Assistant Professor, in Discipline-Based Education Research in Biology

Job Details

Assistant Professor, in Discipline-Based Education Research in Biology

Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications
The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 31, 2025. Applications received after December 31, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) invites applications for an academic year (9 month), tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Discipline-Based Education Research in Biology. URI is a land and sea grant research university located in Kingston, Rhode Island, a beautiful seaside community that is well connected by car, bus, and rail about 40 min from Providence, 1.5 hours from Boston, and 3 hours from New York City.

The Biological Sciences department has 12 full-time tenure-track faculty members, 6 full-time teaching faculty, and 2 teaching laboratory coordinators. Our faculty conduct impactful research around the world on all aspects of biological sciences. Our department has over 800 undergraduates majoring in either Biological Sciences (BS), Biology (BA), or Marine Biology (BS), and offers courses for many undergraduates across campus. Our faculty mentor graduate students enrolled in thesis-based research at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels in the interdisciplinary Biological and Environmental Sciences graduate program.

We invite individuals with a record of successful research, as well as a demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching, experiential learning, and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels to apply. The successful candidate will generate an internationally recognized program of research and scholarship in discipline-based education research in biology. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop an externally funded research program, disseminate research knowledge, advise undergraduate and graduate students, engage in university service, and support public engagement.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish a vibrant research program supported by extramural funding in discipline-based education research in biology.
• Develop a sustained record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Teach undergraduate courses in biological sciences, and at least one graduate course based on one's research expertise that will enhance both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University of Rhode Island.
• Employ evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies to ensure student success and retention, and support equity and inclusion, without regard to protected status or characteristics.
• Provide advising, training, and research mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Engage in outreach and service activities as well as governance within the Department, College, University, and broader scholarly community.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

1. Ph.D. in Biology, Biology Education, or related field by June 2026.
2. Primary area of research in discipline-based education research (DBER) in biological sciences or related field.
3. Record of excellent scholarship in discipline-based education research (DBER) in biological sciences or related field.
4. Ability to work with diverse groups, and treat all persons with dignity, without regard to protected status or characteristics.
5. Proficiency in oral communication skills in English.
6. Proficiency in written communication skills in English.

PREFERRED:

1. Active participation in collaborative research.
2. Success in obtaining funding through competitive grant programs (including graduate or postdoctoral fellowships and grants).
3. Post-doctoral research experience at the time of application.
4. Record of excellent teaching and mentorship.
5. Evidence of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
6. Commitment to foster equal opportunity for all undergraduate students without regard to protected status or characteristics.
7. Expertise making research findings accessible to a broad audience through outreach, social media, and other mixed media outlets.
8. Commitment to participate in professional service and outreach.