Department: Biology
Rank: Assistant Professor
Search #: 25-006
Specialization: Molecular Biology / Microbiology

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus-wide commitment to social justice and inquiry. Founded as a teacher’s college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of approximately 9,000 students, with significant external research funding, and offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. We seek to instill in all students the value of discovery with the liberal arts and sciences serving as a foundation for professional development and life-long learning. The University is located in New Haven, Connecticut, a city rich and vibrant with arts and culture, and home to many universities and with easy access to New York City and Boston.

The university is home to the Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies, the Center for Nanotechnology, and a history of hosting NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Collaborative opportunities with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and other regional institutions provide a wealth of potential for research and innovation. Further, New Haven hosts numerous biotech companies that have relationships with SCSU faculty and students. The Department of Biology has recently expanded its degree offerings to include multiple programs, including a new B.S. in Biotechnology. The department also offers a Master’s in Biology program and is committed to engaging students in research. Faculty in the department have a strong record of mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, leading to a growing number of student co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals. SCSU has a strong record of supporting faculty research through multiple mechanisms such as awards for research reassigned time, fellowships, and an exceptional sponsored research office. As an aspiring Carnegie Research classification designation R2 institution, we have a growing interest in devoting energy and resources towards research.

Brief Description of Duties/Responsibilities

The Department of Biology seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in molecular biology and/or microbiology who is enthusiastic about undergraduate education and research. The successful candidate may teach a combination of courses, including: 

• Introductory courses for majors and non-majors in topics in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics (including labs), and general biology. 

• Upper-level courses in their area of specialization 

• Graduate-level courses 

The credit load is 12 credits per semester, which comes from a combination of teaching, service and research.  Faculty are also expected to coordinate labs for non-majors and service courses, engage in scholarly research that includes undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to SCSU’s overall mission.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field (earned by May 2024) 

• Demonstrated experience teaching at the college/university level 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Postdoctoral research experience 

• A strong record and potential for future publications and external research support 

• Experience teaching a diverse student population 

• Experience teaching topics in microbiology, molecular biology, and/or genetics 

• A strong record of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students 

• Experience partnering with biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following materials: 

1. Cover Letter (2 pages max): Describe your background and experiences that make you a strong fit for this position, emphasizing your commitment to teaching, research, and fostering diversity in higher education. 

2. Curriculum Vitae 

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement (2 pages max): Provide a statement on how your teaching, research, service, and/or life experiences prepare you to contribute to SCSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

4. Research Statement (2 pages max): Outline your research accomplishments, future plans for a student-centered research program that is feasible with the resources available at SCSU, and potential for securing external funding. 

5. Teaching Statement (2 pages max): Summarize your teaching philosophy, including your strategies for engaging students and meeting diverse learning needs, as well as your experience coordinating labs and mentoring students. 

6. Two Recent Publications or Manuscripts: Submit two representative publications or manuscripts that showcase your research. 

7. Professional References: Provide the names and contact information of three professional references. Letters are not requested at this stage. References will be contacted for a subset of candidates after initial screening.

Applications should be submitted to: Department of Biology, Southern Connecticut State University 501 Crescent St., New Haven, CT 06515 USA. Email: BIOsearch2@southernct.edu. For full consideration, all application materials must be received by January 2, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.