Assistant Professor - Biology - Tenure Track

Assist department/school chairs with scheduling of classes that meet the needs of students.

Comply with departmental, college, and university standards concerning the academic quality and integrity of their classes.

Keep current in their use of technology by attending university training sessions and other professional development opportunities.

Be available to meet students outside the classroom by being available before or after classes by scheduling office hours both in a physical and electronic format to include in person and virtual office hours.

Assist with department and college assessment and be proactive with modifications to curriculum based on assessment feedback.

Scholarship/Professional Development - The strength of a university rests on the knowledge and skills of its faculty. Faculty must stay current in their field of expertise/teaching area.

• Authoring academic writings.
• Presentation of work at local/state/regional/national conferences.
• Active membership and/or office holding in professional organizations at the local/state/regional/national level.

Service - An expectation of a professional faculty member is to serve the department, college, and university community.

• Attending department/college/university meetings
• Engaging in committee work that will advance the department/college/institution.
• Assisting with student recruitment.
• Participating in graduation and convocation ceremonies.

Advising - A primary responsibility of faculty is the proper, timely, competent and professional advising of students.

• Be knowledgeable of the requirements of their degree programs as stated in the appropriate catalog(s).
• Meet/advise students on academic and non-academic matters (e.g. curriculum mapping, internships, graduate/professional school options and career preparation).
• Provide leadership and promote excellence in student organizations.

Communication - Faculty should communicate effectively and in a timely manner with students and colleagues at all levels of the institution. This implies an understanding of the communication hierarchy within departments, colleges, and administrative levels. Timely communication with students supports other faculty responsibilities (teaching, advising).

• Cultivate a collegial atmosphere when interacting with other faculty/staff within their own department, the college and the university.
• Be responsive and timely. Respond to student phone calls and email messages within university guidelines.

Typical Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
The successful candidate should possess the following credentials, experience, and documented achievements appropriate for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor:

1. A PhD degree in Biological Sciences, or a related area from an accredited institution; ABD will be considered, but the PhD degree must be completed by the start date.
2. A record of peer-reviewed publications addressing genetic/genomic research questions in the field of population, conservation, or evolutionary biology.
3. Demonstration of clear written and oral communication, as well as organizational skills. 4. Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. University/College teaching experience.
2. Demonstrated experience with teaching conservation genetics, population genomics, or evolutionary genetics to undergraduate students.
3. Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring student research in conservation genetics, population genomics, evolutionary genetics, or related fields, using relevant molecular and bioinformatic approaches.
4. Evidence of involvement in extramural funded research.
5. Evidence of assessment knowledge and experience utilizing active-learning strategies in the classroom.
6. Interest in advising student organizations.
7. Postdoctoral experience.

Supplemental Information

The University of Central Missouri, located 35 miles southeast of the Kansas City Metropolitan area, is a public comprehensive university with approximately 10,000 students providing a small-college learning environment coupled with large-university opportunities. We offer baccalaureate of science degrees in: biology (eight areas of emphasis), medical laboratory science, and radiological technology, as well as master's of science degree in biology. The Biology program has approximately 17 full-time faculty, one adjunct faculty, and three full time staff to serve approximately 500 total majors. The faculty and staff are committed to excellence and innovation in teaching, service, and scholarship. Information about the department can be found at https://www.ucmo.edu/college-of-health-science-and-technology/department-of-biological-and-clinical-sciences/

To Apply: Candidates must complete an on-line faculty profile found at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ucmo and apply to position 998611.

Candidates should submit the following documentation:

1. A cover letter that outlines the applicant's interest, qualifications, and experience for the position (2 pg max).
2. Teaching and mentoring philosophy (including evidence of teaching effectiveness; 2 pg max).
3. A statement that describes your past and potential contributions to recruitment, retention, and success of a diverse student body (2 pg max).
4. Research plan (2 pg max).
5. A curriculum vitae.
6. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
7. Names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of a minimum of three professional references.

Letters of recommendation and official undergraduate and graduate transcripts showing degree completions will be required later in the search process.

Review of applications begins November 20, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. The desired starting date for this appointment is Fall 2027. This is a 9-month appointment. Direct inquiries regarding this position to: Dr. Dawn Pauling, Search Committee Chair, telephone (660) 543-8027 or e-mail: pauling@ucmo.edu.

Special Instructions:

Full-time staff & 12-month faculty benefits-eligible position: Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability; 3 weeks paid vacation per year; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

9-month faculty benefits-eligible position: Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

Part-time benefits-eligible positions: Benefits include generous education assistance for the employee.

Temporary, adjunct, student employment, or graduate assistant positions: Benefits are not included.

Completed UCM online application for employment required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A review will begin immediately and continue until filled unless indicated otherwise.

NOTE: A background check is required for the selected candidate of all staff, faculty, adjunct, and temporary positions and any job offer is contingent on the results of this check. Student employees and graduate assistants do not require a background check to be conducted prior to employment.

The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.