Assistant Professor of Biology
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 13, 2024
Application Deadline:
Open until filled
Position Details:
The TCU Department of Biology welcomes applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor. A PhD degree in the biological sciences and a minimum of two years of post-graduate research experience (e.g., post-doctoral training, government, or industrial research) are expected. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service. Specifically, the new faculty will: 1) contribute to existing courses and develop upper-level undergraduate/graduate courses in their area of expertise; 2) develop and maintain an active research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students (MS and PhD) and has strong potential for extramural funding; 3) serve on departmental committees and advise pre-health students. This on-campus, in-person position will begin in August 2024.
Review of applications will begin September 12, 2023. The position will remain open until filled.
Specific application directions, a more complete job description, and information about the Department and TCU can be found below.
For further inquiries please contact the chair of the search committee Dr. Shauna McGillivray (s.mcgillivray@tcu.edu).
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter indicating their qualifications for this position, 2) a CV, 3) a statement of research experience and future research plans, 4) a statement of teaching philosophy, 5) a statement that addresses how the applicant will promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom and their research lab, and 6) the contact details (i.e., name, affiliation, e-mail address, and phone number) for three academic references (we will contact the references for letters). Applicant evaluations will begin September 12, 2023 for an August 2024 start date. Additional application instructions appear in the research and teaching sections below.
TCU uses an online application protocol administered by Human Resources. All application materials must be submitted electronically at: https://jobs.tcu.edu/en-us/listing/.
As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE POSITION
A. START DATE: August 2024.
B. RESEARCH
The successful candidate's research will strengthen existing areas of research in the Department, including but not limited to ecophysiology, evolutionary physiology, comparative physiology, developmental physiology, and/or toxicology. If applicable, the research statement should indicate how the candidate's research would complement the current lines of research within the Department. In addition, the research statement should address the major infrastructure needs required to carry out the candidate's proposed research (e.g., space, major lab or field equipment, and/or animal requirements) and the candidate's plans for extramural funding. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an active research program that results in publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings. The successful candidate must be able to develop undergraduate and graduate (MS and PhD) research opportunities in their lab. Attempts to seek extramural funding of research projects are expected. A start-up package will be offered to allow the successful applicant to engage in productive research.
C. TEACHING
The Department thrives on the teacher-scholar model in which faculty leverage their research expertise to inform their teaching and vice versa. Thus, the successful candidate will use their expertise to contribute to existing courses and develop additional undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in their area of expertise. In particular, the selected candidate will contribute to the teaching of Mammalian Physiology (an upper-level physiology course). The successful candidate will also develop new courses such as an elective undergraduate physiology lab course and/or another course in their area of specialty. The candidate should address, in their application, new courses they could potentially develop within their area of expertise. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to teaching in the Department through the training and mentorship of undergraduates and graduate students involved in their research program. The successful candidate's teaching schedule is subject to Departmental needs. The Biology Department typically phases in the teaching loads of new faculty members over a period of two years to provide the time needed to establish their research labs while developing rigorous and stimulating courses.
D. SERVICE AND STUDENT ADVISING
The new hire will have the opportunity to participate in service activities at the Department, College, or University levels depending upon their interests and the needs of these units.
The new hire will serve on the Health-Professions Advisory Committee and engage in academic advising for undergraduate students on the pre-health track as a component of their service (for more information on TCU's pre-health program see https://prehealth.tcu.edu/). As advisors, Biology faculty strive to create a welcoming environment that provides personalized attention tailored to the needs and career aspirations of individual students.
Department Details:
Collegiality and teamwork are a hallmark of our department. Our department's curriculum and faculty-related policies have been developed with consultation of the faculty. We work together as a team, with the utmost respect and appreciation for all types of contributions to our students and their success.
The TCU Department of Biology offers a rigorous, science-based curriculum grounded in evolutionary theory to undergraduate and graduate students across all areas of biology. We are committed to the teacher-scholar model and teaching is central to our department's mission. We hire faculty who are passionate about teaching and highly trained in their area of teaching specialty. We strive to provide equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities and create inclusive learning environments.
