"Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow"

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The College of Science (COS) at Weber State University invites applications for up to three full-time Post-Doctoral Teaching Fellows from diverse disciplines across science and science education. This is part of the WSU PROGRESS Program, which seeks to bring together recent doctoral graduates from across various scientific fields who are interested in both teaching and research in service of undergraduate education. Disciplines for Fellows will span biology, botany, physics, chemistry, math, earth and environmental science, and STEM education.

Fellows will primarily be engaged in 1) developing and teaching one class per year in their discipline, 2) developing an independent research program which include in part collecting and analyzing data on projects that aim to advance our knowledge and practice of science education, and 3) mentoring undergraduate students. Fellows will receive ample mentorship and professional development opportunities, including conference travel, grant-writing and workshops, and symposium organization.

One broad goal for Post-Doctoral Fellows is for each to develop into a teacher-scholar who is well positioned to start as a successful faculty member at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI) or research-intensive university or in industry. Given that Weber State University is a PUI, candidates should convey in their application materials an enthusiasm for undergraduate teaching, a commitment to comprehensive teaching practices in the classroom and laboratory, and an interest in establishing a productive and student-inclusive research program.

Each appointment is for up to two years and renews after the first year contingent on funding availability and performance. This position provides a starting salary of $70,000 per year, a research fund of at least $5,000, and benefits including health insurance, access to the WSU fitness center, and competitive benefits. This is a contracted position and differs from regular employees in that it does NOT provide retirement benefits. This position is funded by NSF Award #2329490, so funding for the position is contingent on continued support from the NSF.

The College of Science is housed in the Tracy Hall Science Center, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in Fall 2016 and includes two research towers, with 20 research labs, 25 teaching labs, and four floors of 14 classrooms and 235 other rooms, including faculty offices, student collaboration and study spaces, and conference rooms. Fellows are provided with office spaces and the materials and supplies needed to effectively conduct scholarship. A variety of instrumentation is available in the College. The COS includes seven departments and the interdisciplinary Environmental Science program. Across campus, there is an emphasis on undergraduate research, sustainability, community-engaged learning, and the College of Science is a leader in these areas.

Weber State University is a primarily undergraduate institution located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in Ogden, Utah. For more than five decades, the institution has successfully maintained a dual mission by offering a wide range of baccalaureate programs while also meeting regional community college needs. Weber State University has gained national recognition for its commitment to sustainability and has a goal of being carbon-neutral by 2050.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in science or science education within the last 2 years and by January 1, 2026
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident (cannot provide immigration sponsorship for this position)
• Must not hold, or have held, a tenure-track position
• Evidence of ability to teach courses to undergraduate students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience or interest in teaching science
• Evidence of successful undergraduate mentorship
• Experience or interest in using innovative, high-impact teaching strategies
• Commitment to access and student success in STEM and higher education

Benefits Summary:

WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, a wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing arts events, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Job Open Date:

01/31/2025

Review Date:

10/24/2025

Notes to Applicant:

If you are passionate about what you could offer and accomplish here at WSU, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please complete the online application and attach: Unofficial Transcript, Cover letter, CV, including three professional references, A statement of interest in teaching and scholarship at Weber State University (1000-word limit and uploaded as the Philosophy Statement Document). Questions should be addressed to jamescohen@weber.edu. A criminal background check is required as a condition of employment. Applications received by October 24, 2025 will receive highest priority, and the review of applicants will proceed immediately thereafter. Screening will continue until the position is filled. Start date: January 2, 2026.