Open Rank Tenure/Tenure-Track Biological Sciences

Job Title

Open Rank Tenure/Tenure-Track Biological Sciences

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Biological Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Assistant / Associate / Full Professor Tenure-Track/Tenured - Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, invites applications for an open-rank, full-time (9-month), tenure-track/tenured position to begin Spring 2025. Summer appointments are dependent upon need and funding availability. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be required to teach at other campuses or online at the institution's discretion.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, maintain an impactful research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, actively engage in mentoring and guiding doctoral students through their academic and research endeavors, fostering a supportive and enriching environment within our PhD program, and participate in the necessary operation of the institution.

This position will support a new Ph.D. in Integrated Biosciences (proposed to start in Fall 2025, pending final approvals) and contribute to existing B.S. and M.S. programs in Biology, Biomedical Science, and Biotechnology depending on need and expertise. We are specifically looking for an individual working in the of vertebrate ecology and/or evolution although related areas of specialization will be considered.

About the New Ph.D. Program and Institution

The Ph.D. in Integrative Biosciences, scheduled to launch in Fall 2025 (pending final approvals), includes four tracks for students: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, and Quantitative Biology. The goal of the program is to provide students with intensive training and experience in collaborative aspects of integrative biosciences. A strong interdisciplinary focus will be emphasized as students representing the four concentrations will interact in the program's core courses. Tarleton State University, a member of the Texas A&M System, has a 173-acre main campus in Stephenville, Texas, outreach campuses in Waco, Fort Worth, and online, and operates the 790-acre Timberlake Biological Field Station in southern Mills County. Tarleton hosts more than 15,000 students and more than 1,900 full-time faculty and staff. Tarleton has recently gained status as an R2 Institution, ranked as a Doctoral University with high research activity, and is highly committed to advancing the research infrastructure and culture at our Institution. Tarleton lists enhancing "Research and Innovation" on its strategic growth plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

60% Teaching and Service:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum.

• Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc.

• Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.

• Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

• Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring.

• Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities.

• Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.

• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.

• Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement.

• Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty.

40% Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity:

• Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant's academic discipline.

• Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant's discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.

• Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.

Minimum Requirements:

• Earned Ph.D. in biology or related field with an emphasis in ecology or evolutionary biology from an accredited institution preferred, but other related areas of interest will be considered.

• Rank and eligibility for tenure will be determined by reviewing the candidate's record of years of experience and professional achievements in teaching, service, and research consistent with the Texas A&M system guidance.

• A record of scholarly achievements, including publications in reputable journals.

• Demonstrated success or potential for securing external research funding.

• The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching and mentoring undergraduate, M.S., and Ph.D. students.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Other Minimum Requirements:

Primary consideration will be given to those with the ability to teach vertebrate courses such as ichthyology, mammalogy, ornithology, and/or herpetology and to applications received by 9 August 2024.

Preferred Experience:

Preference will be given to any applicants with postdoctoral experience, evidence of established research expertise, experience mentoring doctoral students, and record of funding.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner.

• Competitive salary and startup commensurate with experience.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include (required):

• Completed online application

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information, and

• Unofficial transcripts

• Teaching philosophy statement (3-page limit)

• Research statement (3-page limit)

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. "See resume" is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by 9 August 2024.

Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree‐granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.