Assistant Professor of Biology

The Department of Biology and Health Science at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan invites applicants for an Assistant Professor of Biology. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track position starting in August 2027. We seek a broadly trained biologist with academic interests at the organismal, population, community, and/or ecosystem level.

Our ideal candidate is eager to participate in teaching both lecture and lab courses in these areas and to incorporate field-based experiences into their teaching. The successful candidate must have a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and the liberal arts, ongoing scholarly research that could incorporate undergraduate students, and service to the department and college. The Assistant Professor will work under the direction of the Chairperson of the Department of Biology and Health Science and the Provost.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teaching: Teach 24 contact hours per year. The ideal candidate will be eager to apply an interest in evidence-based and inclusive pedagogy by participating in teaching Environmental Biology lecture and lab primarily to non-majors, our introductory major’s-level sequence, and one or more upper-level biology courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Student Advisement and Recruitment: Advise students, assist with recruitment of qualified students.
• Scholarship: Develop and maintain a program of research and scholarship in their area of expertise while engaging undergraduate students in that research.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum requirements include a Ph.D. degree in Biology or Environmental Science or closely associated field. Experience in higher education teaching is preferred.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To apply, submit the following:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Statement on teaching philosophy, including upper-level courses you would be interested in teaching
4. Statement of research interests, especially involving undergraduates
5. List of at least three professional references
6. Statement reflecting your potential contribution to the Aquinas College mission.

Please submit all materials via our ADP application portal at aquinas.edu/jobs

Applications submitted by November 30, 2026 will receive full consideration. For questions about the program or the position, please contact Dr. Jennifer Hess, Chairperson of the Search Committee, at hessjen@aquinas.edu.

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Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of “appreciative inquiry” to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:

The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.

Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, ample paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.