What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Biology position at Augustana University?
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY, TENURE-TRACK
Augustana University, a rigorous, private liberal arts institution in Sioux Falls, SD, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biology beginning August, 2026. We seek a broadly trained biologist to teach courses in Human Physiology and who complements existing expertise in the department. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching and scholarship with a vision to enhance our strong undergraduate program and include our students in research that is presented at conferences, in publications, and that is competitive for extramural funding. A Ph.D. in a biologically related field is required; postdoctoral research experience and teaching experience is preferred. An emphasis on inclusive student mentorship and student-centered pedagogy is a hallmark of the department’s commitment to undergraduate biology education. Interacting with students, faculty and leadership with different backgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.
TEACHING EXPECTATIONS: Duties will typically include teaching 2 lectures and 2 labs each semester, along with a January term course. The course load for the academic year will include Human Physiology for nursing majors, Advanced Human Physiology for biology majors, introductory biology major courses, and an upper-level biology major course. Competencies in fields such as Immunology and/or Anatomy are desired. Ideal candidates will have the ability to contribute to programs that augment existing department and university initiatives. A strong commitment to academic advising and involvement in shared governance through committee work is expected.
RESEARCH EXPECTATIONS: While teaching is a major component of the position, productive research involving undergraduates is required. Augustana University is situated in an area experiencing rapid growth in biomedical, biotech, agricultural, and environmental research, offering collaboration opportunities in various research areas. A research startup will be provided, as well as access to extensive existing research equipment ($1,500,000 in new purchases in the department over the last decade). Successful applicants may have access to the statewide core facilities and other resources through the South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (SD BRIN).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please send: (1) letter of application addressing qualifications for the position, (2) curriculum vita, (3) statement of teaching philosophy, (4) goals for research and professional development, (5) copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, (6) and names and contact information for three professional references electronically to our Career Center Portal. If assistance is needed during the application process, please reach out to humanresources@augie.edu.
Review of applications will begin October 15, 2025 and continue through the academic year until the position has been filled. Start date for the position is August, 2026. Salary is competitive and dependent upon qualifications; excellent fringe benefits are included.
For questions, email the search committee chair: Dr. Alex Kloth at akloth@augie.edu, or call 605-274-4720.
Augustana University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.
Salary : $1,500,000