Assistant Professor, Biology; Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Jacksonville State University Assistant Professor, Biology (Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy)

The Department of Biology at Jacksonville State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. Jacksonville State University is committed to excellence in teaching, student engagement, and experiential learning. The successful candidate will contribute to the department's instructional mission through teaching, mentoring, scholarly activity, and service.

The faculty member will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses that support the biology curriculum, including general biology for majors and non-majors, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and other courses aligned with the candidate's expertise. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to student-centered instruction and active learning approaches that promote student success and engagement.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, the faculty member will be expected to develop and maintain a productive scholarly agenda in comparative vertebrate anatomy, organismal biology, evolutionary morphology, or a closely related field. Research activities that involve undergraduate and graduate student participation are strongly encouraged.

Some departmental funding to support establishment of a research program is provided.

The department currently maintains a variety of specialized facilities, as well as traditional and modern instrumentation, in support of student/faculty research.

In recent years, student/faculty research has been supported by extramural funding through the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, Alabama Environmental Council, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U. S. Forest Service and other agencies/groups.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate biology courses, including comparative vertebrate anatomy and related laboratory courses.
• Teach introductory biology courses for majors and non-majors as needed by the department.
• Employ evidence-based and active learning pedagogies that support student success and retention.
• Develop and maintain laboratory experiences that enhance student learning and scientific inquiry.
• Establish and sustain a scholarly research program appropriate for a teaching-focused institution.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students through independent research projects, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Advise students regarding academic progress, career pathways, and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in curriculum development, assessment activities, and accreditation efforts.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation related to teaching, student assessment, and scholarly activities.
• Contribute to departmental, college, and university service activities.
• Develop collaborative relationships with professional organizations and individuals within the discipline.
• Seek external funding opportunities to support research and student engagement activities when appropriate.

• Earned Ph.D. in Biology, Zoology, Comparative Anatomy, Evolutionary Biology, Organismal Biology, or a closely related discipline by the date of appointment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of comparative vertebrate anatomy, anatomical nomenclature, and contemporary approaches used to address questions in organismal and anatomical biology.
• Evidence of potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external professional communities.
• Bas…