Tenure Track Position in Teaching Postsecondary Biology

education-researcher-job

The Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University anticipates hiring a tenure track faculty with a focus on Biology Education and Research.  The position is at the assistant professor rank and is a traditional nine month appointment. The successful candidate will establish a robust, externally funded research program in teaching at the postsecondary level.  The candidate will also contribute to undergraduate teaching in biological sciences for majors and non-majors as well as collaborate with faculty in designing or revising biology courses or elements of courses including the development of innovative and effective assignments, activities and instructional approaches.

Additional responsibilities include mentoring and supporting students from diverse backgrounds; service to the department, college, university, and community; training graduate and undergraduate students emphasizing biological education research topics and approaches.  Expectations also include designing and facilitating workshops and courses on biology pedagogy. For details about the position and department, see niu.edu/biology/educationresearcher.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Doctorate in biology, science education, (or closely related field) with a significant emphasis on biology education.
  • Evidence of implementation of research-based, high-quality instruction of students in biology
  • Excellence in teaching courses for biology majors and non-majors
  • Demonstrated research and publication record in biology or biological education
  • Potential for securing external funding
  • Potential for supervising research students

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to provide leadership with the pedagogical aspect of biology education
  • Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with multiple audiences
  • Ability to teach, mentor, and support students from diverse backgrounds

Northern Illinois University is a research university with a diverse student population of 19,000.  NIU is in DeKalb, IL, an affordable and growing community situated between the Chicago and Rockford metropolitan areas.  The university has strong connections to other regional research and education institutions.

Application Process:

Submit an application letter, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy and statement of research, and complete contact information for three professional references to biologysearch@niu.edu.  Review of applications begins January 6, 2017, and preference will be given to applications received by this date although applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  For questions, contact the search committee chair Dr. Jon Miller at jsmiller@niu.edu.   Proposed Start Date: August 14, 2017. 

In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the university will conduct a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a criminal background check.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. NIU recognizes Dual Career issues.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.