"Assistant Professor of Biology, Plant Ecology"

Job Details

Assistant Professor of Biology

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 15, 2026. We are looking for a broadly trained plant ecologist with expertise in empirical field ecology and plant biology who is passionate about teaching, mentoring undergraduate research students, and contributing to a vibrant academic community. The appointee will teach upper-division courses in plant ecology and plant biology. Preference will be given to candidates who can also teach conservation biology, research design and biostatistics, and introductory biology. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our growing Conservation Biology major track.

UMW and the Department of Biological Sciences are strongly committed to engaging undergraduate students in research. Therefore, the appointee will be expected to develop a field-based research program and inquiry-based courses that involve undergraduates at all levels of the research process. An endowment from alumna Irene Piscopo Rodgers supports undergraduate research in the sciences through scholarships, research fellowships, and the Irene Piscopo Rodgers ‘59 Summer Science Institute, an immersive summer research program for students and faculty mentors. Faculty also benefit from internal funding for research supplies, travel, scholarly activities, and equipment.

Required

• Ph.D. (by August 2026) in Plant Ecology, Plant Biology, or a related field.
• Broad training in biology with ability to teach plant ecology and plant biology.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate level. Interest in and ability to involve undergraduates in field-based research in research-intensive courses and individual studies in plant ecology.
• Evidence of an emerging or established scholarly research agenda in plant ecology.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in plant ecology, plant biology, and additional courses within the Biological Sciences (9-12 credits/semester).
• Develop a research-intensive course in their area of expertise.
• Maintain an active scholarly research program that includes mentorship of undergraduate researchers within the candidate's discipline.
• Contribute to the development of the Conservation Biology program, including partnerships with the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation.
• Participate in service to the department, college, and broader community.

Opportunities

• Teach undergraduate courses such as conservation biology, biostatistics and research design, introductory biology, and others in the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Access a diverse assortment of natural lands near campus as sites for class activities and field research.
• Manage and use the on-site greenhouse.
• Collaborate on research projects with colleagues on campus and at other universities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.

For full consideration, submit all materials by October 31, 2025 through https://jobs.umw.edu/jobs.

Complete applications will include:

• A cover letter that addresses teaching and research interests and qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• A statement of teaching philosophy.
• A research statement outlining plans for engaging undergraduate students in research.
• Three current letters of reference.
• Unofficial transcript from all undergraduate and post-graduate institutions from which degrees were earned. Ability to provide official transcripts as needed.

About UMW:

UMW is a public liberal arts and sciences institution nationally recognized for its commitment to effective teaching, undergraduate research, and experiential learning. UMW’s main campus in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is midway between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, a location that offers faculty and students access to a rich network of government agencies, academic colleagues, and professional opportunities. Recently recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education, UMW has earned national recognition for its emphasis on internships, student experiences, and career preparation.

The successful candidate will join a collegial group of 15 faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences who are dedicated to student-centered teaching and research. The department supports approximately 350 students across four majors: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Conservation Biology, and Kinesiology, as well as other students in programs in Chemistry, Environmental Science, and several interdisciplinary minors. UMW students are highly motivated, with a strong population of environmentally-minded students looking to pursue careers in conservation and natural resources management with the park service and other governmental and non-governmental agencies. Faculty and students benefit from small class sizes, interactive classrooms, and modern teaching and research laboratories in the renovated Jepson Science Center, which is well-equipped to support UMW’s teaching and research missions. Renovations included an update of the department’s greenhouse and interior growth space. In addition, our location in Fredericksburg permits easy access to a wide variety of natural areas, some university-owned, for potential field sites.

At the University of Mary Washington, the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action are practiced. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors in recruiting, admitting, enrolling students or hiring and promoting faculty and staff members. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to these core principles.