Open-Rank Faculty in Biology

| POSITION SUMMARY

The School of Health Sciences at Columbia College invites applications for an open-rank faculty position in Biology, with appointment up to the rank of Associate Professor, beginning August 2027. The College seeks a broadly trained biologist whose primary expertise is in genetics. Additional expertise in epidemiology, anatomy and physiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, or another related biological subdiscipline is highly desirable.

Candidates considered for the rank of assistant and associate must demonstrate the potential to pursue a balanced commitment to excellent teaching, active professional and community service, and productive research. The successful candidate will primarily teach undergraduate courses in genetics, as well as introductory biology and other courses that support the biology program and the broader needs of the School of Health Sciences. Depending on the candidate's expertise, additional teaching assignments may include epidemiology, anatomy and physiology, cell and molecular biology, microbiology, or other upper-level biology courses.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the continued development of Biology and the growth of the School of Health Sciences, which includes programs in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, Exercise Science, Public Health, and Speech-Language Pathology. The successful candidate will join a collaborative group of faculty committed to student-centered teaching, experiential learning, undergraduate research, and preparation for careers and graduate study in the biological, chemical, biomedical and health sciences.

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track or non-tenure-track position, depending on the candidate's qualifications and assigned rank. The standard teaching load is twelve credit hours during each of the fall and spring semesters. Faculty members are expected to have flexibility in class scheduling to meet program and College needs. Summer teaching may be available based on enrollment needs.

| ABOUT COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Founded in 1854, Columbia College is a private liberal arts institution committed to preparing students for lives of purpose, responsibility, and impact. Since its founding, the College has cultivated a learning environment where academic rigor is paired with a deep investment in personal growth, ethical leadership, and community engagement. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with their communities, take initiative, and approach challenges with resilience. Whether in the classroom, through service, or in professional settings, they learn to lead with empathy and integrity. The College offers undergraduate, graduate, and online programs that blend a liberal arts foundation with career-focused preparation. Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship foster a culture of support.

| KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The ideal candidate will:

• Teach genetics, introductory biology, and other undergraduate biology courses consistent with the candidate's expertise and program needs.
• Develop and deliver engaging, outcomes-based instruction for a culturally and economically diverse student population using appropriate laboratory and experiential learning approaches.
• Develop laboratory, computational, or community-based learning experiences that help students connect biological concepts with biomedical, environmental, and public health applications.
• Maintain an active scholarly agenda appropriate to the candidate's rank and appointment.
• Mentor students in independent research, internships, professional development, and preparation for employment or graduate programs.
• Provide service to the Biology program, School of Health Sciences, College, profession, and broader community.
• Participate in faculty governance, professional development, and other duties consistent with the expectations of a full-time faculty appointment.

| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Tenure-Track Appointment

• Earned doctorate in Biology or closely related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.
• Evidence of, or demonstrated potential for, effective undergraduate teaching.
• Evidence of, or demonstrated potential for, a productive scholarly agenda appropriate for promotion and tenure.

Non-Tenure Track Appointment

• Master's degree in Biology or closely related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.
• Demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, service, and professional experience.

| PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Expertise in genetics, genomics, or molecular genetics.
• Experience using and teaching bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics, or biological data analysis.
• Ability to teach epidemiology, anatomy and physiology, molecular or cellular biology, microbiology, or another area that complements the Biology curriculum.
• A scholarly agenda that is feasible within a primarily undergraduate institution and provides opportunities for student participation.

| APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates must apply online through the Columbia College website application portal (www.columbiasc.edu/about/employment). Applicants should be prepared to attach the following:

• A letter of application/interest
• A current curriculum vitae
• List of at least three references with current email addresses and phone numbers
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Copies of graduate transcripts (unofficial copies of transcripts will suffice for the initial stage)

References will be contacted and asked to submit letters of recommendation to the Committee Chair. Depending on the rank, evidence of scholarly activity may be requested. Please submit all documents in one combined pdf file. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

| EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Columbia College is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. Columbia College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, identity sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, national origin, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.