Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology - Plant Biology or Botany

The University of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for a 3-year Assistant or Associate Professor position in botany or plant biology beginning in the 2026-27 academic year with the possibility for renewal or conversion to tenure-track. The candidate should demonstrate exceptional potential as a teacher and scholar who can contribute to our undergraduate programs and complement existing departmental strengths. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant biology and will be able to teach a 200-level course in plant biology, departmentally-designed courses in the major including the introductory series and genetics, and courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. In addition, candidates should be able to mentor students in undergraduate research projects.

We seek an individual who is eager to engage in a vibrant, student-centered, collaborative environment that fosters engagement with students, colleagues, and alumni. The Biology Department attracts a diverse array of students, maintains small class sizes, and provides intentional support throughout the students’ time on campus. New students participate in a faculty-student retreat; we host multiple student engagement social events throughout the year; we connect with current and former students at annual university events; and we host an annual senior celebration. 

The successful candidate will additionally serve as Curator of the historic Ramsey-Freer Herbarium housed at Claytor Nature Center, the University’s 500-acre field station. Experience with herbarium curation is not required, but the candidate must be willing to learn to fulfill this role. The ideal candidate will be organized, demonstrate attention to detail, be responsive to requests for specimens, and will be an effective communicator. 

Candidates will have the opportunity to take advantage of resources provided by the Teaching and Learning Center for AI Excellence and the Percy Wootton Research Center and will be eligible to apply for internal funds to support travel, scholarly work, faculty-student research, and professional development.

Specific Job Duties: 

• Duties include teaching, collaborating with colleagues on curriculum development, supervising student research projects, service to the University and community, and engaging in scholarly activity and curation of the Ramsey-Freer Herbarium at Claytor Nature Center in Bedford, VA.

• Teaching responsibilities include courses in the introductory biology for majors sequence, a 200-level plant biology course, and additional courses as needed (e.g., genetics, research methods, plant ecology, sustainable forest management) and depending on the candidate's area of expertise.  

• Herbarium Curator responsibilities include preservation, maintenance, digital curation, and distribution of herbarium specimens.

Benefits:

• Generous sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long term disability insurance, and more. Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg.

Teaching Load:

• The normal teaching load is 12 contact hours per semester (which typically equates to two courses that each include a lecture and a lab).

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods standing or sitting at a desk. 

Required Qualifications/Education:

• A PhD in biology, plant biology, botany, or related discipline is required by the start date.

• Previous teaching experience is desired.

• A primary interest in teaching and mentoring undergraduate research at a liberal arts institution is a must.

• A valid driver’s license is required by the start date.

University's website:

• https://www.lynchburg.edu

Work Remotely:

• No

Candidates may show interest in this position by submitting the following to the Human Resources Jobs Page:

• A completed application;

• A cover letter, a statement of your teaching philosophy, and a research statement;

• A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

• Graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted; however, official transcripts are required upon an offer and acceptance of position); 

• Names and contact information for three professional references.

• Note: multiple documents may be uploaded to either the CV or Cover Letter button. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair Dr. Erin Friedman at friedman.e@lynchburg.edu

Review of applications and materials will begin on 23 February 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The selected candidate must successfully complete a background check that is satisfactory to the University.

We seek candidates who are committed to the University of Lynchburg’s efforts to create an environment that fosters a student-centered environment, develops the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, respects and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, values and celebrates diverse faith traditions, and sustains close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

The University of Lynchburg is committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from persons of color, women, Indigenous/aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA community, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University of Lynchburg community.

The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer.