TENURE-TRACK POSITION IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

The Department of Natural Sciences of Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, both members of the seven-college Claremont Colleges Consortium, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in Molecular Biology with an emphasis in Immunology or Virology at the Assistant Professor level to begin July 1, 2026. We seek a biologist who is committed to 1) developing a vibrant research program utilizing modern experimental approaches that fully engages undergraduate students, 2) excellence in teaching, and 3) fostering instructional strategies that reach a variety of learning styles and experience. The position offers opportunities to teach a combination of courses on the molecular side of our curriculum including immunology and/or virology with laboratory at an advanced level, introductory biology (cellular and molecular focus), and other courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. A Ph.D. degree and a record of scholarly publication are required prior to hiring, and post-doctoral experience is preferred.

Our unique integrative science department features scientists from biology, chemistry, environmental science, neuroscience, and physics. We are a vibrant, highly collegial community of teacher-scholars who value an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. We seek candidates who are committed to improving higher education for underrepresented students, share our enthusiasm for both scientific research and innovative undergraduate teaching, and desire a liberal-arts-college career that balances the two. The Department actively supports faculty success through mentorship, opportunities for professional development, direct access to individual faculty funds to support their research and teaching, regular sabbaticals plus a one-semester junior research leave in the 4th year, and a two-course per semester teaching load (with one additional course every other year). Additionally, brand new labs and teaching spaces opened in our new building, the Nucleus, in Fall 2024.

As a new professor, you would join a department of over 40 scientists, including 15 biology colleagues as well as faculty and staff members in neuroscience, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Faculty of the Department of Natural Sciences are part of the rich intellectual environment of the Claremont Colleges Consortium (with 100+ scientists) and benefit from proximity to major research universities in the Southern California region (e.g., Caltech, UCLA, USC), enabling collaboration both within and outside the department. The charming town of Claremont, CA, is a welcoming community in vibrant Los Angeles County. It is within convenient driving distance of both the mountains and the ocean and offers a high quality of life, including a highly regarded K-12 public school district.

The salary for this position will range from $100,000-$110,000 and will be set based on experience.

Applications should be uploaded to https://apply.interfolio.com/172239 and must include (1) a cover letter describing how your expertise and experience aligns with the position, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a description of your proposed undergraduate-centered research program, (4) a statement describing your approach to teaching, how you pursue excellence in teaching, and how your strategies make learning accessible to a variety of learning styles and experience, and (5) the names and e-mail addresses of three references. Applicants should identify in their application materials any areas of intersection between their teaching and research goals with the academic missions of Pitzer and Scripps Colleges. Three letters of recommendation will be requested for candidates advancing beyond the initial review. Inquiries regarding the position may be e-mailed to Patrick Ferree at pferree@natsci.claremont.edu. Review of applications will begin Sept 15, and the position will remain open until filled.

The Department of Natural Sciences of Pitzer and Scripps Colleges is an equal-opportunity employer. In keeping with its ongoing commitment to build and support a diverse and equitable academic community, the Department of Natural Sciences actively encourages applications from women and members of historically underrepresented groups.