The Department of Biology at James Madison University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Discipline-Based Educational Research (DBER). This is a full-time appointment beginning August, 2023. A Ph.D. in biology, biology education, or a relevant field is required at the time of appointment with teaching experience at the college/university level and/or postdoctoral experience preferred. The Biology Department highly values undergraduate research and mentoring. The successful candidate for this position is expected to develop a productive, externally-funded research program in biology education or science education that engages students. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates with research experience and/or interests relating to equity and inclusion in college science and assessment. The successful candidate will join a thriving community of more than 50 biologists with broad sub-disciplinary diversity and will be expected to contribute to teaching a course in introductory biology as well as upper-level undergraduate or graduate courses related to their area of specialization. Special consideration will be given to applicants who can teach undergraduate-level or graduate-level organismal courses that would complement current offerings and/or courses that support the department’s commitment to K-16 science education. We seek candidates with knowledge of and demonstrated experience in employing inclusive student-centered instruction willing to engage in a collaborative teaching and research environment to contribute to the academic program of the unit. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the department’s continuing efforts and process relating to building equity and inclusion in science education to promote the success and retention of all students.
The Biology Department at James Madison University currently serves over 1000 undergraduate majors and 19 master's students. We offer a wide variety of courses for biology majors, general education and pre-health profession majors, including a 4-semester lab-intensive core curriculum. The Department of Biology is housed in the modern 90,000 ft2 Bioscience building, with numerous facilities to support the scholarly and educational pursuits of faculty and students.
The department is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment that will allow us to recruit and retain a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students;
The successful candidate will be expected to adopt these principles in their teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and service to the institution.
Please visit our web site at http://www.jmu.edu/biology/ for more information about the department.
To apply, please visit (https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/13233). Use this site to submit a (1) cover letter (2-page maximum), (2) curriculum vitae, and statements of (3) teaching philosophy and (4) research interests (2-page maximum each). As part of the teaching and research statements, an explicit description of the applicant’s actions and experiences as they relate to diversity, equity, inclusion and/or justice within their scholarly and/or teaching activities is required. Please also include the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin 11/19/2022. For more information, please contact Joseph Harsh (harshja@jmu.edu).
About James Madison University
Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
