Florida Gulf Coast University
Job Summary
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) seeks an exceptional Assistant
Professor of Zoology whose scholarship and teaching advance our
department's strengths in animal biology, ecology, evolution,
biological variety, conservation, and related areas of biological
science. The successful candidate will be a student-centered
educator and an active scholar who integrates undergraduates and
master's students into a sustainable research program.
Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive university
dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty
are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing
professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of
instruction resulting in improved student learning; be committed to
effective use of technology including distance learning; produce
peer reviewed scholarship; and provide service to the College,
University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main
campus or at off-campus sites within our region.
The Department of Biological Sciences and FGCU provide unique
opportunities for candidates interested in this position. On an
average year, we support 900 undergraduate students and 15 to 25
Master's students. Departmental faculty possess wide range of
scholarly interests to include molecular, genetic, and organismal
pursuits as well as community-engaged research and SoTL
(Scholarship of Teaching and Learning). Faculty also provide
variety of learning opportunities that run the range of Bloom's
taxonomy (from recall to creation) and, therefore, employ different
approaches to include integrated lab-lectures, active-learning, and
Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs).
Faculty, staff, and students also partner extensively with the
community members, which supports the university's sustainability
and service-learning goals. In addition, half of the campus is set
aside as conservation areas, which creates a living laboratory for
both teaching and research opportunities for the field and lab.
This is a special place for people who want to connect their
teaching, research, and service.
The ideal candidates will complement departmental strengths;
demonstrate the potential to secure external support; and show a
clear commitment to pedagogy that elevates student success (e.g.,
active learning, CUREs, POGIL), mentoring, and collaborative
engagement within and beyond the University.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and
collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others
and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive
action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation,
accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home
here.
Job Description
Typical duties include but are not limited to:
- Teach 9 credit hours per semester of core and upper-level,
and/or graduate courses in biology and related subjects.
Plans, prepares, and teaches assigned courses, including
developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
Delivers consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned
with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
Maintains the highest standards of classroom instruction and
engages in reflective self-assessment to ensure continuous
improvement.
Holds regular office hours and provides academic advising and
individual support to students.
Utilizes the University's learning management system and other
instructional technologies effectively.
Collaborates with departmental faculty on curriculum
development and program advancement.
Ensures curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are
met.
Establishes and maintains an active research program, including
opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.
Demonstrates evidence of scholarly publication and
grantsmanship.
Engages in continued professional development and maintains
professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
Actively participates in departmental, college, and university
committees and meetings.
Contributes to community, institutional, and professional
service in support of the University's mission.
Participates in faculty evaluation, student learning
assessment, and required training activities.
Communicates professionally and in a timely manner with
students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
Upholds the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and
excellence in all professional activities.
Complies with University policies, procedures, and the
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Performs other duties as assigned.
Additional Job Description
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Zoology, Animal Biology, Wildlife Biology, or a
closely related field from a regionally accredited institution or
equivalent accreditation.
- ABD will be considered if degree is conferred by August 7,
2027. If successful candidate is ABD, appointment will be made at a
Lecturer level on a fixed contract.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research and/or teaching expertise in zoology, animal
physiology, animal behavior, or wildlife biology.
- Experience teaching zoology-related courses, including but not
limited to General Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, Invertebrate
Zoology, Animal Physiology, Animal Behavior, and courses supporting
our undergraduate and graduate Biology programs.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications in any area of zoology,
animal biology, or related sciences commensurate with career
stage.
- Experience implementing high-impact practices (e.g., CUREs,
POGIL, inquiry-driven labs) and evidence-based teaching.
- Experience with/or clear commitment to mentoring undergraduate
and graduate-level research.
- Demonstrated experience or strong interest in interdisciplinary
collaboration across biology fields (e.g., environmental studies,
ecology, marine sciences, veterinary sciences, chemistry,
biotechnology, or public health).
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of
inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the
discipline(s).
- Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies
for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning
goals.
- Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how
to help learners develop high level questioning skills.
- Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional
models and strategies.
- Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching
modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous
online).
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and
outside the University in the development and delivery of
instruction, resulting in improved student learning.
- Ability to leverage FGCU's regional ecosystems for research and
teaching and complement the department's existing strengths in
biological sciences
- Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges
with creativity.
- Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and
holding oneself accountable.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively
across teams.
Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:
- Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to
feedback and new ideas.
- Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work;
persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve
deliverables.
- Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships
across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to
achieve common goals.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment with
an anticipated start date of August 2027.
Because applications and materials are subject to public review and
retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DO NOT send
examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so.
Therefore, all submitted materials, including articles, disks,
slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE
RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to
submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become
the property of FGCU. Under Florida's Public Records law,
applications will be available for public review upon
request.
Required Application Materials:
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Statement of Research
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Five (5) Professional References
The position is listed as "open until filled", however
applications received by November 6, 2026 will receive priority
consideration.
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal
Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or
protected veteran status.
To apply, please visit: https://jobs.fgcu.edu/jobs/assistant-professor-zoology-fort-myers-florida-united-states
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