Title: Assistant Professor

VP Area: Provost - UMW

Department: Biological Sciences

Campus Location: Main Campus

Advertised Range: $60,000

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 15, 2026. We are looking for a broadly trained plant ecologist with expertise in empirical field ecology and plant biology who is passionate about teaching, mentoring undergraduate research students, and contributing to a vibrant academic community. The appointee will teach upper-division courses in plant ecology and plant biology. Preference will be given to candidates who can also teach conservation biology, research design and biostatistics, and introductory biology. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our growing Conservation Biology major track.

UMW and the Department of Biological Sciences are strongly committed to engaging undergraduate students in research. Therefore, the appointee will be expected to develop a field-based research program and inquiry-based courses that involve undergraduates at all levels of the research process. An endowment from alumna Irene Piscopo Rodgers supports undergraduate research in the sciences through scholarships, research fellowships, and the Irene Piscopo Rodgers ‘59 Summer Science Institute, an immersive summer research program for students and faculty mentors. Faculty also benefit from internal funding for research supplies, travel, scholarly activities, and equipment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate courses in plant ecology, plant biology, and additional courses within the Biological Sciences (9-12 credits/semester).
  
• Develop a research-intensive course in their area of expertise.
  
• Maintain an active scholarly research program that includes mentorship of undergraduate researchers within the candidate's discipline.
  
• Contribute to the development of the Conservation Biology program, including our partnership with the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation.
  
• Participate in service to the department, college, and broader community.

Required KSAs/Competencies/Qualifications

• Broad training in biology with ability to teach plant ecology and plant biology.
  
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate level.
  
• Interest in and ability to involve undergraduates in field-based research via research-intensive courses and individual studies in plant ecology.
  
• Evidence of an emerging or established scholarly research agenda in plant ecology.
  

Required Experience:

• Experience as instructor or teaching assistant in relevant courses in biological sciences.
  
• Research experience and professional accomplishment in field-based studies of plant ecology, plant sciences, and/or conservation biology.

Additional Considerations:

• Teach undergraduate courses such as conservation biology, biostatistics and research design, introductory biology, and others in the candidate’s area of expertise.
  
• Access a diverse assortment of natural lands near campus as sites for class activities and field research.
  
• Manage and use the on-site greenhouse.
  
• Collaborate on research projects with colleagues on campus and at other universities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. To be considered for this position a state application must be received through the online employment system at https://jobs.umw.edu/.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions. For more information, please visit http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/.

The University of Mary Washington adheres to the principle of equal opportunity. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors in recruiting, admitting, enrolling students or hiring and promoting faculty and staff members. Complaints of discrimination should be directed to the AA/EEO officer of the University. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.