Assistant Professor in Animal Behavior or Behavioral Ecology

community of teaching scholars whose work is grounded in the University’s fundamental values . Those values, which include academic excellence, social justice and community engagement, are infused with a culture of care that defines our community, upholding the dignity of all. The University draws on the many resources of the greater Bay Area, including Silicon Valley, where we are located.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach, engage in independent research, and contribute service to the Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, the University, and profession. The position comes with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and University contributions toward retirement. Recognizing the high cost of housing in the local area, there are two University housing assistance programs: Rental assistance to ease the transition into the local housing market, and housing purchase assistance for tenure-stream faculty. 

 

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Animal Behavior, Behavioral Ecology, Zoology, or a related field is required. Ph.D must be completed at the time of submission of application. At least 12 months of postdoctoral experience is required, as it pertains to the candidate’s ability to develop an independent research program. Evidence of high-quality research and potential for ongoing productivity involving undergraduate students is expected. Demonstrated potential for effective and inclusive teaching and mentoring of a diverse undergraduate student population is expected. Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that promote access and academic success for all students is encouraged.

Responsibilities. Tenure-track faculty at SCU are teaching scholars who are expected to balance teaching, research, and service. This is an in-person position. More specifically, duties include but are not limited to the following:

Teaching

Teach lower- and upper-division courses in the major and university core curriculum, as assigned by the Chair in collaboration with the faculty member. The successful candidate will be expected to regularly teach in our collaboratively-taught Introductory Biology Series, as well as upper division courses with laboratory in Animal Behavior, Biostatistics, and/or an organismal biology course relevant to their research interests (e.g., entomology, mammalogy, ornithology, etc.). SCU is on the quarter system and a typical load is two courses per quarter (one lecture and two laboratory sections is equivalent to two courses). High-quality teaching is prioritized at SCU; therefore, significant faculty-student interaction is expected. The University offers many opportunities to develop teaching skills through Faculty Development, including regular lunchtime workshops on pedagogy, teaching and technology grants, communities of practice, teaching mentors, and a scholarship of teaching and learning faculty group. 

Teaching will be evaluated according to the Teaching Effectiveness Standards and Evaluation (TESE) document developed by each department. Ignatian pedagogy, a hallmark of Jesuit, Catholic universities, is based on the principle of cura personalis, that is, teaching the whole person. At Santa Clara University, we define effectiveness in teaching as respectful, challenging, inclusive, engaging, and evidence-based practice. Teaching Expectations and Academic Policies at SCU can be found here.

Research

The successful candidate is expected to develop a research program at SCU that will result in meeting the Biology Department’s established scholarship standards, which will be shared with candidates invited to campus. The Department of Biology strongly values the involvement of undergraduate students in faculty research. SCU offers significant support to early career faculty in the development of their program of scholarship. All new faculty will be assigned mentors, placed into a cohort learning community with other new faculty, and offered faculty retreats, workshops and numerous professional development opportunities to build their research programs.

Service

Provide effective service to the Department of Biology, the College of Arts and Sciences, the University and the profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship, such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, leadership, and community service performed by virtue of professional expertise or association with the University, as appropriate to rank and experience.

Application Materials

Application materials should be submitted via WorkDay by October 1st, 2026, and must include (1) a cover letter that addresses how your expertise and experience aligns with the position; (2) a current curriculum vitae; (3) a research agenda highlighting how you will involve undergraduate students; (4) a teaching philosophy statement describing your approach to teaching and highlights prior teaching experiences; (5) the names and contact information of three references. Three letters of recommendations will be requested from referees for candidates advancing beyond initial review. Inquiries regarding the position may be emailed to the Chair of the search committee, Dr. Brody Sandel, at biology@scu.edu.

 

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

​Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at  https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/. 

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.  Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-5750. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.

Work Authorization:

A foreign national who is appointed to a tenured or tenure-track faculty position is eligible for visa sponsorship assessment by Santa Clara University together with its legal counsel.