Research plays a major role in the professional life of our tenure-track faculty. Our research programs support our teaching mission and allow us to expose students to the process of science when they conduct research in our labs. Faculty have access to a variety of research-related equipment (https://cse.tcu.edu/biology/student-experience/facilities.php). TCU's library, including online resources and personnel, is considered a strength by the Biology faculty.
To learn more about the Department of Biology, visit our website at https://cse.tcu.edu/biology/index.php.
School/College Description:
The TCU College of Science & Engineering (CSE) encompasses 10 departments (Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Nutritional Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology) as well the Ranch Management Program, which offers both an undergraduate degree and a one-year certificate program. The College is also home to the Pre-Health Professions Institute, the Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development, the Institute of Behavioral Research, and the Institute for Ranch Management. The College is the second largest at TCU in terms of both undergraduate enrollment and number of majors. CSE contains a disproportionate percentage of high achieving students, as evidenced by the fact that almost one-half the students in the Honors College have majors in the College of Science & Engineering. Research opportunities abound for undergraduates, with over 40 percent of majors engaging in a substantive experience during which they work one-on-one with their faculty mentor. The College also has five doctoral programs and 16 master's programs as well as two graduate certificate programs. The College faculty are true teacher-scholars, for whom instruction and research are viewed as complementary activities.
University & Fort Worth Description:
ABOUT TCU
Founded in 1873, Texas Christian University sits on 302 acres nestled in a primarily residential part of Fort Worth, just minutes away from downtown. The University includes seven schools and colleges, in addition to the John V. Roach Honors College and the Burnett School of Medicine.
Currently, TCU enrolls more than 10,200 undergraduates and 1,700 graduate students. Twenty-eight percent of students self-identify as a member of a minority group, five percent are international students, and forty-five percent are from out-of-state. Our students are supported by more than 2,200 faculty and staff. The University has more than 700 full-time faculty members and is a top 100 National University as classified by US News and World Report and has a Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity.
At TCU, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are an educational imperative directly tied to the University mission, vision, and strategic plan. Fulfilling TCU's mission to develop ethical leaders and critical thinkers in a global community depends on the University's ability to attract and retain students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. A diverse and inclusive campus leads to innovation, broadened perspective, and understanding—values that are foundational aspects of higher education. For the fourth consecutive year, TCU has earned the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, which highlights ongoing commitment to build a comprehensive DEI strategy that aligns with core values and creates a campus culture where everyone is respected and included.
ABOUT FORT WORTH
Like TCU, Fort Worth has the approachable, friendly charm of a smaller town, but offers the amenities, cultural activities, diversity and unique personality of a much larger city. Fort Worth, Texas, is the 13th largest city in the United States with an ever-growing population nearing 1 million. Fort Worth and TCU have grown together in a nearly 150-year relationship. You'll find that many Horned Frogs remain here after graduation, thanks to the region's thriving job market. Fort Worth is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and the number 1 tourist destination in Texas. In 2018, bizjournals.com ranked Fort Worth the 7th most affordable city to live and work in the United States and U.S. News and World Report named Fort Worth one of the Best Places to Live. Fort Worth, Dallas and Arlington all rank among the top 25 most diverse cities in the country.
Fort Worth is known for its vast array of cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities. The city boasts three world class art museums—the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Bass Performance Hall is one of the premier performance venues in the country. Concerts, film festivals and other events are held regularly at Sundance Square, Panther Island and Near Southside venues.
Required Application Materials & Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter indicating their qualifications for this position, 2) a CV, 3) a statement of research experience and future research plans, 4) a statement of teaching philosophy, 5) a statement that addresses how the applicant will promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom and their research lab, and 6) the contact details (i.e., name, affiliation, e-mail address, and phone number) for three academic references (we will contact the references for letters). Applicant evaluations will begin September 12, 2023 for an August 2024 start date. Additional application instructions appear in the research and teaching sections.
TCU uses an online application protocol administered by Human Resources. All application materials must be submitted electronically at: https://jobs.tcu.edu/en-us/listing/.
