"Assistant Professor - Biology (Tenure-track)"

Job Description

Assistant Professor - Biology (Tenure-track)

Hiring Department

The University of Texas Permian Basin welcomes applications for our Assistant Professor of Biology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a biological field and research interests in the areas of evolutionary or organismal biology, ecology, or related fields. The selected candidate must develop a research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students and must be able to teach advanced undergraduate courses in animal behavior, evolution, ecology, and vertebrate zoology, as well as graduate courses in the area of research interest. The ability to teach large introductory-level biology courses is a plus. The anticipated start date is August 2025. Review will occur on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary Range

$65,000.00 depending on qualifications

Essential Functions

Tenure track faculty at UTPB teach 18 credit hours per year (60%), with expectations for research (30%) and service (10%) to the department, university, and discipline. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses to support instructional needs. A willingness to develop and teach online graduate courses is desired. The successful candidate is expected to maintain a research program involving undergraduate and/or graduate students. A willingness to apply for extramural support for his/her research is desired.

Position duties include:

• Teach courses based on need and expertise
• Conduct research related to one's expertise and apply for extramural support as deemed appropriate
• Engage undergraduate and graduate students in research
• Provide academic advising to undergraduate and graduate students
• Actively participate in the department's recruitment and expansion
• Participate in curricular development
• Provide additional services to the university, college, and department as needed

Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field

Preferred Qualifications

1. Commitment to working with a diverse student population

2. Willingness to seek extramural funding for research

3. Teaching experience at the college level (can include laboratories taught as a graduate teaching assistant)

Additional Information

From the Department

UT Permian Basin is located in West Texas (halfway between El Paso and Dallas). The Midland/Odessa area is accessible through the Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) and has several Texas State Parks and U.S. National Parks located within 200 miles of the university.

The Department of Biology currently has 8 full-time faculty (3 full professors, 2 associate professors, and 3 lecturers), a robust undergraduate program (>200 majors), a successful prehealth professions program (>70% acceptance to medical school), and a growing graduate program (~ 10 students).

Please contact Dr. Xuemin Xu if you have questions.

Required Application Materials

1. Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. List of References

4. Teaching Philosophy Statement (limit to one page)

5. Research Statement (limit to one page)

6. Transcripts (Preferred)

7. Letters of Recommendation (Preferred)

Conditions of Employment

1. The job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.

2. Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.

3. Once hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of the hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire. UTPB participates in e-Verify.

4. Employees must be able and willing to travel and perform duties away from campus as necessary and must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver's license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver's record.

5. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

6. UT Permian Basin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Schedule

Generally, the normal work hours for the university are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 - 5:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm with a one-hour lunch. The individual holding this position may need to be available early morning, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of the department. Faculty hours may differ based on class schedule and department need.

Standard Working Conditions

1. Able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.

2. Able to bend, crouch, and reach continuously.

3. Physically able remain seated, frequently to continuously.

4. Able to remain standing up to 15% of the time.

5. Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform job duties including extensive keyboard work, operating office equipment, performing filing, and other job-related responsibilities that include extensive wrist and hand movement.

6. Standard working conditions may differ depending on department and occupation.

University Benefits

1. UT Permian Basin offers an excellent compensation package including heath, retirement, & fringe benefits for eligible employees.

2. Coverage includes medical, prescriptions, life insurance, AD&D, and matching retirement provided by UTPB.

3. You may also be eligible to add dental, vision, family coverage, & flex-spending accounts, additional retirement, and a few other coverages as options too.

4. Fringe benefits include tuition reimbursement (after one year of service), wellness breaks, employee assistant program (EAP), and meal deals, among other perks and discounts!

5. Our benefits package, along with an ample leave policy, make for a great total compensation package.

About the University

The University of Texas Permian Basin is located in Odessa, Texas. It was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973. The Permian Basin is one of the fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions of the country - full of industry, culture, and wide-open spaces. At the academic heart of this area sits The University of Texas Permian Basin - which every year, delivers smart, savvy leaders across the U.S.

As a regional, comprehensive institution, The University of Texas Permian Basin serves a diverse community of students from the region, the state, and beyond. Through excellence in student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service, the University cultivates engaged citizens and impacts lives while advancing the technology and public interests of West Texas.

Our vision is that the University of Texas Permian Basin will be an innovative, responsive university that thinks large and lives local. We will lead in advancing education, research, economic competitiveness, and cultural enrichment.