Job Details

Assistant Professor of Biology - Anatomy and Physiology

Position Number: 6529925
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Position Type: Science - Biology

Full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position available September 1, 2026. The academic year is from September to May. Classes begin on September 8, 2026. New Faculty Orientation will take place in late August.

General Description:
The Department of Biology at Pacific Lutheran University invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning September 1, 2026. The successful applicant will have an expertise in human anatomy and physiology. The position carries a teaching load of 6 courses per year with both lecture and lab sections counting toward that total. The individual's annual teaching responsibilities will include involvement in the human anatomy and physiology sequence, as well as upper division courses in anatomy and/or physiology.

We are looking for an individual who identifies first and foremost as an educator and is dedicated to using effective and inclusive teaching methods and practices. Our students come from various backgrounds with different values and beliefs. Many of them are first-generation college students, non-traditional students, students of color, and LGBTQ students. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can facilitate discussions across diverse perspectives and who share our commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in their teaching approaches.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Teach assigned courses at the undergraduate level, which includes upper division courses.

Hold regular student hours.

Attend regular department meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong background in human anatomy and physiology.

Knowledge of effective and inclusive teaching and learning strategies.

Commitment to working effectively with a diverse faculty and student body.

Demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching at the undergraduate level within a liberal arts setting.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Commitment to engaging undergraduates in their scholarship.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in biology or related field. ABD will be considered, but Ph.D. must be in hand by September 1, 2026.

Applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States on hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with cadavers is valued.

Applicants should submit the following:

Cover letter;

Curriculum vitae;

Statement of research interests;

List of three references;

Statement of teaching philosophy in which you describe your goals for student learning, the methods you use to help students achieve them, and how you assess student learning. This statement should explicitly address how you will create an inclusive learning environment that is attuned to diversity and equity.

For questions or more information, please contact Matt Smith at smithmf@plu.edu

To review the complete position description, please visit: https://employment.plu.edu/postings/8585

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.