Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology

Position Title:

Assistant Teaching Professor of Biology

Compensation:

$48,000 - $62,000

Department:

Biology

Start Date:

08/16/2027

About this opportunity:

The Department of Biology at Ball State University invites applications for a full-time Non-Tenure-Track Assistant Teaching Professor in Biology. This position is similar to a Research Faculty Fellow position, designed as a bridge position that combines teaching, postdoctoral research, and limited service.

The successful candidate will teach primarily in the microbiology concentration of the department, where they will be expected to teach general microbiology along with other undergraduate or graduate courses in their particular area of expertise. Other teaching assignments may include Introductory Biology courses. The successful candidate will be the instructor of record on multiple classes, gain evaluations and feedback on their teaching, and have access to the Department of Online and Strategic Learning to improve teaching.

The candidate will be provided a modest start-up package and lab space and will be expected to engage undergraduate and master's students in novel research. The position includes one course release per semester to devote to their research program. We welcome applications from candidates across the full spectrum of microbial sciences. Areas of interest may include—but are not limited to—virology, environmental & ecological microbiology (e.g., microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, soil/aquatic systems), medical/clinical (e.g., immunology, parasitology, mycology), microbial genetics and genomics, applied/industrial microbiology, or microbiome dynamics. Candidates whose research uses interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged to apply. Research activity could be 1) development of an independent research program, 2) continued collaboration with a PhD advisor or previous colleague, 3) development of collaboration with a Ball State faculty member, or 4) some combination of these modes. The department will guarantee support for 1 teaching assistant for all three years. Candidates will be highly encouraged to apply for external funding at the local level and be encouraged to apply for external funding at the federal level in year 2.

This position is ideally suited for recent PhD graduates or junior postdocs who are interested in pursuing careers at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) or R2 universities. The candidate will serve on departmental committees, participate in all departmental activities as other faculty do, and be eligible to participate in Search & Selection to gain insight into faculty hiring processes. They will have the opportunity to train undergrad and master’s students, be a member of thesis committees and chair thesis committees, develop an externally funded research program, gain mentorship from other faculty, and have the potential to publish peer-reviewed scientific articles with undergraduate and graduate student co-authors.

This is a 9-month, full-time faculty position. This three-year fixed position is renewed on an annual basis. This position is eligible for benefits.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you will bring:

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will teach microbiology at the undergraduate or graduate level. The candidate will develop a research program that engages undergraduate and master's students in novel, cutting-edge research.

Minimum Qualifications:

Earned doctorate in Biology or related field from an accredited college or university by date of appointment; Commitment to excellence in teaching as demonstrated by a teaching

statement and/or teaching evaluations; competency in current laboratory research concepts and approaches.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated teaching ability in Biology using student-centered learning techniques; Evidence of teaching ability or interest, as demonstrated by student or peer evaluation summaries

or other activities that indicate an interest in teaching and mentoring students. Evidence of scholarly activity, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.

How to apply:

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Robert Denton robert.denton@bsu.edu

Please follow upload instructions to attach all of the required supporting documents listed below. NOTE: Do not use the Autofill feature for resume:

Required:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy

Optional:

• Master's Transcripts
• Doctoral Transcripts

Applications must be received by December 27, 2026, at 12:01 AM.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.

Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet.

Relocation Program: MakeMyMove

Looking for a place where your career, community, and quality of life can grow together? Muncie and Delaware County offer the advantages of a university community with the accessibility and affordability of a mid-sized city—short commutes, local arts and culture, parks and trails, educational opportunities, healthcare, athletics, and a strong sense of connection.

Through the City of Muncie’s MakeMyMove program, eligible new residents may access relocation incentives, university-related benefits, co-working options, and community-building opportunities designed to help them get settled and connected.

Current benefits for eligible participants may include:

• Up to $5,000 cash for relocation

• Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
• Access to the Ball State University Library
• One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
• Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets
• Help desk for connecting to local resources
• Opportunity for board participation
• Six-month YMCA membership

Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility, available benefits, and program status.

Ball State’s support for relocation resources and community partnerships aligns with Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, the University’s strategic plan. The plan calls our University to work with community partners to promote talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.

Explore the program and check your eligibility through MakeMyMove.

That's how Ball State works.

Goodness requires action to grow. We're dedicated to doing our part to keep goodness growing in Muncie, at our university, and as far beyond as possible. That's where you come in. When you join our team, you become part of goodness in action. Our main priority: uplifting students so they can discover their full potential. This is how we fly.

It all comes down to caring.

There are about 3,000 full-time faculty and staff in the Ball State University work family. Each brings unique gifts to help us be the kind of institution we want to be. In return, we do our best to take care of them through comprehensive medical and dental plans, a Health Savings Account (which we contribute to), and a whole range of wellness, retirement, and other benefits like covering the cost of tuition at Ball State for you and your family. We can offer you more.

A great place to work in a great place to live.

Where you live matters just as much as where you work. We get it. That's why we've invested since the very beginning in making our hometown work. On campus, find state-of-the-art facilities and one-of-a-kind arts and cultural events. In Muncie, you'll find a warm and welcoming community with affordable housing and a vibrant downtown arts, food, and music scene. What could be better? You here - for starters.

EEO/AA Statement

Ball State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, protected veteran status, or any legally protected status.

Disability Accommodations

Ball State provides accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position. Contact Melissa Rubrecht, Director of Employee Relations, at 765-285-1823 for assistance.

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