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Jacksonville State University

Assistant Professor, Biology (Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy)

The Department of Biology at Jacksonville State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. Jacksonville State University is committed to excellence in teaching, student engagement, and experiential learning. The successful candidate will contribute to the department's instructional mission through teaching, mentoring, scholarly activity, and service.

The faculty member will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses that support the biology curriculum, including general biology for majors and non-majors, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and other courses aligned with the candidate's expertise. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to student-centered instruction and active learning approaches that promote student success and engagement.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, the faculty member will be expected to develop and maintain a productive scholarly agenda in comparative vertebrate anatomy, organismal biology, evolutionary morphology, or a closely related field. Research activities that involve undergraduate and graduate student participation are strongly encouraged.

Some departmental funding to support establishment of a research program is provided.

About The Department

The department currently maintains a variety of specialized facilities, as well as traditional and modern instrumentation, in support of student/faculty research.

In recent years, student/faculty research has been supported by extramural funding through the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, Alabama Environmental Council, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U. S. Forest Service and other agencies/groups.

Essential Functions

• Teach undergraduate and graduate biology courses, including comparative vertebrate anatomy and related laboratory courses.
• Teach introductory biology courses for majors and non-majors as needed by the department.
• Employ evidence-based and active learning pedagogies that support student success and retention.
• Develop and maintain laboratory experiences that enhance student learning and scientific inquiry.
• Establish and sustain a scholarly research program appropriate for a teaching-focused institution.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students through independent research projects, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Advise students regarding academic progress, career pathways, and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in curriculum development, assessment activities, and accreditation efforts.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation related to teaching, student assessment, and scholarly activities.
• Contribute to departmental, college, and university service activities.
• Develop collaborative relationships with professional organizations and individuals within the discipline.
• Seek external funding opportunities to support research and student engagement activities when appropriate.

Position Requirements

• Earned Ph.D. in Biology, Zoology, Comparative Anatomy, Evolutionary Biology, Organismal Biology, or a closely related discipline by the date of appointment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of comparative vertebrate anatomy, anatomical nomenclature, and contemporary approaches used to address questions in organismal and anatomical biology.
• Evidence of potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external professional communities.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to utilize instructional technologies.
• Ability to support and mentor students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching undergraduate laboratory and lecture courses.
• Experience utilizing active learning, course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), or other high-impact educational practices.
• Experience with specimen- and/or dissection-based instructions
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity and potential for developing a sustainable research program involving undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience pursuing or obtaining extramural funding.
• Experience advising or mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume or CV, teaching philosophy, research statement, and all earned unofficial transcripts to be considered for the position.  Official transcripts will be required upon hire. 

The salary range for this position is $60,204.00 - $66,330.00 based on years of direct experience.

This position has an anticipated start date of August 2, 2027.

About Jacksonville State University

Located in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State is home to more than 10,400 students representing 63 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment, meeting their educational, career and personal goals. As an academic institution, it seeks to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement. As a public, comprehensive university, it promotes excellence in scholarly and service activities consistent with its academic and professional strengths. For a complete list of Goals, Core Values and Strategies to fulfill this Mission, go to the JSU Strategic Plan home page.

Academically Jax State offers 113 academic programs and concentrations, including bachelor's, master's, post-baccalaureate, doctoral and advanced certificate programs in a variety of disciplines that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and ongoing education.  More than 40 online programs are offered.  The University features six colleges on its 459-acre campus – Arts, Humanities and Sciences; Business and Industry; Education and Professional Studies; Health Professions and Wellness; Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Library. Most academic programs have discipline-specific accreditations, a reflection of their quality and JSU’s commitment to excellence.

Jacksonville State University Commitment

Jacksonville State University seeks faculty who are dedicated to creating engaging learning environments, fostering student achievement, and contributing to the University's mission of providing high-quality educational opportunities. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence, student mentorship, scholarly engagement, and service to the University and broader scientific community.

Clery Notice: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, https://www.clerycenter.org/the-clery-act the Jacksonville State University Police provide information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three calendar years. The JSU Annual Campus Security and Fire Report is available online at: https://www.jsu.edu/police/docs/CleryAnnualReport.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity: Jax State is an Equal Employment and Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.