Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Biology

The Department of Biology at Denison University invites applications from broadly trained biologists with a PhD and expertise in an “omics”-related field (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) for a full-time, tenure-track position beginning fall 2023. The specific area to which omics is applied is open and may include, but is not limited to, neuroscience. Successful candidates will possess a strong potential for excellence in teaching and the capacity to develop a productive, omics-focused research program that engages undergraduates. 

One of the ways Denison University is committed to facilitating the inclusion and success of groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM disciplines is by increasing faculty diversity. Our commitment to being an antiracist and diverse learning and working community is essential to our educational mission. Individuals who identify as underrepresented in STEM disciplines are especially encouraged to apply.

Biology faculty routinely teach a combination of introductory “core” courses and upper-level electives each year. The annual teaching load is three combination lecture + lab courses (two courses one semester and one course the other semester), typically capped at 18 to 24 students per course. The candidate for this position is expected to teach the introductory course Molecular Biology and Unicellular Life (BIOL 210). While it is an infrequent occurrence, biology faculty should also be capable of teaching at least one of the other two introductory courses (Multicellular Life BIOL 220; Ecology & Evolution BIOL 230). The candidate is expected to routinely offer at least two distinct upper-level elective courses, at least one of which should be “omics”-focused. Existing course offerings that the candidate might offer include Genomics (BIOL 350), Genetics (BIOL 325), and Computational Biology (BIOL 309), although candidates are invited to propose new courses that are not currently part of our curriculum. Additional teaching opportunities in Denison's Neuroscience program such as the Senior Capstone Seminar (https://denison.edu/academics/neuroscience) or designing new courses to be crosslisted into Neuroscience are also available. In their application materials, applicants should address their capacity to contribute to course offerings, including an indication of their two proposed upper-level elective courses. Information about our program, curriculum, and teaching mentorship can be found at https://denison.edu/academics/biology/degree-requirements, http://denison.edu/academics/biology/courses, and https://denison.edu/academics/teaching-center.

In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will develop their own productive research program. Denison offers competitive start-up funds, annual faculty development funding, supplemental research funds, a generous sabbatical leave program, and a junior faculty leave following a successful third year review (https://denison.edu/academics/teaching-center/funds-fellowships-sabbaticals). Denison encourages and supports collaborative research with students. During the summer, Denison and several affiliated funding agencies provide research and housing stipends for the support of undergraduate research students, including faculty stipends ($4,000 for working with one student, an additional $1,500 for working with a second student, and an additional $500 for each additional student). Research with students during the academic year is also supported with funding available from various internal sources. In their application materials, applicants should address their plans for research at Denison. The successful candidate will integrate omics-based research into their scholarship. Note that the Department of Biology does not have facilities for housing birds or mammals. 

 In addition to teaching and research, the successful faculty member will actively contribute to activities outside of the classroom and laboratory at the level of the department, institution, and larger communities of interest. Effective advising and mentoring of students is an essential component of successful teaching at Denison.

 Denison University is an increasingly diverse, selective, and nationally-ranked residential liberal arts college located in Granville, OH, 25 miles east of the Columbus metropolitan area (population 1.8 mil, home of The Ohio State University). The Department of Biology currently has 14 faculty members who represent a wide range of specialty areas, with involvement in several interdisciplinary programs including Neuroscience, Data Analytics, Environmental Studies, Queer Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Departmental resources in Samson Talbot Hall (opened in 2003) include individual faculty offices and research labs, teaching labs, classrooms equipped for multimedia instruction, greenhouses, and spaces with shared research equipment. Several nearby universities offer omics-related resources, such as the Genomics Shared Resource (GSR) facility at The Ohio State University. Large capacity data storage and a variety of advanced computational services are available through the Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) (www.osc.edu). The 350-acre Biological Reserve and Polly Anderson Field Station are available for teaching and research purposes. Faculty also make use of core research facilities available at The Ohio State University, located ~30 minutes from campus. The department graduates approximately 50 majors each year. Many of these students attain positions in graduate or professional schools; others enter the job market in a wide variety of biology-related fields.

Qualifications

PhD in biology or related field, either with omics-related focus/component by start of appointment.

Strong potential for excellence in teaching

Strong potential for productive omics research program

Ability to teach Biol 210

Background showing capablility of teaching Biol 220 or 230

Ability to teach ‘omics focused 300-level course

Ability to teach 2nd 300-level course

Ability to foster diversity, equity, and/or inclusion among students, faculty, staff, and community

Application Instructions

Applicant should submit electronic application materials on-line at http://apply.interfolio.com/112066 including: 1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s motivation and potential that will enable them to successfully contribute to the high standards of teaching, scholarship, and service that are expected of Denison faculty, 2) teaching philosophy including ability to contribute to our curriculum, 3) research interests and plans for research at Denison, and 4) a diversity statement indicating potential to foster and support diversity among our students (inside and outside of the classroom), faculty, staff, and community; 5) curriculum vitae; 6) copies of transcripts (graduate and undergraduate); and 7) the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. Applications completed by October 10, 2022 are ensured full consideration. 

 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

To achieve our mission as a liberal arts college, we continually strive to attract and hire candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities. Denison fosters a campus community that recognizes the value of all persons regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression and identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. For additional information and resources about diversity at Denison, please see our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and antiracism (IDEA) at https://denison.edu/campus/denison-forward.

Denison University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.