Assistant Professor of Biology

SALARY:

$57,135.00

POSITION TITLE:

Assistant Professor of Biology

DEPARTMENT:

Biology

JOB DESCRIPTION:

EMPLOYMENT TERMS: Tenure Track, Full-time, 9-month contract

PRIMARY DUTY:

Seeking a plant ecologist with a background in plant diversity, taxonomy, and local flora to teach undergraduate coursework in plant biology as well as advanced courses dealing with plant diversity.  Teaching responsibilities are likely to include an introductory course in organismal diversity and ecology as well as upper-level courses in field botany and plant biology.  The ability to contribute to the curriculum by offering courses in evolution, plant anatomy, plant physiology or other areas of the candidate’s specialization are highly desirable

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Teach an introductory survey (100 level) of organismal diversity and ecology for biology majors, including an associated laboratory component.
• Teach an upper-level field course focusing upon Local Flora of the region.
• Teach an upper-level course in plant biology and associated laboratory.
• Contribute to the biology discipline curriculum in other ways by offering courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Possibilities may include, but are not limited to, coursework in evolution, plant physiology, and plant anatomy. 
• Alternatively, the candidate may be asked to contribute to offerings of the biology survey for non-science majors as a part of the general education curriculum.
• Cover a typical annual teaching load of 12 load hours per term (fall and spring).
• Develop scholarly activity that involves undergraduate and/or master’s students.
• Manage the departmental greenhouse and herbarium.
• Serve the School and University on committees as assigned.
• Provide additional student support in the form of academic advisement, mentorship, or other student assistance as appropriate.
• Hold seven office hours/week.
• Other duties assigned by the Chair.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Ph.D. in biology or related scientific discipline.  ABD candidates will be considered.

Skills: Good classroom management and lecture skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Typical university classroom, office, laboratory, and field conditions.     

EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS USED:

Common classroom teaching equipment, laboratory instrumentation, and equipment for field studies.              

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to complete essential functions in the classroom, laboratory, and field.

COMMUNITY:

Northwest Missouri State University located in Maryville, Missouri, a community of 12,000 with a diverse economy and a strong industrial base. Maryville is located 45 miles north of St. Joseph, Missouri, 90 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri, and 110 miles southeast of Omaha, Nebraska. For more information visit the city’s website at www.maryville.org.

UNIVERSITY:

With an enrollment of more than 8,500 students, Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus and through Northwest Online.

 

Founded in 1905, Northwest boasts a high retention rate and a graduation rate in the 95th percentile among its peers. Additionally, results of the Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory show Northwest students are more satisfied than students at national peers, and 78 percent of Northwest students report they would repeat their university experience, compared to 75 percent of students surveyed nationally at their respective institutions.

 

Furthermore, the University is a national model for student success and career placement with 93 percent of bachelor’s degree earners and 98 percent of master’s degree earners securing employment or continuing their education within six months of completing a degree at Northwest, according to the most recent data. 

 

Northwest places a high emphasis on profession-based learning to help graduates get a jumpstart on their careers while maintaining competitive tuition rates and generous financial assistance to help minimize the financial barriers students may face when pursuing a college degree.

 

Students have opportunities to build their résumés with experiences on campus in nearly every area of study, including the Horace Mann Laboratory School, National Public Radio affiliate KXCV, the R.T. Wright Farm, Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area,  a partnership with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency or Knacktive, a student-driven integrated digital marketing communications agency. In conjunction with its emergency and disaster management program, Northwest organizes and hosts Missouri Hope, an annual mass casualty training exercise that attracts first responders and emergency workers from throughout the nation and provides hands-on training in preparation for a natural disaster.

 

The University’s vibrant and diverse learning community also offers more than 150 student organizations, and textbooks and a laptop are included in tuition, saving students an estimated $6,900 over four years. Northwest offers 1,200 student employment positions, allowing students to build professional skills through its internationally benchmarked student employment program. 

 

For more information about Northwest and its performance, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/aboutus/facts/.