Visiting Assistant Professor, Biology

Company Description

Augsburg University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate degrees to approximately 3,400 students of diverse backgrounds. The trademark of an Augsburg education is its emphasis on direct, personal experience. Guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, Augsburg educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.

Among the distinctive features of the university are its deep dedication to civic and community engagement, robust undergraduate research programs, and a strong belief in the integration of liberal arts and professional studies across all programs. The University's commitments to our urban context and the world beyond it are enhanced through the work of four signature centers: the Christensen Center for Vocation, the Center for Global Education and Experience, the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, and the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work. 

As part of Augsburg University's commitment to intentional diversity, 50% of our current student body identifies as Black, Indigenous, and persons of color. The emerging interdisciplinary Department of Critical Race and Ethnicity Studies builds on this foundation to further diversify our academic curriculum and co-curricular programs. We do this work out of historical and contemporary obligations rooted in our ethical and intellectual commitments to prepare our diverse student body for a cosmopolitan world.

Augsburg's Statement of Commitment on Equity
We believe that education is the key to healthy, meaningful and productive lives for individuals, as well as to the vibrancy of our democracy. Augsburg University is dedicated to achieving an educational experience free from the barriers of poverty, racism, and discrimination so that students can fully realize their unique gifts. Recognizing that higher education's democratic promise is compromised by systemic and systematic barriers to college access and completion, Augsburg is called to stand for equity in everything we do to fulfill our academic mission, serve our students and engage our fellow citizens.

Job Description

The Department of Biology at Augsburg University invites applications for a 1-year renewable, non-tenure track, Visiting Assistant Professor position focused on teaching molecular biology courses in the major.

Courses the successful candidate should be able to teach include, but are not limited to:

• BIO151 and BIO151L: Introductory Biology I lecture and lab
• BIO354 and BIO354L: Cell Biology lecture and lab
• BIO355 and BIO355L: Genetics lecture and lab
• BIO369 and BIO369L: Biochemistry lecture and lab

Available courses will vary by term. Most classes are held during the day, 2-3 days per week. In addition to teaching the class, conducting labs and grading student work, instructors are expected to respond to student questions through email, hold regularly scheduled office hours, reach out to students with course progress information, and communicate regularly with colleagues or adjuncts teaching additional sections. Instructors are deeply involved in curricular development, including the syllabus, lab and lecture content, textbook and homework selection, class activities, exams, and assessment activities. All classes are taught in-person on our Minneapolis campus. Each course requires approximately 12-15 hours/week for 15-16 weeks. The successful candidate will possess both a high level of intercultural competency and a commitment to inclusive practice and authentic representation.

Qualifications

The candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Genetics, or a similar field.

The candidate should be committed to student engagement and student success with a diverse group of learners.

Prior experience teaching undergraduate biology courses with labs preferred.

Additional Information

The compensation range is $59,000-$62,000, dependent on qualifications.

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including: 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage. Medical plans include Kavira direct care, which provides free or low-cost virtual and in-home primary care appointments and labs
• A generous 403(b) retirement program with an employer contribution of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
• Paid parental leave

Application Instructions and Requirements

Initial review of application materials will begin on May 4, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply for this position, please upload the following documents:

• Cover letter. Please address why you are interested in Augsburg University and this position, how your previous professional and academic experiences make you a strong candidate for this position, and how you believe you would contribute to and enhance the Biology Department.
• Curriculum Vitae (including prior teaching experience)
• Statement on teaching philosophy 
• Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (initial transcripts may be unofficial, but official transcripts will be required if hired). 

As part of the online application process, you will be asked to provide the name, email address, and nature of your professional relationship for two professional references. Letters of recommendation from these references will be requested at a later date, pending advancement in the application process. Augsburg will notify you prior to contacting your references.

Official transcripts are required at time of hire.

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Successful candidates will have demonstrated abilities working in an academic community committed to intentional diversity. Candidates are thus encouraged to highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate these competencies. Women and persons of color are encouraged to apply.

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].