Visiting Assistant Professor - Biology and Earth Science
Location: Westerville, OH Job Type: Faculty Job Number: 00462 Division: Academic Affairs Department: Biology & Earth Science Opening Date: 02/09/2026
Description Otterbein University invites applications for the position of Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology & Earth Science with a primary specialization in Environmental Geology. We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion who will contribute to the department's efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment for all.
Responsibilities Teach 24 workload hours in the academic year including: • Introduction to Environmental Science lecture & lab • Physical Geology lecture & lab • Environmental Geology lecture & lab • Another upper-level course in their discipline, such as Hydrology lecture & lab • Departmental Seminar
Contribute to university life through advising and service
Start Date: This appointment begins in August 2026
Compensation: For the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor - $61,610 (plus full University benefits)
Qualifications PhD; broadly trained in environmental geology. Evidence of effective teaching required.
Application To apply: submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy statement, and three (3) references including contact information, and a diversity statement consisting of no more than one single-spaced page, addressing the following two questions: • How has a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion informed your teaching, scholarship, and/or professional experience to date? • How do you see yourself contributing to Otterbein's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Preference given to applicants who submit materials by February 27, 2026.
Additional Information The Department consists of approximately 300 students, 10 full-time and 9 part-time faculty, a laboratory coordinator and an administrative assistant. It offers majors in: • Environmental Science • Biology • Zoo & Conservation Science, including an Aquarium Track • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology • Sustainability
The Department is an active participant in the Integrative Studies Program and offers global education travel courses. Visit us at https://www.otterbein.edu/biology-earth-science/to learn more about the Department of Biology & Earth Science and the Biology, Environmental Science, and Zoo & Conservation Science majors.
Otterbein University: Historically progressive. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio's largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County. Otterbein is the first university in Ohio to be selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity. To learn more about Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu.
Where Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, and has received notable national designations, including two appearances on Money Magazine's Top 100 list of America's "Best Places to Live" and recognized as one of Forbes' "America's Friendliest Towns." Westerville has a population of approximately 37,000 people and combines the beauty and convenience of a medium-sized community with the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of Columbus, the state capital, a thriving and diverse metropolitan area of 1.4 million people. Central Ohio is the fastest growing area in the state with stability provided by a diversified economy.
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