What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor I, Biological Sciences position at Western Kentucky University?
The Department of Biological Sciences at Western Kentucky University seeks to fill a nine-month, non-tenure eligible faculty appointment at the rank of Instructor I to begin August 2026. This is a three-year, fixed term position. Continuation beyond three years may be possible based on available funding and satisfactory performance. The successful candidate will bring a strong commitment to teaching undergraduate students - both science and non-science majors - as well as an engaged and innovative approach to the classroom and lab setting. The following are responsibilities and essential attributes associated with this position.
- Deliver high-quality instruction in our General Biology course for non-majors (BIOL 113), coordinate the associated lab (BIOL 114), and contribute to teaching other introductory majors and/or service courses.
- Coordinate, mentor, and evaluate undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants contributing to instruction in the non-majors General Biology lab course.
- Contribute regular service on at least one departmental committee.
- Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to the mission of a comprehensive university like WKU.
Opportunities are available to conduct basic and/or pedagogical research if desired, although this is not mandatory.
Job Requirements:
- Master's or Ph.D. by the start of appointment, including at least 18 graduate credit hours in biology coursework
- Teaching experience as either a Graduate Teaching Assistant or instructor of record
Additional Information:
Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.
Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.
Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php
For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.