Assistant Professor of Biology - 000122
University of Richmond

The University of Richmond Department of Biology invites applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Biology to begin in the 2024-25 academic year.

Candidates should have a doctoral degree in the biological sciences and post-doctoral experience. We are especially interested in recruiting individuals who have interest in broadening access and inclusivity in STEM disciplines, which aligns with the University's strategic plan (https://strategicplan.richmond.edu/). Successful candidates will be committed to inclusive undergraduate teaching and develop a sustainable research program at the University of Richmond, which includes mentoring undergraduate students in authentic research. We seek to hire a colleague whose research and teaching interests are at the scale of cellular/multicellular interactions to expand & complement the expertise available within the Biology community. The new colleague will be expected to teach Integrated Biological Principles I (which uses principles from the AAAS "Vision & Change..."report (https://richmond.box.com/v/Vision-and-change) to teach molecular and cellular biology within the context of evolution (https://richmond.box.com/v/BIOL200-background), an upper-level course of their design at the cell/molecular scale, as well as related courses in line with departmental needs. More information about the department community and recent course offerings can be found here (https://richmond.box.com/v/BIOL-highlights). Research interests could include (but are not limited to): immunology, organ/tissue physiology, plant physiology, symbioses, pathogen-parasite/host interactions, synthetic biology, or other cell/environment interactions. Model systems could include (but are not limited to): cell culture, organoids, plant, fungi, invertebrates, or computational models. In addition to startup funds, internal funding opportunities exist for supporting continued research as well as administrative support in securing external funding.

The Department of Biology provides a broad biology education within the context of the liberal arts. We are firmly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and aim to give all students interested in biology the opportunity and skills needed to succeed. We value teaching that emphasizes inclusive, evidence-based pedagogies and high impact practices. We actively contribute to our fields of study through peer-reviewed research. Successful candidates will demonstrate evidence of these values via three personal statements (each no more than 2 pages). Candidates will be evaluated equally in all three areas:

• A statement on inclusion and equity expressing the candidate's ability to foster inclusivity in STEM evidenced by their experience and/or understanding of issues related to inclusion and equity.
• A teaching statement illustrating teaching approach, how their plans for both teaching and research intersect, and preferences and ideas for courses they can envision teaching at Richmond.
• A research statement describing the trajectory of their research program, how it will contribute to their field, and how aspects of their research program will incorporate undergraduate researchers.

The Department of Biology is in the Gottwald Center for the Sciences along with the Departments of Chemistry, and Physics. The Department of Biology offers courses for non-majors and for majors in Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Studies, and a concentration in Neuroscience. Additional interdisciplinary minors of note include Integrated Science, Data Science & Statistics, and the Jepson Science Leadership Scholars Program. The typical faculty teaching load is a 3/2 (alternating semesters of 9 and 6 contact hours), with a lab section counting as one teaching unit. This position includes a research laboratory and startup funds. A full-time Director of Biological Imaging manages our light- and electron-microscopy facilities (https://biology.richmond.edu/research/gottwald/imaging-lab/index.html). The university also maintains a small vivarium, greenhouse and herbarium, flow cytometer, and standard molecular biology equipment.

The School of Arts & Sciences, the liberal arts core of the University, is a thriving and inclusive community of 230 faculty, twenty-four departments and twelve interdisciplinary programs. We offer distinctive and engaging learning opportunities to students and outstanding resources to support the scholarly, creative, and pedagogical activities of the faculty.

The University of Richmond is a private university located just a short drive from downtown Richmond, Virginia. Through its five schools and wide array of campus programming, the University combines the best qualities of a small liberal arts college and a large university. With approximately 4,000 students, an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and more than 90% of traditional undergraduate students living on campus, the University is remarkably student-centered, focused on preparing students "to live lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a global and pluralistic society."

The University of Richmond is committed to developing a diverse workforce and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of difference in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. Our academic community strongly encourages applications that are in keeping with this commitment. For more information on the department and its programs, please see (https://biology.richmond.edu/).

Applicants should apply online at http://jobs.richmond.edu and submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and the statements on fostering inclusivity in STEM, teaching, and research described above. In addition, please include copies of academic transcripts. Candidates for this position may be asked, at a later date, to provide the names and contact information for three references who will be asked to submit letters of recommendation. Review of applications will commence September 8, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the search should be addressed to Omar Quintero-Carmona, Chair of the Search Committee (oquinter@richmond.edu).

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