Asst. Professor - Biology jobs in Lynchburg, VA

Description

Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders.  Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation.  Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts and its legendary equestrian program. Its finances are robust, and validated by balanced budget and positive bond ratings.

Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville. Its campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular, replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, apiary and greenhouses.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.

When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.

Job Title:   Assistant Professor of Biology

Classification:  Full-time, benefits eligible, tenure-track faculty position

Reports To: STEM Division Head

Job Summary/Objective:

Sweet Briar College invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level beginning Fall 2024.  We seek outstanding, highly motivated candidates who demonstrate teaching excellence, maintain an active research program, and are committed to the development of our students. The successful candidate will teach cell biology, microbiology, and genetics, in addition to other lecture and lab courses.  There will be opportunities to develop electives that complement our current offerings.  The successful candidate will share the responsibility of teaching Introductory Biology as well as courses for non-majors within the Leadership Core (our liberal arts general education curriculum). The College’s academic calendar, with immersive three-week terms bookending traditional 12-week terms, creates an opportunity for innovative courses to take advantage of close student-faculty interactions, travel courses, and collaboration across disciplines.  Our teaching load is 3/3 (wherein lectures = 1 and labs = 0.5). The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Biology (or a related field; exceptional ABDs also will be considered), have enthusiasm for campus service, and will develop an active research program wherein they will mentor undergraduate research. A research laboratory and startup monies are available.  Additional support for research includes small faculty research grants yearly, conference funding, and summer research funding for undergraduates. Teaching support is available through university-wide workshops and a faculty mentoring program. 

Candidates ready to work with a diverse student body are especially welcome. Sweet Briar prides itself on creating a learning environment that encourages young women to fulfill their highest potential. Leadership in all walks of life is fostered by the special connections our faculty make with their students, and Sweet Briar women translate their academic experiences into interesting and important lives.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. or ABD in Biology (or related field), with specialization in cellular or molecular biology, genetics, or closely aligned fields, from an accredited institution; 
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching;
• Demonstrated interest in working across disciplines and engaging in collaborative scholarship, teaching, and service; and
• Excellent communication skills.

How to Apply:

To apply, visit the Sweet Briar College Career Center: https://sbc.edu/human-resources/faculty-staff-job-openings/. All applications should include: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) a statement highlighting contributions to or future plans for promoting diversity and inclusion through work in this position; and 4) the names and full contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately with preference given to completed applications received by February 28, 2024.