Assistant Professor of Microbiology

DescriptionThe Department of Biology at St. Mary's College of Maryland is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Microbiology, beginning August 2026. Teaching responsibilities will include participation in one or more of our core biology courses (Principles of Biology I and II, Genetics, and Ecology and Evolution), an upper division laboratory course in microbiology, and further opportunities to teach electives and biology laboratories in the candidate's specialty. All professors at St. Mary's College are expected to contribute to the college-wide core curriculum as well as to their departmental curriculum. The Department of Biology faculty are committed to creating a respectful community of educators and scholars and seek colleagues who are eager to nurture and support growth of students, staff, and faculty, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, first generation and international community members, as well as community members with disabilities, among others.This position is being filled as part of our Life at the Molecular and Cellular Scale cluster hire initiative. Candidates hired in this role will be part of a five-member cluster that will meet regularly to build community across programs that teach chemistry and biology at the molecular/cellular level, develop cross-disciplinary research collaborations, work together to develop an integrated inquiry general education pathway attractive to STEM majors, and build new partnerships with community organizations that will provide experiential learning opportunities for our majors. Candidates will have regular contact with a steering committee composed of faculty and staff from offices across campus and will receive additional professional development support to encourage retention and successful completion of the cluster mission. This support includes a total of three pre-tenure course releases, support to attend an off-campus leadership development opportunity, guaranteed support for one summer research student each of the first two years, assistance in planning a five-year professional success arc, grant planning and preparation support, community onboarding, and training in governance and pedagogy.Non-sectarian since its founding, St. Mary's College of Maryland, a public Carnegie Baccalaureate, Arts and Sciences institution located in St. Mary's City, 70 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., has been designated as Maryland's public honors college. With selective admissions policies, academically talented students, and a rigorous curriculum, we offer a small college experience similar to that found at exceptional private colleges. St. Mary's faculty benefit from a comprehensive program of support for scholarship, research, travel, and curriculum development, including course releases for pre-tenure faculty and leaves for tenured faculty. The quality of life is enhanced by the recreational opportunities of the Chesapeake region and by our proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.QualificationsApplicants must have a Ph.D. in biology, genetics, microbiology, or related fields and be committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching.There is also the expectation that the successful candidate will establish and maintain an exceptional research program involving undergraduates.Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.The salary range is $80,000 - $85,000, depending on qualifications and experience.Application InstructionsSt. Mary's College of Maryland embodies diversity and inclusion in its mission. We create an environment that recognizes the value of individual and group differences and we encourage inquiries from applicants who will contribute to our cultural and ethnic diversity.Application materials should include a cover letter (within the cover letter, applicants are requested to speak to ways in which their teaching will contribute to a culture of inclusion and campus diversity), curriculum vitae (include e-mail address), statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research interests including plan for seeking external funding, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (if available). In support of inclusive hiring practices, the College will also request three professional references (rather than letters of recommendation) at the time of application. Of these three references, at least one referee should speak to the candidate's disciplinary expertise and at least one should have seen the candidate deliver or design classroom instruction. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance to finalist interviews. Applications are being accepted online at: apply.interfolio.com/174019. Questions may be directed to Dr. Kevin J. Emerson, Department Chair, at kjemerson@smcm.edu.