"Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology"

The Department of Biology invites applications for a one-year full-time Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology, beginning July 1, 2026. We seek an outstanding teacher-scholar with strong commitments to excellent undergraduate teaching and mentorship in a liberal arts context. The department is seeking an organismal biologist or ecologist whose teaching and research center around terrestrial animals or plants.

Teaching responsibilities (5 courses) will include contributions to the biology and general education curriculum. Specific course offerings will depend on the candidate’s areas of expertise, but these courses will include an introductory level course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), an upper-level course with a lab, and a biostatistics course with a lab. The primary responsibility of the visiting professor is excellence in undergraduate teaching and student engagement. Responsibilities are limited in scope and focus on teaching and mentoring students during the term of the appointment. Advising and student supervision responsibilities, if applicable, will be limited and aligned with the temporary nature of the position. Visiting faculty do not participate in shared governance and are not assigned ongoing administrative or committee responsibilities. They are expected to attend faculty meetings and encouraged to attend departmental meetings related to teaching and to engage collegially in the academic life of the department.

Review of applications will begin on March 4th. Applications should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. As part of the application, candidates should integrate a discussion of their approaches to inclusive learning into their teaching statement, which may include examples of pedagogical strategies, prior experience, or professional preparation that inform their work with diverse learners. Given the wide range of backgrounds and experiences of Bates students, we seek candidates who are committed to helping all students succeed through inclusive and evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning. The search committee will request letters of recommendation from three referees for short-listed candidates. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree. We encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalized groups and from those who may have followed non-traditional pathways to higher education due to societal, economic, or academic circumstances.

Bates College is a residential liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine—a diverse and growing community located approximately 45 minutes from the state’s largest city, 2½ hours north of Boston, and 4½ hours south of Montreal. Bates values faculty scholarship, creative work, and pedagogical innovation as central to its academic mission. While visiting faculty appointments are primarily teaching-focused, the College recognizes that scholarly and creative activity may remain an important part of a faculty member’s professional identity. Institutional resources supporting scholarship and teaching are available in ways appropriate to the scope and duration of the appointment. Community-engaged learning and study abroad are broadly encouraged and supported, and pedagogical development and innovation are supported through the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Educational access and racial justice are central to Bates’ history and mission and our faculty-led initiatives reflect this commitment.

A Ph.D. is required by the start date.