"Assistant Professor-Biology"

About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts:

At MCLA, we're here for all, and focused on each, of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu

Job Description:

The Department of Biology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Biology at the assistant professor rank to begin September 1, 2026. A ecologist/botanist is sought with a background that enables teaching Introduction to Biology I & II, Ecology, Field Botany, and Conservation Biology to support the Biology and Environmental Studies majors. An ability to develop additional electives in the individual's area of expertise and support student research is preferred. The Biology Department is housed in a modern science building with a greenhouse, and the selected candidate would be expected to help oversee and advise on the greenhouse space.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate from an accredited institution of higher education by the start date for the position
• Specialty in Ecology/Botany, with an interest in teaching Introduction to Biology I & II, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Field Botany, and electives based on their expertise
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship in a small liberal arts college environment
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse student and faculty groups
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Intent to conduct research at MCLA with undergraduate students.

Preferred qualifications

• Teaching experience at the undergraduate or community college level
• Experience with education at a small liberal arts college

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, benefitted position within the MSCA union. Salary for this position is $65,000-$75,000. Position starts on 9/1/2026.

Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.

Lucas Morrill
Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator
375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247
Telephone: (413) 662-5103
Titleix@mcla.edu

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424
Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172
OCR.Boston@ed.gov

Application Instructions:

Special Instructions to Applicants

The following materials will be accepted as expressions of interest:

• employment application
• cover letter addressing the required qualifications and any additional considerations
• curriculum vitae
• teaching philosophy
• research plan, noting how undergraduate researchers will be involved

Apply by November 30, 2025 for best consideration.

Applicants should electronically submit an application by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below.