What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor, Biology position at Aquinas College?
The Department of Biology and Health Science at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan invites applicants for an Assistant Professor of Biology. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track position starting in August 2027. We seek a broadly trained biologist with academic interests at the organismal, population, community, and/or ecosystem level.
Our ideal candidate is eager to participate in teaching both lecture and lab courses in these areas and to incorporate field-based experiences into their teaching. The successful candidate must have a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and the liberal arts, ongoing scholarly research that could incorporate undergraduate students, and service to the department and college. The Assistant Professor will work under the direction of the Chairperson of the Department of Biology and Health Science and the Provost.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching: Teach 24 contact hours per year. The ideal candidate will be eager to apply an interest in evidence-based and inclusive pedagogy by participating in teaching Environmental Biology lecture and lab primarily to non-majors, our introductory major’s-level sequence, and one or more upper-level biology courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.
Student Advisement and Recruitment: Advise students, assist with recruitment of qualified students.
Scholarship: Develop and maintain a program of research and scholarship in their area of expertise while engaging undergraduate students in that research.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum requirements include a Ph.D. degree in Biology or Environmental Science or closely associated field. Experience in higher education teaching is preferred.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
As an inclusive educational community that embraces its namesake’s integration of faith and
reason, Aquinas College esteems the Dominican philosophy of education rooted in the pillars of
prayer, study, community and service. Candidates must be willing to support the mission and
pillars of Aquinas College.
To apply, submit the following:
1) Cover letter
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Statement on teaching philosophy, including upper-level courses you would be interested in teaching
4) Statement of research interests, especially involving undergraduates
5) List of at least three professional references
6) Statement reflecting your potential contribution to the Aquinas College mission.
Please submit all materials via our ADP application portal at aquinas.edu/jobs
Applications submitted by November 30, 2026 will receive full consideration. For questions about the program or the position, please contact Dr. Jennifer Hess, Chairperson of the Search Committee, at hessjen@aquinas.edu.
Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community committed to increasing the diversity of its community