Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Assistant Professor of Biology is a full-time, tenure track position beginning in Fall 2027.
The Department of Biology at Widener University seeks candidates with strong research and teaching experience in ecology and animal physiology. Candidates with research experience in any area of ecological focus (plant-animal, animal-microbe, etc.) are encouraged to apply, but the successful candidate must have teaching experience related to vertebrate or human physiology. Ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, and in mentoring and engaging undergraduate students in their research program. The successful candidate will join a supportive environment in the Department of Biology, with potential to collaborate in both research and pedagogy within and across departments/disciplines at Widener. Facilities available include greenhouse space, Widener’s arboretum, a staffed prep room, individual office and laboratory space, and multi-use laboratory spaces equipped for molecular biology and microbiology, plant and animal care, and microscopy. The campus is close to diverse natural habitats including John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Ridley Creek State Park (PA), Alapocas Run State Park (DE), and the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
The Department of Biology is committed to fostering a sense of belonging in science. We comprise faculty, staff, and students representing a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences. We seek candidates who aspire to create an environment of inclusive excellence where our students can thrive and achieve success in their chosen fields. Those candidates experienced in, or who would enjoy, working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and those who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity, are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas throughout their application.
Review of application materials will begin October 23rd, 2026. Applicants must submit: a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, and a research statement, and a statement of teaching philosophy. In addition, three confidential letters of reference must be sent to artsandsciences@widener.edu.
In these materials, provide detailed examples of your experiences with diverse student populations and demonstrate how you could promote an environment of inclusive excellence in our department and in the broader Widener University community through your teaching, scholarship, and service activities. All documents must be submitted electronically (docx or pdf format).
For more information about Widener University and the Department of Biology, see www.widener.edu.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
Teaching
- Teach 21 credits/contact hours per year
- Teach lecture and laboratory sections for introductory and upper-level Biology students and non-majors.
- Design and teach upper-level ecology and vertebrate or human physiology elective courses for Biology majors. These courses may be specific to the candidate’s field or discipline.
- Maintain regular weekly office hours to provide academic support and guidance to students enrolled in assigned courses.
Research
- Establish and maintain a successful research program in the candidate’s field or discipline
- Engage and mentor undergraduate students in their research program
Institutional Engagement
- As an academic advisor, guide and mentor assigned undergraduate students through the 4-year Biology curriculum sequence.
- Participate in weekly departmental faculty meetings focused on departmental operations and planning, faculty development, including pedagogical strategies and student support initiatives.
- Participate in science division, college, and university meetings focused on faculty governance, higher-level student and curricular development, and enhancing campus-wide inclusive excellence.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Perform other work-related duties as elected to support institutional needs that align with the mission of the Department of Biology, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Ph.D. in Biology (or related field)
- Teaching experience in an upper-level Vertebrate or Human Physiology course
- Demonstrated experience in teaching and engaging undergraduate students in research, specifically in ecology and/or physiology.
- Pedagogical Commitment: Evidence of capacity and commitment to inclusive learning, active teaching strategies, and student-centered pedagogy, as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or formal training.
- Lab Instruction: Experience teaching introductory or upper-level biology laboratory courses.
Preferred:
- Two or more years of teaching experience at the college or university level.
- Two or more years of post-doctoral experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Must be available for in-person instruction.
- Ability to move throughout laboratory spaces to supervise students.
- Must have the ability to move around campus to attend meetings and teach in different classrooms.
- Minimal lifting may be involved for tasks such as carrying materials to class
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran. U.S. work authorization is required.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
