Job description

Position Title: Lecturer (General Science)

Department: Biology

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline: Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by April 23, 2026.

Position Summary:
Washburn University’s College of Arts & Sciences invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, lecturer position in general science. Appointment is expected to begin August 1, 2026.

The College of Arts & Sciences at Washburn University offers required general education natural science lecture and lab courses that serve students across all degree programs. We seek candidates who are committed to student success and who demonstrate excellence in teaching introductory science courses with laboratory components. Preference will be given to candidates qualified to teach in multiple scientific disciplines, specifically our Everyday Biology course, as well as either Chemistry in Everyday Life or Physics in Everyday Life. Our science programs are known for their strong commitment to hands on learning and high quality instruction. Faculty in our science departments are dedicated educators who contribute to vibrant, supportive learning environments.

Each selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.

About Washburn University:
Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:

• Teach 12-faculty load hours per semester (either in-person or online, according to departmental needs) or equivalent full workload as outlined in the faculty handbook.
• Teach and develop undergraduate classes as assigned and as dependent upon College needs, which will include general education natural science with lab lecture and lab courses.
• Fulfill service expectations associated with the appointment by engaging in service activities in the department, university, and profession.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in science education, biology, chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.
• Official educational transcripts required at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of graduate coursework that qualifies the candidate to teach introductory, lab based science courses in two or more areas.
• Experience teaching at the secondary and/or post-secondary level.

How to apply

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• Please upload the following items as .pdf files to the “additional documents” fields via the electronic application:

a letter of interest and a statement of teaching philosophy.

• Contact information for three professional references will be collected as part of the application process.
• If you have questions about the position, please contact Dr. Matt Arterburn, Screening Committee Chair, [email protected].
• The successful candidate will be required to submit to a background check prior to hire.
• Official transcripts are required once hired.

EEO Statement

Washburn is dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching focused academic environment and a curriculum that engages the diversity of human experience across the globe. We seek candidates who are committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Application materials should clearly articulate how the candidate will contribute to the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through their teaching, research, and/or service.

Washburn University is an EOE. Washburn University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.