The Department of Biology at Knox College invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in conservation biology and/or ecology, beginning Fall 2027. The successful candidate will be expected to teach field oriented courses at both the introductory and upper levels. Candidates are also expected to develop an active research program with opportunities for significant participation by undergraduates, with a strong preference for a candidate whose teaching and research will…
focus on the local environment in western Illinois, including the college’s 700 acre Green Oaks Biological Field Station. The position involves a six-course teaching load (typically two courses in each of three 10-week terms).
Knox College is an independent, selective liberal arts institution with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. Knox is included in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and a member of the prestigious consortium of Associated Colleges of the Midwest.
Knox College provides a competitive salary and a strong benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, and access to a retirement plan; a tuition remission benefit is available after a two-year waiting period. Additional information can be found on our Human Resources webpage at https://www.knox.edu/employment-at-knox/faculty.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. and post-doctoral experience is preferred, but exceptional ABD candidates will be considered.
Candidates should submit:
- Cover Letter addressing how the candidate’s teaching interests and experiences are suited to a selective, diverse liberal arts college.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Statement on their research interests
- Three confidential letters of recommendation
Submission via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/195207
Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Questions may be addressed to biologysearch@knox.edu.
For more information about biology at Knox check: (https://www.knox.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/biology).
For more information about the Green Oaks Biological Field Station check: (https://www.knox.edu/about-knox/green-oaks).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities.
In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from discriminating on the basis of sex.
The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of Non-Discrimination is the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance.
Any inquiries regarding Title IX or the College's policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment should be directed to the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance identified below. The coordinator will be available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College’s policies and procedures.
Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: cultureofrespect@knox.edu
Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance, the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for additional information.
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office
500 W Madison St., Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661-4544
Phone: 312-730-1560
Email: ocr@ed.gov
Inquiries regarding the College’s policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) should be directed to the ADA/504 Coordinator identified below.
Knox College ADA/504 Coordinator
Jennie Hemingway, PhD
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: jhemingway@knox.edu
Employees requesting accommodations may contact:
Human Resources
52 W South St., Alumni Hall, Suite 100 | Campus Box K-200
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7162 or 309-341-7543
Email: hr@knox.edu
Students requesting accommodations may contact:
Director of Disability Support Services
Patricia Harden
Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183
340 South West Street
Phone: 309-341-7478
Email: pharden@knox.edu
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in certain aspects of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a human.