Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology in Microbiology

Job Summary

The Biology Department at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time non-continuing faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in microbiology. Appointment to this position will be for a term of 1 year, 2 semesters, beginning fall 2026, and will carry the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor.

About

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, selective liberal arts college near Cleveland, Ohio and is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. Oberlin College was the first college in the US to make interracial education and co-education central to its mission. The College continues to view a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational environment as valuable to the excellence of its academic program.

Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD programs.

Oberlin is situated on the outskirts of Cleveland, combining a cozy small-town atmosphere with the cultural amenities of a major city. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cinematheque, Karamu House, several educational institutions, and scores of restaurants, bars, music venues, and theaters add to the cultural and educational opportunities of the region.

The Oberlin Department of Biology includes 10 full-time tenure-track faculty whose research and teaching specialties span the breadth of the biological sciences. The department graduates approximately 45 majors per year.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will teach a total of five courses in the general area of microbiology. We particularly seek biologists who can teach microbiology with a lab to fulfill the needs of pre-health students. The expected teaching duties include an upper-level majors course in Microbiology, with an accompanying lab; a second upper-level course related to the candidate's interest and expertise, with an accompanying lab (BIOL 3xx);

a first-year seminar course (FYSP xxx). First-year seminars are offered for incoming first-year students in the fall semester and serve as an introduction to liberal arts learning. Thus, these courses are discussion-based non-majors courses that draw broad connections across disciplines (from natural science to social sciences and humanities).

Qualifications

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the Ph.D. degree (in hand or ABD). Candidates must demonstrate interest and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Successful teaching experience at the college level is desirable. Oberlin College values diversity, equity and inclusion. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin is interested in candidates who can contribute to the excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service.

Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran's status, and/or other protected status as required by applicable law.

Quick Link for Posting  Compensation

Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete application will be comprised of

1) a Cover Letter describing your teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service, detailing any connections to supporting an inclusive learning environment;

2) a Curriculum Vitae;

3) an unofficial graduate transcript;

4) a statement (or statements) on your teaching philosophy and expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion*;

5) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory's online application process at: /

* Examples of our commitment to diversity are available at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers.

Review of applications will begin on February 10, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the February 10 deadline will be guaranteed full

consideration.

Questions about the position can be addressed to:
Angie Roles, Chair of Biology, at aroles or .