"Assistant Professor, Medical Microbiology, School of Life Sciences and Sustainability"

Job Details

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) invites applications for a faculty position in Medical Microbiology beginning August 2026. The successful candidate will teach both lecture and laboratory components of Medical Microbiology, primarily in an online format. The individual may also have the opportunity to teach introductory biology courses, other pre-health courses such as Human Nutrition, or upper-level courses aligned with their interest and expertise. The ideal candidate will have experience with both online and in-person instruction, as well as with managing laboratory-based learning in a virtual environment. 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 1, 2025. Questions should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Fernando Tenjo, at fatenjo@vcu.edu.

Virginia Commonwealth University is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to student success, and dedication to providing access and opportunity for learners from a wide range of backgrounds. Ranked among the top 20% of Best Global Universities and No. 72 among public universities nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, VCU offers a dynamic environment where teaching and research intersect to prepare students for meaningful careers and civic engagement. Designated as a Carnegie R1 institution for very high research activity, VCU enrolls nearly 29,000 students across its Monroe Park and VCU Health campuses. VCU is a premier public, urban research university with a diverse student body in historic Richmond, Virginia. Situated in Virginia’s capital city, VCU benefits from close connections to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners. Richmond offers an affordable, high-quality urban environment with easy access to Washington, D.C., the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Atlantic coast.

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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field
• Experience teaching undergraduate microbiology or related courses
• Demonstrated interest in teaching excellence and student success, including the use of active and inclusive learning approaches
• Experience or demonstrated interest in developing and delivering online or hybrid courses
• 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

• Research experience and/or proficiency with microbiology laboratory techniques
• Experience managing online laboratory instruction or virtual lab simulations
• Experience using Canvas to manage and design courses.
• Willingness to participate in curriculum development focused on student-centered learning.
• In-depth knowledge of pedagogical best practices and a commitment to continually developing and maintaining this expertise.

Unit: College of Humanities and Sciences MBU

Department: School of Life Sci & Sustainability

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

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

ORP Eligibility: Yes

Contact Information: Contact Name: Fernando Tenjo
Contact Email: fatenjo@vcu.edu