What are the responsibilities and job description for the Term Professor Biology Open-Rank position at George Mason University?
Department: College of Science
Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Department of Biology includes 12 tenured and tenure-track and 15 term faculty focused on undergraduate and graduate education. It maintains research facilities including a 1700 sq. ft. climate-controlled greenhouse and an active 80,000 specimen herbarium. The Department has over 1500 undergraduate majors and employs more than 50 Graduate Teaching Assistants as well as adjunct faculty. Faculty from the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, the School of Systems Biology, the School of Integrative Studies, and the STEM Accelerator Program also contribute to the Biology Department through courses and research collaborations. Mason’s enrollment is approximately 38,255 with students studying in over 210 degree programs (127 graduate degree programs) from bachelors to doctoral, as well as Law. Mason is ranked #24 Most Diverse University in the United States (Diversity Index = .71; U.S. News & World Report, 2020) with 49% of undergraduates from underrepresented groups and 37% considered first generation. Located in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, students study at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. George Mason University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
Statement on Building an All-Inclusive Culture
George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community.
About the Position:
The Professor in Biology is a term faculty position. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate level courses and laboratories and some undergraduate academic advising.
Responsibilities:
- Teaches undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses; and
- Academic advising for undergraduate students.
Required Qualifications:
- Terminal degree in a related field;
- Experience teaching relevant coursework at the undergraduate level;
- Strong knowledge in specific academic field, keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements;
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts and ideas to students;
- Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and staff;
- Excellent organizational and time management skills;
- Ability to design and implement engaging and effective curriculum;
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering an all-inclusive academic environment; and
- Demonstrates ethics and professional values.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience teaching relevant coursework at the undergraduate level in Biology;
- Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant or faculty; and
- Knowledge in cell biology, biological diversity or ecology
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Term Professor Biology Open-Rank at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a CV and a Philosophy of Teaching for review.
Posting Open Date: September 11, 2025
Posting Close Date: October 10, 2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
