Visiting Assistant Professor/Instructor of Biology

Visiting Assistant Professor/Instructor of Biology

Posting Details Posting Number: 0603145 Recruitment Type: Open to All Applicants Position Title: Visiting Assistant Professor/Instructor of Biology Position Type: Faculty Benefits Status: Not FLSA: Exempt Hiring Range: $8,100 for 1.5 course load.

Location

Tacoma, WA 98447 Department: Biology Department Posting Date: 09/30/2026 Closing Date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Work Schedule: Part-time position available for Spring semester only beginning February 1, 2027.

General Description: The Biology Department at Pacific Lutheran University is seeking applicants who are committed to excellence in teaching for a part-time position for the Spring 2027 semester only. The successful applicant will teach human anatomy and physiology laboratory (2 sections) for pre-nursing students.

The biology department is a vibrant, student-centered academic community committed to helping students understand the complexity and diversity of life while developing the skills to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and engage in scientific discovery. Our faculty represent a broad range of biological disciplines, including molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, developmental biology, ecology, and evolution. We emphasize learning biology by doing biology, with hands-on laboratory and field experiences, undergraduate research, and close faculty-student mentoring woven throughout the curriculum. Our students pursue diverse pathways into health professions, graduate and professional programs, research, environmental science, education, and other careers in the life sciences.

We are looking for an individual who identifies first and foremost as an educator and is dedicated to using effective and inclusive teaching methods and practices. Our students come from various backgrounds with different values and beliefs. Many of them are first-generation college students, non-traditional students, students of color, and LGBTQ students. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can facilitate discussions across diverse perspectives and who share our commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in their teaching approaches.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Teach assigned courses at the undergraduate level.
• Hold regular student hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Solid background in human anatomy and physiology.
• Knowledge of effective and inclusive teaching and learning strategies.
• Commitment to working effectively with a diverse faculty and student body.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching at the undergraduate level within a liberal arts setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biology or related discipline must be in hand by February 1, 2027 for appointment at the Visiting Assistant Professor level. ABD or MS in biology or related discipline required by February 1, 2027 for appointment at the Instructor level.
• Applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States on hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

Work Conditions:

Physical Requirements:

Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Will you have a Master's degree or higher in hand by the time of appointment?
• Yes
• No

Are you legally eligible to work in the United States on your hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship?

• Yes
• No

Applicant Documents Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy
• List of Three References

Optional Documents