Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology

Position Title:

Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology

Compensation:

$48,000 - $62,000

Department:

Biology

Start Date:

08/16/2027

About this opportunity:

The Department of Biology at Ball State University invites applications for a full-time Non-Tenure-Track Assistant Teaching Professor in Biology. This position is similar to a Research Faculty Fellow position, designed as a bridge position that combines teaching, postdoctoral research, and limited service.

The successful candidate will teach primarily in the microbiology concentration of the department, where they will be expected to teach general microbiology along with other undergraduate or graduate courses in their particular area of expertise. Other teaching assignments may include Introductory Biology courses. The successful candidate will be the instructor of record on multiple classes, gain evaluations and feedback on their teaching, and have access to the Department of Online and Strategic Learning to improve teaching.

The candidate will be provided a modest start-up package and lab space and will be expected to engage undergraduate and master's students in novel research. The position includes one course release per semester to devote to their research program. We welcome applications from candidates across the full spectrum of microbial sciences. Areas of interest may include—but are not limited to—virology, environmental & ecological microbiology (e.g., microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, soil/aquatic systems), medical/clinical (e.g., immunology, parasitology, mycology), microbial genetics and genomics, applied/industrial microbiology, or microbiome dynamics. Candidates whose research uses interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged to apply. Research activity could be 1) development of an independent research program, 2) continued collaboration with a PhD advisor or previous colleague, 3) development of collaboration with a Ball State faculty member, or 4) some combination of these modes. The department will guarantee support for 1 teaching assistant for all three years. Candidates will be highly encouraged to apply for external funding at the local level and be encouraged to apply for external funding at the federal level in year 2.

This position is ideally suited for recent PhD graduates or junior postdocs who are interested in pursuing careers at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) or R2 universities. The candidate will serve on departmental committees, participate in all departmental activities as other faculty do, and be eligible to participate in Search & Selection to gain insight into faculty hiring processes. They will have the opportunity to train undergrad and master’s students, be a member of thesis committees and chair thesis committees, develop an externally funded research program, gain mentorship from other faculty, and have the potential to publish peer-reviewed scientific articles with undergraduate and graduate student co-authors.