Assistant Professor of Cell Biology

A Ph.D. in Biology or related field
postdoctoral experience

The Department of Biology at Appalachian State University seeks to fill a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor to start in the fall semester of 2027. Successful applicants will have a commitment to teaching and research at a master's degree granting institution. They will have a PhD and postdoctoral experience, training in any subdiscipline of eukaryotic cell biology, and a research program that addresses fundamental principles of life at the cellular and molecular levels. In addition, they will teach a sophomore-level Cell Biology course, develop an advanced course in the applicant's area of expertise, and may periodically participate in the first-year biology sequence. We seek colleagues who are enthusiastic about using research to enhance undergraduate and graduate education and who will develop a research program that is competitive for external funding. Applicants with research and teaching interests that complement or synergize with existing research programs and curriculum within the department and who use model systems that do not require extensive use of vivarium facilities are especially encouraged to apply.

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The Department of Biology at Appalachian State University is a community of 44 faculty who are active in teaching and research, along with a support staff of 6 technicians and 3 administrators. We strive to maintain a faculty with diverse research interests, ranging from molecules to organisms to landscapes. The department currently has approximately 950 Biology majors and 70 graduate students. We provide instruction in biology through classroom and laboratory interactions, undergraduate and graduate laboratory research experiences, seminars, professional development programs, and career advising through courses and faculty interactions. Faculty typically teach 3 courses per semester (mixture of lectures and labs). Departmental and university service includes, but is not limited to, undergraduate advising, curriculum development, and assessment.

The institution and department have facilities to support cutting-edge cellular and molecular research. The Rankin Science Building is home to the William and Ruth Dewel Microscopy Facility, which provides infrastructure for epifluorescence, confocal, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy, as well as sample preparation. The Department of Biology also houses a shared research space and instrumentation core for flow cytometry, gel imaging, cell culture, and Illumina sequencing, and it manages and provides access to a research greenhouse, nature preserve, and field site. The department and university support new faculty through a comprehensive Faculty Mentoring Program and Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Student Success. The mechanisms include peer writing circles, pedagogical workshops, and faculty mentoring.

We seek colleagues who are enthusiastic about using research to enhance undergraduate and graduate education and are expected to develop a research program that is competitive for external funding. Applicants with research and teaching interests that complement or synergize with existing research programs and curriculum within the department are especially encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities will include a sophomore-level Cell Biology course, periodic participation in the first-year biology sequence, and the eventual development of an advanced course in the applicant's area of expertise. Departmental and university service includes, but is not limited to, undergraduate advising, curriculum development, and assessment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

ABD with reduction in rank and salary: ABD will be considered for this position. Evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire. If confirmation of defense is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a new one-year fixed-term contract and be hired at the rank of Instructor. The candidate's salary will also be reduced to a lower rate commensurate with other full-time instructors in the same department. However, if degree verification is provided before the end of the one-year fixed-term contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.

No ABD consideration: Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position. Since ABD will not meet the minimum requirements, ABD will not be considered.

Applications must include (i) a cover letter that includes information
on how the applicant's research and teaching interests will complement
and/or synergize with current departmental offerings (2 pages max), (ii)
a curriculum vitae, (iii) a research statement that highlights
short-term and long-term goals and the mentorship of undergraduate and
master's student researchers (3 pages max ), (iv) a teaching statement
that includes philosophy, specific interests, and experience/training (2
pages max), and (v) the contact information for 3 references (name,
address, telephone, email).

The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.