Assistant Professor in Biology

POSITION SPECIFICS

The School of Science at Penn State Behrend invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Biology to begin August 2026. We are seeking a dedicated educator and researcher who is passionate about developing and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Candidates will be part of the biology department and may contribute to Women's Health Innovation and Science Translational (WHIST) Center, a clinical research collaboration with the Magee-Womens Research Institute in Erie (MWRI-Erie). The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vibrant undergraduate research program with the potential to complement the department strengths, seek external funding, contribute to our core biology curriculum, and join a collaborative academic community that uniquely blends the supportive atmosphere of a small college with the resources of a world-class R1 university.

Teaching expectations include instructing courses in biology, biobehavioral health, biochemistry and molecular biology, and developmental biology and/or related disciplines. The School of Science is actively seeking to advance its research in areas of interest that include (but are not limited to): biochemical pathways underlying embryonic development, evolutionary developmental biology, developmental mechanisms underlying human health and disease, comparative physiology, etc. Startup funds and laboratory space, appropriate to a primarily undergraduate institution, are available.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D.in Biology, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field at the time of appointment and have at least one year of post-doctoral research experience.

Penn State Behrend is a four-year undergraduate and graduate college of Penn State University with 5,000 students in four schools; science, engineering, business, and humanities and social science. The School of Science offers B.S. degrees in biology, chemistry, mathematics, mathematics education, nursing, physics, and environmental science. It supports research in the traditional science disciplines, as well as supporting and growing, all-campus research interests in addressing women's health issues, energy and sustainability, and polymer science. In particular, the School's research strengths include Great Lakes research (Pennsylvania Sea Grant), collaboration with Magee-Womens Research Institute (Pittsburgh), and collaboration with the Penn State College of Agriculture and the Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center, all with an emphasis on undergraduate research. Available instrumentation includes confocal and environmental scanning electron microscopes, real-time PCR, LCMS, NMR, and GCMS plus access to Penn State University's extensive life sciences core facilities located at the University Park campus.

Erie Pennsylvania, a metropolitan area of 280,000 residents, is a major service, tourism, medical, and industrial center on Lake Erie's Presque Isle Bay and is located two hours from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo. The region offers many cultural, sports, and recreational resources, as well as modest living costs and affordable housing.

All applicants must apply online and submit five documents 1) cover letter,

2) curriculum vitae including names and contact information for three references, 3) copies of graduate and undergraduate transcripts, 4) one page teaching philosophy and 5) one-to-two-page research statement summarizing your proposed research, including a brief explanation of its suitability for an undergraduate college. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Cora MacBeth, Director, School of Science at cem122@psu.edu.

Review of applications will begin November 20th and continue until the position is filled. Onsite teaching is an essential function of this position. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.