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Human Resources

2027-28 Assistant Professor of Biology

The Department of Biology at Illinois Wesleyan University invites applications for a Tenure Track position for a biologist beginning August 15, 2027. The person hired into this position should have expertise in Biology and will be expected to teach Biology courses. The department has needs in the areas of plant biology and/or invertebrate biology. The successful candidate will have earned a Ph.D. degree prior to the start date. The candidate will be responsible for 1) contributing to an introductory biology series for the biology program, and 2) teaching introductory and advanced courses in their area of specialty. The ability to teach statistics and/or courses that are suitable for the environmental studies program is desired but not required. In addition, the candidate will be expected to establish and sustain a research program and mentor undergraduate research students. Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching is essential. Preference will be given to candidates with a record of teaching success, which may include roles as a primary instructor, co-instructor, or lab instructor. In addition, a demonstrable commitment to evidence-based and inclusive teaching practices will be viewed favorably. For information about the Biology department, see: https://www.iwu.edu/biology/ and for information about the Environmental Studies program, see: https://www.iwu.edu/environmental-studies/. 

About the Tenure Track: At Illinois Wesleyan, Tenure Track faculty engage students through six teaching assignments each year, pursue productive scholarly work, serve as academic advisors, and engage in departmental and campus-wide service. After receiving feedback on formative reviews in the second, third, and fourth years of employment, a case for tenure and promotion is submitted in the fall of the sixth year.    

Tenure track faculty are eligible for sabbatical following six complete academic years of full-time service and every seven years thereafter. Additional professional development opportunities include the possibility of start-up funds, the potential for junior faculty leave, and support for the development of external grants. The Thorpe Center for Curricular and Faculty Development supports faculty in their teaching and scholarly or artistic work including peer-to-peer mentoring, workshops, internal grants, and assistance with instructional design and technology.

About IWU: Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a nationally ranked, small, private undergraduate liberal arts university with highly selective admission criteria and a tradition of teaching excellence emphasizing the integration of the liberal arts and professional education. We are located in Bloomington, IL, a metro area of 190,000 people, which is about a two or three hour drive from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. We are strongly committed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds.

Applying for this position: Interested applicants should submit:

  • a single PDF file containing a cover letter addressing their qualifications for the position,
  • curriculum vitae,
  • statement of teaching philosophy that includes how your philosophy and practice have contributed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds and notes how you would collaborate at IWU to embrace a wide range of experiences and viewpoints,
  • description of their proposed research program,
  • a copy of all academic transcripts, and
  • the names and contact information of three professional references to ckirk2@iwu.edu, with the subject heading “Tenure Track position in Biology.”

Review of applications will begin September 21st. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Loni Walker (Chair, Biology Department) at lwalker@iwu.edu.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Nine-month appointment.
  • Salary Range: $62,000 - $65,000 and based on experience.
  • The final candidate will pass a pre-employment background investigation.   
  • An overview of IWU benefits can be found here. 
  • Illinois Wesleyan University may offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy may be accessed here. Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints; details at https://www.iwu.edu/about/non-discrimination.html.