Job Summary
Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA is searching for a skilled teacher-scholar to join our teaching-centered and research-active Biology Department in a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning August 16, 2023. We are looking for a molecular biologist whose research includes a significant wet-lab component, but may also use computational, data science, or systems biology approaches. Area of specialization is open. Gonzaga’s science faculty are very collaborative, and opportunities exist for interdisciplinary teaching and research projects with other departments, including Chemistry and Biochemistry, Math, and Computer Science. Faculty are expected to mentor undergraduate research assistants; ideal applicants will have experience mentoring undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds and identities, including those historically marginalized in the sciences (e.g., first-generation students, students from low-income families, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities).
We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching that promotes inclusive and equity-minded learning environments. Teaching responsibilities include our upper-division course in Molecular Biology (with lab), our 200-level Genetics course (with lab), and introductory courses in our core sequence for majors (Information Flow in Biological Systems, Energy Flow in Biological Systems). There will also be opportunities to teach upper- division seminar courses in the candidate’s area of interest, and in our introductory level phage discovery lab course. We are particularly interested in candidates with a demonstrated interest in inquiry-based teaching such as course-based research experiences, bounded-inquiry, or other approaches. Total teaching load will be 15 credit hours per year (typically 17 – 21 contact hours.)
The Biology Department and the College of Arts and Sciences are committed to inclusive excellence, and actively promote the success of a diverse population of undergraduate students, staff, and faculty. Gonzaga University is a Jesuit, Catholic, humanistic institution, and is therefore interested in candidates who will contribute to its distinctive mission of educating students “for lives of leadership and service for the common good.” The University is committed to fostering “a mature commitment to dignity of the human person, social justice, diversity, intercultural competence, global engagement, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, and care for the planet.” Successful applicants will have read the mission statement and engaged with it throughout the application.

Who we are:
Gonzaga is a primarily undergraduate institution committed to teaching excellence. The Biology department will provide support for developing engaging, inclusive, interactive courses that meet our learning objectives. In addition, Gonzaga’s Center for Teaching and Advising provides regular faculty development and education opportunities, including an optional New Faculty Learning Community program to help welcome and support new faculty throughout their first year at Gonzaga. Faculty in our science departments mentor undergraduate students in research experiences during the school year. Funding opportunities are also available to support undergraduate student-faculty research during a 10-week summer session. The newly-opened Bollier Family Center for Integrated Science and Engineering on Gonzaga’s campus contains teaching, research, and collaboration spaces for faculty from Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Environmental Studies and Sciences, Math, Physics, Psychology, and Engineering.
Gonzaga’s campus sits adjacent to downtown Spokane, WA, along the Spokane River in the Inland Northwest’s most metropolitan region. We exist on the traditional homelands of the Spokane people, one of the Interior Salish speaking tribes of the region. Spokane is Washington’s second largest city and boasts a vibrant restaurant, entertainment, and arts community; it is also home to a diverse array of neighborhoods and popular outdoor recreational areas.
Essential Functions
Teach 15 credit hours of courses per year (typically 17 – 21 contact hours.) Teaching responsibilities include our upper-division course in Molecular Biology (with lab), our 200-level Genetics course (with lab), and introductory courses in our core sequence for majors (Information Flow in Biological Systems, Energy Flow in Biological Systems).
Establish a research program in molecular biology that includes a significant wet-lab component and supports undergraduate student participation in the research. Mentor and oversee undergraduate research assistants. Communicate results through peer-reviewed papers, presentations, and other communications appropriate to the discipline.
Provide academic and career advising and mentoring to 15 – 25 undergraduate students per year.
Support the department, university, and discipline through service and other forms of academic citizenship.
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Biology or a related discipline
Demonstrated ability to establish and run a research program, such as at least one year of post-doctoral research experience in a related field
A molecular biology research program that includes a significant wet-lab component and that can support undergraduate research
At least one year of experience teaching undergraduate students
Desired Qualifications
Evidence of engaging, inclusive teaching practices at the undergraduate level that includes molecular biology, genetics, and introductory-level courses for biology majors.
Demonstrated skills and ability with computational, data science, or systems approaches in molecular biology research.
Evidence of effectiveness in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students with a variety of backgrounds and identities, including those historically marginalized and underrepresented in the sciences