Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Science - IFO

Overview

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

Working Title:

Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Science - IFO

Institution:
Southwest Minnesota State University

Classification

Title:

State University Faculty

Bargaining Unit / Union: 209:
Inter Faculty Organization

City:
Marshall

FLSA:
Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:
Full time

Employment Condition:
Unclassified - Limited Academic (Fixed Term)

Salary Range: $64,066.00 - $

We are seeking a full-time, 9-month Visiting Assistant Professor (fixed-term, non-tenure track) who can teach botany and a variety of natural-resource themed in-person courses in a student-centered, undergraduate liberal arts environment for the 2026-27 academic year. While teaching will be the core responsibility, the successful candidate should engage to some degree with scholarly activities, professional development, student growth and engagement, and service-related endeavors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Natural Resources, Wetland Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Conservation Science, Ecology, or a related field; A.B.D. will also be considered.
• Ability to teach upper-division Botany with lab as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training
• Ability to teach an upper-division course with lab in either General Ecology or Freshwater Science/Hydrology as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training
• Ability to teach at least one of the following courses with lab as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training:
  Introductory Environmental Science, Introductory Organismal Biology
• Student-centered approach to pedagogy in a face-to-face liberal arts setting that prioritizes inclusive learning and active teaching strategies, as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training
• Ability to contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in teaching, scholarship, service, and/or community engagement

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Natural Resources, Wetland Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Conservation Science, Ecology, or a related field
• Ability to mentor undergraduate research, including capstone projects and course-based research projects, as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations and ability to oversee the campus greenhouse manager as demonstrated by experience and/or training

Priority will be given to those who apply by 1/15/2026.

Required Document to submit for consideration:
Transcript, Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and Teaching Philosophy

The successful candidate must be authorized to work in the United States by the first day of employment. The University will not give consideration for H-1B sponsorship. Employment or Visa sponsorship, other than H-1B status, must be pre-approved by the University prior to offer acceptance.

No

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions.

The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu). This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University.

If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at .

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all…