Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology

Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Open Date: Feb 28, 2026

Description

The Department of Biology at Swarthmore College invites applications for a full-time, 2-year Visiting Assistant Professor position to begin fall semester 2026. Over the two-year appointment, this will include teaching neurobiology and possibly one other cellular and/or organismal biology topic (e.g. animal physiology, genetics). Teaching responsibilities are projected to include one intermediate level course with weekly laboratories, or an advanced seminar based on primary literature each semester.

Visiting faculty teach a similar course load as tenure-track faculty, are provided mentoring and professional development opportunities, and are eligible for funds to support research, conference travel, and student summer research. To learn more about the Department please see our website: www.swarthmore.edu/biology

Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable experience effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body. For more information available to all faculty at Swarthmore, see https://www.swarthmore.edu/provosts-office/welcome-to-provosts-office

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field completed by August 2026, demonstrated teaching experience, and a strong commitment to teaching undergraduates from diverse backgrounds.

Application InstructionsApplicants Should Include

• A cover letter describing your interest in this position and highlighting your qualifications.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A teaching statement that describes your teaching experience and philosophy, including ideas for an intermediate course with weekly laboratories that you could teach outside of Neurobiology.
• A research statement that describes both research interests and also potential research activities that could involve Swarthmore undergraduates.
• Candidates should discuss in their cover letter, teaching statement, and research statement what experience and plans they have for creating a more inclusive environment for students.
• Three letters of recommendation, including at least one letter specifically commenting on teaching.
• Applications will not be considered until letters of recommendation have been submitted. Please address any questions you may have to Alison Danilak, Biology Department at adanila1@swarthmore.edu.
  
  

Applications received by March 15th, 2026 will receive full consideration. Apply via Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/182374. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Selected applicants will be invited for interviews.