AA/EEO Statement:
As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Open until filled
Position Details:
The TCU Department of Biology welcomes applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor. A PhD degree in the biological sciences and a minimum of two years of post-graduate research experience (e.g., post-doctoral training, government, or industrial research) are expected. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service. Specifically, the new faculty will: 1) contribute to existing courses and develop upper-level undergraduate/graduate courses in their area of expertise; 2) develop and maintain an active research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students (MS and PhD) and has strong potential for extramural funding; 3) serve on departmental committees and advise pre-health students. This on-campus, in-person position will begin in August 2024.
Review of applications will begin September 12, 2023. The position will remain open until filled.
Specific application directions, a more complete job description, and information about the Department and TCU can be found below.
For further inquiries please contact the chair of the search committee Dr. Shauna McGillivray (s.mcgillivray@tcu.edu).
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter indicating their qualifications for this position, 2) a CV, 3) a statement of research experience and future research plans, 4) a statement of teaching philosophy, 5) a statement that addresses how the applicant will promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom and their research lab, and 6) the contact details (i.e., name, affiliation, e-mail address, and phone number) for three academic references (we will contact the references for letters). Applicant evaluations will begin September 12, 2023 for an August 2024 start date. Additional application instructions appear in the research and teaching sections below.
TCU uses an online application protocol administered by Human Resources. All application materials must be submitted electronically at: https://jobs.tcu.edu/en-us/listing/.
As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE POSITION
A. START DATE: August 2024.
B. RESEARCH
The successful candidate's research will strengthen existing areas of research in the Department, including but not limited to ecophysiology, evolutionary physiology, comparative physiology, developmental physiology, and/or toxicology. If applicable, the research statement should indicate how the candidate's research would complement the current lines of research within the Department. In addition, the research statement should address the major infrastructure needs required to carry out the candidate's proposed research (e.g., space, major lab or field equipment, and/or animal requirements) and the candidate's plans for extramural funding. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an active research program that results in publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings. The successful candidate must be able to develop undergraduate and graduate (MS and PhD) research opportunities in their lab. Attempts to seek extramural funding of research projects are expected. A start-up package will be offered to allow the successful applicant to engage in productive research.
C. TEACHING
The Department thrives on the teacher-scholar model in which faculty leverage their research expertise to inform their teaching and vice versa. Thus, the successful candidate will use their expertise to contribute to existing courses and develop additional undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in their area of expertise. In particular, the selected candidate will contribute to the teaching of Mammalian Physiology (an upper-level physiology course). The successful candidate will also develop new courses such as an elective undergraduate physiology lab course and/or another course in their area of specialty. The candidate should address, in their application, new courses they could potentially develop within their area of expertise. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to teaching in the Department through the training and mentorship of undergraduates and graduate students involved in their research program. The successful candidate's teaching schedule is subject to Departmental needs. The Biology Department typically phases in the teaching loads of new faculty members over a period of two years to provide the time needed to establish their research labs while developing rigorous and stimulating courses.
D. SERVICE AND STUDENT ADVISING
The new hire will have the opportunity to participate in service activities at the Department, College, or University levels depending upon their interests and the needs of these units.
The new hire will serve on the Health-Professions Advisory Committee and engage in academic advising for undergraduate students on the pre-health track as a component of their service (for more information on TCU's pre-health program see https://prehealth.tcu.edu/). As advisors, Biology faculty strive to create a welcoming environment that provides personalized attention tailored to the needs and career aspirations of individual students.
Department Details:
Collegiality and teamwork are a hallmark of our department. Our department's curriculum and faculty-related policies have been developed with consultation of the faculty. We work together as a team, with the utmost respect and appreciation for all types of contributions to our students and their success.
The TCU Department of Biology offers a rigorous, science-based curriculum grounded in evolutionary theory to undergraduate and graduate students across all areas of biology. We are committed to the teacher-scholar model and teaching is central to our department's mission. We hire faculty who are passionate about teaching and highly trained in their area of teaching specialty. We strive to provide equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities and create inclusive learning environments.
