"Assistant Professor Biological Sciences, Tenure Track"

Job Description

Department: Biological Science
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Community College is seeking candidates to teach courses within the discipline of the Biological Sciences. Candidates should possess an interest in serving and retaining students from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who are also committed to closing equity gaps; engaged in and develop innovative teaching strategies; effectively assess student learning outcomes; demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and provide service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work, as well as associated with the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communication skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines, and be committed to the ongoing systemic changes needed to ensure the increased recruitment, inclusion, retention, and completion of traditional populations, non-traditional populations, and historically underserved populations. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with both the letter and the spirit of GRCC values.

Requisition ID: 1056
Employee Group: Faculty Association
Schedule: 32 Weeks (Fall and Winter Semesters)
Start Date: Fall 2026
Compensation: Master's Degree $67,130 - $74,581. Final offers will be based on full-time college-level teaching and/or industry experience.
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Associate Dean, School of STEM
Posting Opens: 12/16/2025
Posting Closes: 01/27/2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Teach Biology courses which may include Human Anatomy and Physiology 1, Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 lecture and cadaver-based laboratory classes.
• Teach additional biology lectures and laboratories, as assigned.
• Participate in curriculum development and revision.
• Develop and implement teaching methods that employ interactive learning and integrate current instructional technology.
• Participate fully as a member of the Biological Sciences Department in such activities as department meetings, curriculum development, assessment, evaluation, course revision work, committee membership, textbook selection, community outreach and other duties as determined by the College.
• Assist the Department Head in the evaluation and revision of existing courses and the development of new courses.
• Advise students and perform other tasks normally expected of faculty members.
• Engage in professional development activities and maintain expertise in the field of biology.
• May be asked to teach outside of their primary assignment as needed by the department.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

• Master's degree in the Biological Sciences or Master's degree in Science Education with at least 18 hours of graduate work in the Biological Sciences or Master's degree in a closely related field with at least 18 hours of graduate work in the Biological Sciences required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years full-time teaching experience in the Biological Sciences at the college or university level required; the equivalent part time or adjunct teaching time will be considered as having met the minimum.
• College teaching experience in the Biology or related topics required.
• Cadaver teaching experience preferred.
• Experience teaching biology at a community college preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing laboratory experiences that encourage student participation in the process of science preferred.
• Experience working with non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds and with varying academic skills preferred.
• Experience working with a variety of learning methodologies preferred.

Skills

• Strong Content Mastery - Deep knowledge of anatomical structures, physiological mechanisms, clinical relevance to guide student understanding, and general topics in biology.
• Dissection Expertise - Ability to perform and demonstrate precise dissections, identify anatomical variations, and teach safe, effective lab technique.
• Prosection Preparation and Interpretation - Ability to prepare high-quality pre-dissected specimens, maintaining their integrity, and teaching students how to interpret structures revealed through prosections.
• Safety, Compliance, and Ethical Oversight - Knowledge of lab safety, chemical exposure precautions, PPE procedures, respectful donor handling, and institutional/ethical guidelines.
• Pedagogical and Communication Skills - Ability to teach complex content clearly, adapt instruction to diverse learners, facilitate hands-on learning, and guide students through challenging emotional or professional experiences in cadaver labs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Mental Demands

• An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin, and ability.
• A commitment to serve the Kent County community.
• Demonstrated initiative and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Classroom environment in an academic setting.
• Travel to offsite locations may be required.

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter resume, and unofficial transcripts for full consideration. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

HIRING PROCESS

GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.