Assistant Professor of Biology

Job TitleAssistant Professor of Biology Agency West Texas A&M University Department Life, Earth & Environmental Sciences Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationCanyon, Texas Job TypeFaculty Job Description Job Summary: West Texas A&M University, a Member of The Texas A&M University System located in Canyon, Texas, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biology (Plant Biologist) (60% teaching, 35% research, 5% service). This full time (9 month) position at West Texas A&M University will include responsibilities in teaching (minimum of 9 ACH/semester), research, and service supportive of the Life Science Programs. Teaching duties will include existing or new courses within the successful candidate's area of expertise at the undergraduate and graduate levels, particularly related to the area of plant taxonomy and botany. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research in plant biology/ecology and be amendable to collaboration with other faculty on relevant projects; attract and secure extramural funding; publish in genuine peer reviewed journals; attend professional meetings; provide academic advisement to undergraduate and graduate students; engage students in research; and develop and deliver effective educational programs to the community. Work Performed: Teaching selected undergraduate and graduate courses, such as General Biology, Botany, and Plant Classification with the possibility of developing new courses based on candidate's experience and expertise. Developing a dynamic research program by attracting new grants and opportunities that would allow undergraduate and graduate student participation. Conducting professional service for the institution, academic field, and community. Recruiting students for the undergraduate and graduate programs in Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences Advising students on matters of degree plans, course scheduling, and other academic matters Necessary Qualifications: An earned Ph.D. in Biology or related area from an accredited institution. ABD will not be considered. Demonstrated experience and excellence in teaching related to the courses listed above. Willingness to teach 9 adjusted contact hours (ACH) per semester. Competency in research, as evidenced by publications (full citations) in genuine peer-reviewed journals. Experience in seeking/obtaining funding (including documentation of awards and amounts). Excellent quantitative, computer, written, and oral communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in instruction and mentoring of student research. An interest in and ability to teach botany and plant classification. Demonstrated experience in seeking/obtaining extramural funding (including documentation of awards and amounts). Demonstrated ability and skills in leadership, mentoring, and building teamwork. Experience in developing collaborative research with other scientists, research centers and/or agencies and organizations. Applicant Instructions: We require the following: Letter of interest or cover letter Curriculum Vitae Portfolio of creative work (where applicable) Personal statement to include philosophy and plans for research, teaching and service, as applicable Samples of unpublished works or works in progress (where applicable) Unofficial Transcripts (Official transcripts are expected to be submitted promptly by the successful candidate) Three professional references Please attach all documents in the attachment box at the bottom of the My Experience page before continuing through the application. Please use the Upload button to add each document individually. All revisions must be made prior to application submission. If you need assistance with uploading documents, please contact WTAMU Human Resources at hr@wtamu.edu. Texas law requires that males age 18 through 25 be properly registered with the Selective Service System in order to be eligible for employment. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institutions procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce. This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities. Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year. For more information regarding the benefit package go to: West Texas A&M University: Human Resources Benefits For additional questions or information regarding this position, please contact: Search Committee Chair: Erik Crosman Department: Life, Earth and Environmental Science Phone: 806-651-2294 Email: etcrosman@wtamu.edu All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institutions procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 39 masters degrees and two doctoral degrees. WTs long-standing commitment has always been to serve both the students and the region of the Panhandle. Our employees make a difference every day in the lives of thousands of students, and that has countless ripple effects on people throughout the region, the state and the world. Moreover, employees are encouraged to grow professionally and personally thanks to a supportive work environment. At WT, your future is our future. Employees and their dependents get half-off their tuition and fees. The minimum starting wage is $15 per hour. Employees also have generous health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance packages, plus free basic life insurance and enrollment in the Texas Teacher Retirement System. Flexible or compressed work-week arrangements are also available. Find out more at: https://wtamu.edu/benefits West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, home to Palo Duro Canyon and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Canyon also is conveniently located near Amarillo, the largest city on Interstate 40 between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. This region is renowned for its historical significance, vibrant arts and entertainment options, unique shopping, delicious food and the friendliest people in the state.