Research plays a major role in the professional life of our tenure-track faculty. Our research programs support our teaching mission and allow us to expose students to the process of science when they conduct research in our labs. Faculty have access to a variety of research-related equipment (https://cse.tcu.edu/biology/student-experience/facilities.php). TCU's library, including online resources and personnel, is considered a strength by the Biology faculty.
To learn more about the Department of Biology, visit our website at https://cse.tcu.edu/biology/index.php.
School/College Description:
The TCU College of Science & Engineering (CSE) encompasses 10 departments (Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Nutritional Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology) as well the Ranch Management Program, which offers both an undergraduate degree and a one-year certificate program. The College is also home to the Pre-Health Professions Institute, the Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development, the Institute of Behavioral Research, and the Institute for Ranch Management. The College is the second largest at TCU in terms of both undergraduate enrollment and number of majors. CSE contains a disproportionate percentage of high achieving students, as evidenced by the fact that almost one-half the students in the Honors College have majors in the College of Science & Engineering. Research opportunities abound for undergraduates, with over 40 percent of majors engaging in a substantive experience during which they work one-on-one with their faculty mentor. The College also has five doctoral programs and 16 master's programs as well as two graduate certificate programs. The College faculty are true teacher-scholars, for whom instruction and research are viewed as complementary activities.
University & Fort Worth Description:
ABOUT TCU
Founded in 1873, Texas Christian University sits on 302 acres nestled in a primarily residential part of Fort Worth, just minutes away from downtown. The University includes seven schools and colleges, in addition to the John V. Roach Honors College and the Burnett School of Medicine.
Currently, TCU enrolls more than 10,200 undergraduates and 1,700 graduate students. Twenty-eight percent of students self-identify as a member of a minority group, five percent are international students, and forty-five percent are from out-of-state. Our students are supported by more than 2,200 faculty and staff. The University has more than 700 full-time faculty members and is a top 100 National University as classified by US News and World Report and has a Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity.
At TCU, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are an educational imperative directly tied to the University mission, vision, and strategic plan. Fulfilling TCU's mission to develop ethical leaders and critical thinkers in a global community depends on the University's ability to attract and retain students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. A diverse and inclusive campus leads to innovation, broadened perspective, and understanding—values that are foundational aspects of higher education. For the fourth consecutive year, TCU has earned the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, which highlights ongoing commitment to build a comprehensive DEI strategy that aligns with core values and creates a campus culture where everyone is respected and included.
ABOUT FORT WORTH
Like TCU, Fort Worth has the approachable, friendly charm of a smaller town, but offers the amenities, cultural activities, diversity and unique personality of a much larger city. Fort Worth, Texas, is the 13th largest city in the United States with an ever-growing population nearing 1 million. Fort Worth and TCU have grown together in a nearly 150-year relationship. You'll find that many Horned Frogs remain here after graduation, thanks to the region's thriving job market. Fort Worth is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and the number 1 tourist destination in Texas. In 2018, bizjournals.com ranked Fort Worth the 7th most affordable city to live and work in the United States and U.S. News and World Report named Fort Worth one of the Best Places to Live. Fort Worth, Dallas and Arlington all rank among the top 25 most diverse cities in the country.
Fort Worth is known for its vast array of cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities. The city boasts three world class art museums—the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Bass Performance Hall is one of the premier performance venues in the country. Concerts, film festivals and other events are held regularly at Sundance Square, Panther Island and Near Southside venues.
Required Application Materials & Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter indicating their qualifications for this position, 2) a CV, 3) a statement of research experience and future research plans, 4) a statement of teaching philosophy, 5) a statement that addresses how the applicant will promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom and their research lab, and 6) the contact details (i.e., name, affiliation, e-mail address, and phone number) for three academic references (we will contact the references for letters). Applicant evaluations will begin September 12, 2023 for an August 2024 start date. Additional application instructions appear in the research and teaching sections.
TCU uses an online application protocol administered by Human Resources. All application materials must be submitted electronically at: https://jobs.tcu.edu/en-us/listing/.
AA/EEO Statement:
As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
