"Assistant Professor of Biology"

Assistant Professor of Biology

Company: Utah Tech University

Job Location: St. George, UT

Category: Biology

Type: Full-Time

Salary: See Position Description

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 Biology with an emphasis in Biotechnology. This position will support two major academic initiatives: (1) the launch and implementation of a new Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, and (2) the BioLaunch capstone program, a year-long biotech entrepreneurship experience designed to provide hands-on, work-based learning for students.

This faculty member will teach core and upper-division courses in support of the biotechnology program, and develop upper-division coursework in their area of expertise. The ideal candidate will be able to develop coursework in molecular neurobiology, drug discovery, synthetic biology, agronomy, or biomanufacturing, and support curriculum design aligned with evolving life sciences workforce needs. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape a forward-looking, industry-aligned program at a comprehensive polytechnic university with a strong commitment to innovation and workforce readiness.

The Biological Sciences department houses degree options for students in the fields of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Bioinformatics, and Biology Secondary Education. Learn more at https://biology.utahtech.edu.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credit hours per academic year (12 per semester) in biotechnology and related areas, or other courses as needed by the department.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of curriculum for the BS in Biotechnology, including stackable certificate tracks and the BioLaunch capstone experience.
• Develop and teach upper-division coursework in areas aligned with candidate expertise and industry needs (e.g., molecular neurobiology, drug discovery, synthetic biology, agronomy, or biomanufacturing).
• Serve as a faculty mentor for student teams participating in BioLaunch, helping guide project development and professional growth.
• Participate in curriculum development, including course proposals, assessment strategies, and industry-aligned competencies.
• Maintain regular office hours and actively participate in departmental, college, and university service.
• Collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and the BioLaunch Advisory Board to ensure program quality and workforce relevance.
• Contribute to ongoing faculty recruitment, marketing, and student outreach efforts related to the biotechnology program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related life science discipline.
• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness in higher education.
• Expertise in an applied or emerging area of biotechnology relevant to workforce development (e.g., molecular neurobiology, drug discovery, synthetic biology, agronomy, or biomanufacturing).
• Commitment to active learning and student-centered instruction.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with other faculty, staff, and students and contribute to a collegial environment.

Preferred:

• Industry experience in biotechnology, biomedical, pharmaceutical, or related sectors.
• Experience developing or teaching courses in biotechnology, innovation, or entrepreneurship.
• Interest in supporting student research, innovation-based learning (IBL), or capstone experiences.

Supplemental Information

POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position. Faculty service begins January 2026. Annual salary of $60,000-$63,000 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. See https://humanresources.utahtech.edu/employee-benefits/ under "Benefits Summary" for more details.

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). Please upload all the requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check. If, because of a disability, you need special services or facilities to apply for this opening, please call the Human Resources Office (435) 652-7520.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY: Utah Tech University is an open, comprehensive, polytechnic institution, committed to exceptional student learning and success that has adopted an instructional approach of "active learning. active life" and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek faculty and staff committed to creating an active, applied, and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, our University is located in picturesque southwestern Utah, approximately 120 miles north of Las Vegas. The area is renowned for its red rocks, desert climate, over 300 days of sunshine annually, and featuring easy access to world-class outdoor recreational opportunities.