s level graduate students. 

Qualifications/Experience Required

An earned doctorate degree in Biology or related field awarded by a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution in the field specified in the position announcement (exceptions require Academic Affairs approval). ABD considered, but the doctorate must be completed by August 1, 2024. **NOTE** If the doctorate is not obtained and submitted by the time of employment, the position rank will change to TT-Instructor. Demonstrable oral and written communication skills required.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

Previous Experience teaching Biology and related courses at the undergraduate level. Individuals with research background in invertebrate zoology, aquatic ecology, and experience in managing invertebrate natural history museum collections are especially encouraged to apply.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with other faculty and staff.  Reports to the Chair of the Department and the Dean of the College.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.