Position Description: The successful candidate for this biology education research position is expected to develop a productive, externally-funded research program in post-secondary biology education or science education that engages students.  The successful candidate will join a thriving community of more than 50 biologists with broad sub-disciplinary diversity and will be expected to contribute to teaching undergraduate introductory biology courses as well as upper-level undergraduate or graduate courses related to their area of specialization. We seek candidates who value undergraduate research and mentoring, with an interest in engaging in a collaborative teaching and research environment in support of the academic program of the unit. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the department’s continuing efforts and process relating to building inclusive excellence in science education to promote the success and retention of all students.

Minimum Qualifications: A Ph.D. in biology, biology education, or a relevant field is required at the time of appointment; demonstrated experience in biology education research; potential for or past success securing external funding; demonstrated scholarly activity in the areas of biology or science education; potential or past experience in mentoring students; experience with student-centered evidence-based teaching practices; an ability to teach introductory courses in biology;  a demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate; and a commitment to access, inclusion, and diversity in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications: The ability to teach undergraduate-level or graduate-level organismal courses that complement current offerings and/or courses that support the department’s commitment to K-16 science education; teaching experience at the university/college level; and research experience and/or interests relating to equity and inclusion in college science and assessment.

About the James Madison University Biology Department

The Biology Department at James Madison University currently serves over 1000 undergraduate majors and 19 master's students. We offer a wide variety of courses for biology majors, general education and pre-health profession majors, including a 4-semester lab-intensive core curriculum. The Department of Biology is housed in the modern 90,000 ft2 Bioscience building, with numerous facilities to support the scholarly and educational pursuits of faculty and students.

The department is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment that will allow us to recruit and retain a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students. The successful candidate will be expected to adopt these principles in their teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and service to the institution.

Please visit our web site at http://www.jmu.edu/biology/ for more information about the department.

To apply, please visit (https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/15259). Use this site to submit:

• ·       Letter of application (up to 2 pages) that addresses the outlined minimum and preferred position qualifications
• ·       Curriculum vitae
• ·       A teaching statement (up to 2 pages) that describes your planned and/or ongoing approach to:
• o   Effectively teach undergraduate students
• o   Promote an equitable climate for students from diverse backgrounds    
• ·       A research statement (up to 2 pages) that includes:
• o   A ~5-year plan that involves undergraduate students at JMU
• o   Plans to promote an equitable climate for student researchers from diverse backgrounds
• o   A description of ways your scholarly activity relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or justice in biology, biology education, or science education   
• ·       The names and contact information for three professional references that can speak directly to your teaching and/or research experience and aptitudes. Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation at the time of application; references will be contacted for a letter of recommendation and/or reference check by phone as candidates move forward in the search process to the interview stages.

Review of applications will begin on 9/22/2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee. For more information about the position, please contact Joe Harsh (harshja@jmu.edu).

About James Madison University

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research. Information regarding the university’s mission, vision, and values can be found here: https://www.jmu.edu/pair/strategic-planning/mission-vision-values.shtml.

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.