Assistant Professor – Plant Biology

Western Connecticut State University

Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences

Biological & Environmental Sciences
Assistant Professor – Plant Biology

Tenure Track – Academic Year 2022 - 2023

Western Connecticut State University’s Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, in plant biology.  This position will start with the Fall 2022 semester.

WCSU is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women to apply.  We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion.

The Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences is home to 13 departments, 21 undergraduate majors, and 5 graduate majors. The Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Integrative Biological Diversity. Additional information may be found at https://www.wcsu.edu/biology/.

The Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences is a collegial and supportive department that collaborates on research and teaching endeavors. The department is housed in a modern building with access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Resources available to faculty include dedicated research space, tissue culture equipment, animal facility, fluorescent microscopes, molecular equipment, environmental chambers, greenhouse, laundry facility, canoes, and a 33-acre nature preserve. WCSU is located in an urban setting in close proximity to open spaces, farms, and conservation areas, and is well-suited to service-learning opportunities and other creative partnerships. WCSU offers opportunities to support student and faculty research, conference attendance, and professional development.

Position Summary: The successful candidate will teach biology courses with topics including biodiversity, ecology, and conservation biology. The successful candidate will develop and grow the plant biology curriculum, teaching additional courses and mentoring research projects (undergraduate and graduate) in the candidate’s area of expertise. The successful candidate will also conduct creative (research) activity, provide productive service to the department and university, and engage in professional activity and scholarship.  The workload for all full-time faculty members is 12 credits per semester.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in plant biology and post-doctoral research experience. Candidates must be qualified to teach undergraduate courses in general biology and conservation biology. Preference will be given to candidates who have teaching experience and whose teaching pedagogy encourages active learning and critical thinking. The candidate should also have experience mentoring students (undergraduate and graduate) in a plant biology research program. The specific sub-discipline of plant biology expertise is open. Evidence that the candidate has the potential to continue to publish peer-reviewed literature is required. WCSU is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from different backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for first-generation and underrepresented groups.

Salary & Benefits: The salary range is $64,422 – $85,896 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience.  Western offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/.

Application Process: Interested applicants must submit 1) a letter of application outlining interest and qualifications for the position; 2) a current curriculum vita; 3) a teaching statement describing your teaching philosophy, teaching experience, and plan for expanding the plant biology curriculum at WCSU; 4) a succinct research statement including specific examples of projects you plan to pursue at WCSU; and 5) the names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references who can comment on the applicant's teaching, scholarship, and/or service/leadership. All application materials should be sent as a single PDF file to facultyvitae@wcsu.edu. In the Email Subject Line Reference Search #900-050.  Applications must be received by Friday, October 15, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.

State and Federal requirements expect that organizations with 100 or more employees invite applicants to self-identify gender and race. We kindly request all applicants to complete the Affirmative Action Data Questionnaire via the following link. http://wcsu.edu/diversity/affirmative-action-data-questionnaire/. Any questions may be directed to Ms. Keisha Stokes in the WCSU Office of Diversity and Equity at stokesk@wcsu.edu.  Completion of this data will not affect your opportunity for employment, or terms or conditions of employment. This form will be used for reporting purposes only and will be kept separate from all search records and only accessed by the Office of Diversity and Equity.

Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer