Assistant Professor of Biology (Immunology)

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Position Title Assistant Professor of Biology (Immunology) FLSA Department Department Of Biology Job Summary

The Department of Biology at Xavier University of Louisiana invites applications for a tenure-track position in Immunology at the rank of assistant professor, beginning in Fall 2027. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is passionate about undergraduate education and committed to mentoring students in a student-centered learning environment. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in Biology, develop and teach an upper-level course in Immunology, and establish an active research program that engages undergraduate students in meaningful laboratory experiences. The research program should provide opportunities for students to develop scientific skills and prepare for careers in research, medicine, and other health professions. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentoring, and fostering an inclusive learning environment that supports student success.

The Department is particularly interested in candidates with a demonstrated record of supporting student success across diverse educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those served by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Successful candidates will exhibit a strong commitment to inclusive excellence through teaching, mentoring, and scholarly engagement that fosters equitable learning environments, reduces barriers to achievement, and promotes student engagement, persistence, and academic success. The Department values faculty who are dedicated to empowering all students to reach their full potential and who contribute to a culture of belonging, academic excellence, and lifelong learning.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate Biology courses, including lecture and laboratory sections, serving the department's majors and the broader University curriculum;
• Design and teach an upper-division Immunology course, drawing on current research and effective, evidence-based teaching practices;
• Mentor and advise undergraduate students, including those preparing for medical school, graduate school, and other professional programs;
• Develop a research program in Immunology that engages undergraduates in meaningful, hands-on research experiences;
• Pursue external funding to support student research and training; and
• Participate in departmental, college, and University service.

Resources and Research Environment

The Department of Biology provides outstanding facilities and resources to support immersive instruction in Immunology and undergraduate research training. Faculty and students have access to a dedicated cell culture facility, extensive departmental instrumentation including a flow cytometer and confocal microscope, and an on-campus vivarium. In addition, researchers benefit from access to the University's core facilities that support Cell and Molecular Biology, Drug Development, and Biostatistics. Together, these resources provide a strong foundation for innovative teaching, collaborative research, and high-impact undergraduate experiential learning in the biological sciences.

About the Biology Department

The Department of Biology is the largest academic department at Xavier University of Louisiana, with over 800 majors and 24 faculty members. The Department ranks third nationally in the number of Black and African American students earning baccalaureate degrees in Biology and in the broader Biomedical Sciences. It has a strong national reputation for producing health professionals and is a leading source of Black and African American students who go on to earn the MD degree, and graduates also rank fifth nationally in the number of Black and African American students who complete doctoral degrees in the Life Sciences. These accomplishments reflect the Department's longstanding commitment to excellence in teaching, student-centered mentoring, and transformative educational experiences that prepare students for success in graduate and professional education, scientific research, and leadership roles in their communities and professions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology or a related field;
• Experience teaching undergraduate courses in Biology and upper-level courses in Immunology;
• Postdoctoral research experience;
• Established record of research productivity, proportional to experience, in a research area in Immunology;
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring undergraduate students;
• Write and speak English proficiently; and
• Commitment to the mission of Xavier University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced training beyond the Ph.D., such as postdoctoral experience, industry experience, or other relevant professional experience;
• Demonstrated record of meaningful mentorship of undergraduate students;
• Advanced training beyond the Ph.D., such as postdoctoral experience, industry experience, or other relevant professional experience;
• Demonstrated record of meaningful mentorship of undergraduate students;
• Successful experience teaching biology courses to a diverse student population;
• Knowledge of effective teaching practices that support student success, including culturally responsive and inclusive pedagogies;
• Awareness of factors that may affect the academic success of students from historically underrepresented backgrounds;
• Experience with pedagogical best practices and a commitment to ongoing professional development in teaching and learning;
• Experience mentoring undergraduate researchers and supporting their academic and professional development;
• Familiarity with active-learning strategies that promote student engagement and achievement; and
• Experience implementing inclusive teaching practices that foster equitable learning environments and student success.

Special Requirements Summary Work Hours

Full-Time

KSA's

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number F208P Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 08/02/2027 Position End Date (if temporary) Posting Date 10/26/2026 Application Review Date 10/26/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

How to Apply-Required Documentation:

Applicants should submit the following materials through the Xavier University of Louisiana jobs portal (jobs.xula.edu):

• Cover letter emphasizing qualifications for this position;
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae;
• Statement of teaching philosophy and experience, including plans for the Immunology course;
• Research statement, including plans for involving undergraduate students; and
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Michelle Boissiere, (mbell@xula.edu), for additional information or questions.

Xavier University of Louisiana is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Department of Biology is especially interested in exceptionally well qualified applicants who will contribute, through their research, teaching and service to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Screening of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.xula.edu/postings/4024

About Xavier

About Xavier

Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier University of Louisiana is the only Catholic Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Located in New Orleans, the ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. Xavier University of Louisiana's current enrollment is 3,419. Of these, 2,693 are undergraduates and 205 are graduate students enrolled in Masters and Doctoral programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, there are 518 students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy, which offers the Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies, the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Doctor of Pharmacy. Xavier's student body is 80% African American, with approximately 37% from Louisiana, primarily from the New Orleans area. The balance comes from 42 other states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and several countries.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy
• Research Philosophy

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation
• Media File
• Portfolio
• Other