Job description

Salary: $60,000.00 – $65,000.00 Annually

Location: Springfield, MA

Job Type: Academic Faculty – 9 months

Job Number: 00460

Department: Biology Chemistry

Description

The Department of Biology/Chemistry invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Microbiology beginning in the Fall 2027 semester. We seek an enthusiastic and innovative educator-scholar who is committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching, evidence-based pedagogical practices, and scholarly work that actively engages undergraduate students or addresses important pedagogical questions.

The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative, student-centered academic community through engaging instruction, scholarly activity, advising, and mentorship. We are particularly interested in candidates who integrate inclusive teaching practices and authentic research experiences into the undergraduate curriculum. Candidates with experience, or a strong interest in, developing or implementing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) are highly desirable. Springfield College also adheres to the Boyer Model of Scholarship which also includes pedagogical research as scholarly activity.

The successful candidate will join a department that values the integration of teaching and scholarship and recognizes experiential learning as an important component of student learning. We seek a colleague who will contribute to a collaborative departmental culture, engage students as emerging scientists, and help prepare graduates for careers in the life sciences, health professions, graduate study, and related fields and in alignment with the College’s Humanics mission.

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is a private, coeducational institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs that reflect its distinctive Humanics Philosophy – the education of the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to humanity. Springfield College offers over 40 undergraduate and 14 graduate areas of study. It is world renowned as the birthplace of basketball. Springfield College is consistently ranked in the top tier in its category – Master’s-North Region – in the “America’s Best Colleges” issue of U.S. News & World Report. For more information, please visit the College’s homepage at www.springfieldcollege.edu. Springfield College welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences, who will contribute to the campus community.

Actual salaries will vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to degrees attained, experience, and other considerations permitted by law. Comprehensive compensation details, including any additional benefits, will be communicated upon finalization of the employment offer.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach undergraduate courses in microbiology and related areas of biology, with opportunities to contribute to introductory biology, upper-level electives, and laboratory-based courses according to departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise.
• Incorporate authentic research experiences, inquiry-based learning, or other forms of experiential learning practices into undergraduate courses.
• Contribute to curriculum development and assessment initiatives that support student learning and program-level goals and learning outcomes.
• Foster an inclusive learning environment that supports students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and academic goals.
• Integrate research into the curriculum through CUREs, research-based laboratory courses, or other approaches that provide students with authentic opportunities to contribute to scientific knowledge.
• Pursue scholarly dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at professional conferences, and other appropriate venues, with undergraduate students included as collaborators when warranted.
• Contribute to departmental and institutional service.
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to develop interdisciplinary teaching and research opportunities.
• Participate in professional development activities that advance teaching effectiveness, scholarly productivity, and student success.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• A Ph. D. in Microbiology or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment, ABD considered.
• The ability to develop and teach engaging undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience developing, implementing, or assessing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs).
• Evidence of using evidence-based pedagogical practices, including active learning, inquiry-based instruction, or other approaches that promote student engagement and learning.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate researchers and supporting student participation in scholarly presentations or publications.
• A research agenda that offers accessible, meaningful projects for undergraduate students while supporting sustained scholarly productivity.
• Experience pursuing external research funding or developing competitive grant proposals.
• Experience integrating microbiological techniques, data analysis, and contemporary research methods into undergraduate laboratory instruction.

How to apply

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter describing their interest in the position and alignment with the department’s teaching and research priorities.
2. Curriculum vitae documenting academic preparation, teaching experience, research accomplishments, and scholarly activity.
3. Combined teaching and research statement describing their teaching philosophy, evidence-based instructional practices, commitment to inclusive teaching, and approach to undergraduate laboratory education. The statement should also describe their future plans for scholarly work appropriate for a primarily undergraduate institution and opportunities for undergraduate student participation including descriptions of CUREs or research experiences if applicable.
4. Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin after the priority deadline of December 11, 2026 and continue until filled with a start date of the Fall 2027 semester.