"Assistant Professor of Biology - Bioinformatics"

Assistant Professor of Biology - Bioinformatics

Company: Utah Tech University

Job Location:

Category: Biology

Type: Full-Time

Salary: See Position Description

Location: St. George 84770, UT

Job Type: Full-Time Faculty

Job Number: 26FAC712-1

Division: College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Department: Biological Sciences

Opening Date: 08/20/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

Position Announcement

The Department of Biological Sciences at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Bioinformatics. The successful candidate will support both an established Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and a forthcoming Master's degree in Genomics with a bioinformatics emphasis.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Biology Secondary Education. Additional information about the department, faculty, and program offerings is available at https://biology.utahtech.edu.

This position will contribute to a newly funded, non-thesis, project-based Master's program in Genomics, which includes dedicated tracks in bioinformatics and functional genomics. The program is designed to prepare students for careers and graduate study in areas such as genomic medicine, computational biology, and applied bioinformatics. Faculty in this role will mentor graduate students and teach advanced coursework aligned with the program's goals.

Candidates with expertise in biomedical informatics, disease genomics, and medical informatics are encouraged to apply. In addition, applicants with backgrounds in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or computer vision as applied to biological datasets or medical imaging are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credit hours per academic year in lower- and upper-division undergraduate courses and master's-level courses in bioinformatics and genomics, and other courses as needed by the department.
• Develop and deliver innovative, upper-level coursework that supports both the undergraduate and graduate programs, with opportunities to shape new offerings in emerging areas.
• Contribute to curriculum and program development in collaboration with the Department Chair, College Dean, and other faculty.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research projects, particularly those involving functional genomics, computational analysis, and applied bioinformatics.
• Support the development of interdisciplinary research and teaching initiatives, including cross-departmental efforts in data science, genomics, and biomedical engineering.
• Participate in service activities such as committee work, outreach initiatives, student recruitment, and departmental meetings.
• Maintain regular office hours and support part-time instructors as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in accordance with University and College policies.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science (with bioinformatics applications), or a closely related discipline.
• Evidence of effective college-level teaching and a commitment to student success.
• Demonstrated ability to incorporate active learning and innovative teaching methods across multiple modalities (face-to-face, flipped, hybrid, and online).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a commitment to working in a collegial academic environment.
• Demonstrated success mentoring undergraduate or graduate students in research projects.

Preferred:

• Experience or training in machine learning, or computer vision as applied to biological or medical data.
• Expertise in areas such as biomedical informatics, genomics, disease modeling, or systems biology.
• Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives across the College of Science, Engineering & Technology.
• Commitment to the teacher-scholar model, balancing high-quality instruction with research involving motivated undergraduates and master's students.
• Interest in contributing to the continued growth of the department's bioinformatics and genomics programs, including potential curriculum development for emerging certificate tracks.
• Proficiency in curriculum design, program administration, program evaluation, instruction, student guidance, and academic counseling.

POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position. Faculty service begins January 2026. Annual salary of $80,000-$86,000 depending on qualifications and experience, with additional compensation available for optional summer/overload teaching. Excellent benefits package included that begins on start date; includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, employee assistance and wellness programs, retirement plan contributions, and undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents.

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Application review begins September 22, 2025; position open until filled. Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (including email addresses), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (1-2 pages about the candidate's teaching or other professional experience working with a wide range of student academic preparedness).