What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology - Department of Natural Science position at Northwestern Oklahoma State University?
Position Available: Full-time, nine-month, Assistant or Associate Professor of Biology. Salary, based on qualifications and experience, is determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and University President and approved by the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO).
Available: August 2026
Job Summary: The successful candidate will be based on the Northwestern Alva campus location, teaching courses on site. We seek a full-time, assistant/associate professor with a commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduates. Preference will be given to biologists with expertise in microbiology, genetics, pathogenic microbiology, immunology, and virology. Capacity and willingness to serve as coordinator for secondary science education is especially desired. The ability to teach student populations with diverse educational backgrounds is ideal, as is an openness to, and experience in, use of technology for online/remote course delivery.
Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will teach upper-level undergraduate biology courses that complement existing programs in the department (Health Science, Natural History, and Science Education). In particular, we seek a candidate especially well-suited to offer upper-level microbiology, genetics, pathogenic microbiology and immunology, virology, and additional courses in their field of expertise.
The position will benefit from and strengthen existing collaborations between the biology, chemistry, and physics faculty in our tightly knit department; existing professional degree collaborations with other institutions; cooperation with the university’s accredited teacher education and nursing programs; and participation in campus organizations such as the student Medical Sciences Club.
Additional responsibilities of this position include advising and mentoring undergraduate students in the sciences, engaging in university committee service, departmental activities, supporting undergraduate research activities, and possible teacher education committee roles.
Preferred Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a PhD from an accredited institution in the biological sciences with a demonstrated record of teaching, pre-professional student advising, and service. An appropriate EdD from an accredited institution with extensive experience in the biological sciences will also be considered. Applicants with experience and expertise in science education (secondary science teacher preparation) are particularly encouraged to apply. ABD will be considered at the initial rank of instructor, with hiring contingent upon a terminal degree completion plan presented at the time of interview.
Preferred qualifications include experience in teaching a range of courses in the biological sciences (with an emphasis in microbiology, genetics, pathogenic microbiology, immunology, and virology) that serve as pre-requisites for science education and graduate programs in the life sciences.
Closing Date: Review of applications will begin on February 4, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Preliminary individual interviews will be held via videoconference.
Applications received on or before March 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration, although the search will remain open until the position is filled.
Send Information to:
Dr. Roxie James
Dean of Faculty
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Email: rjjames@nwosu.edu
Applicants should provide a cover letter, curriculum vita that includes contact information for at least three (3) professional references, the NWOSU application for faculty (https://www.nwosu.edu/uploads//exempt-employee-app-fillable.pdf), a teaching statement/philosophy, and academic transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for application; official transcripts will be required before appointment. Email submission of application materials as PDF attachments is preferred. Only applicants who are authorized to be employed in the United States need apply.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates who bring unique insights, backgrounds, and voices to our campus community. Only applicants who are authorized to be employed in the United States need apply.