Assistant Professor of Biology

Description

Located in the vibrant community of Walla Walla, WA, Whitman College is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving roughly 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top undergraduate, liberal arts colleges in the country.

Walla Walla, WA

Jul 30, 2026

The Department of Biology seeks applicants for a tenure-track position beginning August 2027, with expertise in ecology, at the rank of assistant professor. Applicants must have a Ph.D. at the start of the position.

The standard annual teaching load is five courses, which will include some combination of lecture and/or lab courses in their area of expertise within ecology, non-majors environmental biology (and/or other courses that contribute to the College's general education requirements), introductory biology, and mentorship of students as they prepare their senior theses. The successful candidate will also offer research opportunities of interest to students in Biology.

This candidate will join a highly collaborative department that supports and engages our diverse and enthusiastic pool of life science majors. The Biology department provides ample opportunity for faculty to engage in field courses and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with the interdisciplinary Environmental Studies program.

The College provides a generous pre-tenure sabbatical program and professional development support for both research and teaching. The successful candidate will demonstrate potential to sustain an active scholarly or creative research agenda and to participate in faculty governance, mentorship, or other forms of service in ways that fit their interests and talents.

Whitman College is committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that values diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. In the cover letter, candidates should describe their interest in teaching undergraduates, majors as well as non-majors, at all levels of instruction. In doing so, candidates should address how their classroom and scholarly practices will advance equity and inclusion in the learning environment.

To apply, go to  The online application will prompt you to submit all of the required materials: a cover letter describing interest in teaching and pursuing research at an undergraduate institution; curriculum vitae; a teaching statement that also includes your approaches to designing and leading lecture and lab courses, as well as student mentorship; a research statement proposing future research projects feasible for undergraduates;

contact information for three references; graduate transcripts. References will only be contacted for applicants who reach the interview stage.

Review of applications will begin September 15th, 2026.

Salary Range: $71,000 - $78,000

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits package that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances
• Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage
• 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met
• Tuition Remission - Dependent Children, after eligibility requirements
• Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester
• An Employee Assistance Program

New faculty receive a relocation stipend for moving expenses based on the distance of relocation.

Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college's working and learning environment.

Whitman College is an EEO employer. The college shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.