Assistant Professor, Ecology, School of Life Sciences and Sustainability

Job Details

Unit: College of Humanit and Sciences MBU

Department: School of Life Sci & Sustainability

Duties & Responsibilities:

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) invites applications for a new faculty position in Ecology beginning August 2026. The primary responsibility will be to teach both lecture and laboratory ecology courses to undergraduates majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies. The individual may also teach introductory courses in these majors, as well as upper-level courses aligned with their interests and expertise. The position offers access to teaching and research opportunities at VCU’s Rice Rivers Center, a nationally recognized environmental and ecological field station on the James River. This is a nine-month, non-tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, renewable based on performance and program needs. VCU is committed to supporting the success of its teaching faculty, who play a vital role in the university’s academic mission, and offers clear pathways for promotion to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor.

Candidates should submit the following materials to VCUjobs.com:

• Cover letter detailing qualifications, including relevant teaching experience and interests
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement of teaching philosophy and approach (2-3 pages)
• Contact information, including mailing address, telephone number, and email address, for at least three professional references

Review of applications will begin in mid-November and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please apply by December 15, 2025. Questions should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Don Young, at dyoung@vcu.edu.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

Located in downtown Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, VCU enrolls more than 28,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate programs across its urban campuses. Ignited by the energy of the city, we’re ready to lead industries — or disrupt them. We seek out the unexpected, the experimental, the never-been-tried. VCU is designated as a research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, garnering more than $500 million in sponsored research from federal and other agencies in FY2024. The National Science Foundation ranked VCU among the top 50 public research universities in the country, and we are one of only 69 public universities nationwide to be designated by the Carnegie Foundation as “Community Engaged” with “Very High Research Activity.”

About the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability (SLSS) was established in 2025 by bringing together thriving programs in Biology, Environmental Studies, Bioinformatics, Sustainable Innovation, Outdoor Leadership, and Integrative Life Sciences to create a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and discovery. We offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as several minors, badges, and certificates, serving more than 2,400 undergraduates and over 100 graduate students. Our 67 full-time faculty and 16 professional staff are dedicated to innovative teaching, experiential learning, and impactful research that draw from the diverse perspectives within our community. We bring together the life, environmental, and health sciences to prepare students to address complex challenges in our changing world. As our school continues to grow, we are seeking engaged and collaborative colleagues to help shape a bold vision for integrating the life sciences and sustainability. Visit slss.vcu.edu to learn more.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
• Experience teaching ecology or related courses
• Demonstrated interest in teaching excellence and student success, including the use of active and inclusive learning approaches
• A valid Virginia driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to the start of employment
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching large lecture courses at the undergraduate level
• Experience teaching laboratory courses with a field component
• Experience using Canvas or other LMS to manage and design courses
• Willingness to participate in curriculum development focused on student-centered and community-engaged learning
• In-depth knowledge of pedagogical best practices and a commitment to continually developing and maintaining this expertise
• Experience with course-based undergraduate research experience (CURES)

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Rank: Assistant Professor

Tenure: Ineligible

Months: 9 months