Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences (Comparative Vertebrate Physiology)

Faculty Employment Opportunity

POSITION:

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences (Comparative Vertebrate Physiology): The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Comparative Vertebrate Physiology. We seek a dedicated teacher-scientist with broad training in integrative and comparative vertebrate physiology who is enthusiastic about undergraduate education and committed to student success at a comprehensive, primarily undergraduate university.

This position is situated within an academic biology curriculum emphasizing organismal and integrative physiology. Applicants whose primary professional focus is clinical practice, veterinary training, or applied animal sciences are unlikely to find alignment with the scope of this role.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses in comparative vertebrate physiology.
• Contribute to the broader biology curriculum, including introductory courses for majors, courses for non-majors, and upper-division courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise (e.g., embryology, cellular and molecular biology, endocrinology).
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Engage in curriculum development, including the potential development of new courses consistent with departmental needs and candidate strengths.
• Develop and maintain an active research program.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service.
• Employ teaching practices that promote student engagement, academic access, and success across a diverse student population.
  
  

Teaching Expectations

Teaching proficiency is the primary criterion for retention, tenure, and promotion in the Department of Biological Sciences. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of effective and reflective undergraduate teaching, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Experience with laboratory instruction is especially valued.

The successful candidate will be expected to design, teach, and sustain high-quality laboratory experiences in comparative vertebrate physiology appropriate for undergraduate instruction. Evidence of thoughtful course design, assessment of student learning, and meaningful engagement with students in both classroom and laboratory settings is highly desirable.

The typical workload is approximately 80% teaching and 20% advising, service, and other professional responsibilities consistent with university policy. Reassigned time may be available based on scholarly productivity, external funding, significant service assignments, or programmatic needs.

Opportunities are available to mentor students in the department’s M.S. program. Teaching graduate courses may be possible, depending on programmatic needs and the candidate’s expertise.

Scholarship Expectations

Faculty are expected to develop a sustainable program of scholarship appropriate to a comprehensive university with a teaching-centered mission. The Department values disciplinary research in the life sciences as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning. Candidates should articulate a focused and feasible research agenda capable of producing peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations within the context of the workload. Successful programs often involve meaningful undergraduate participation and may emphasize projects that are scalable, collaborative, or otherwise well-aligned with institutional resources.

Experience seeking or obtaining extramural funding is viewed positively. External support that enhances student training or scholarly productivity is encouraged, though not required for success in the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in physiology, integrative biology, organismal biology, or a closely related field (ABD considered if degree is completed by the start date).
• Demonstrated expertise in comparative animal physiology appropriate for undergraduate lecture and laboratory instruction.
• Documented experience in undergraduate teaching, with evidence of commitment to and effectiveness in student learning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience teaching physiology at the undergraduate level.
• Broad training across vertebrate taxa.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate research or scholarly projects.
• Experience in curriculum development or assessment practices.

HOW TO APPLY & DEADLINE:

A complete application must include:

1. 1. Cover letter (maximum 500 words). A letter addressing your qualifications for the position, including your preparation in comparative vertebrate physiology and your interest in contributing to undergraduate education at Stanislaus State.
   2. Curriculum Vitae. A current professional curriculum vitae.
   3. References. The names and contact information of three references. (Three letters of recommendation will be required of finalists for the position.)
   4. Teaching Statement (maximum 1500 words, excluding captions and references). A statement describing your teaching philosophy, teaching-related activities and accomplishments, and plans for teaching at Stanislaus State. The statement should also address how you design learning environments that promote student engagement, access, and success in STEM fields, particularly in the context of a diverse student population. Applicants are encouraged to discuss how their experiences and practices support students from a broad range of educational backgrounds. Information about the student body at Stanislaus State may be reviewed through the university’s Institutional Effectiveness & Analytics page, and it is encouraged to particularly address how your work will support student success at our institution.
   5. Research Statement (maximum 1000 words, excluding captions and references). A statement describing your research and scholarly interests, prior research activities, and your plans for developing a sustainable research program within the context of a primarily undergraduate institution. The statement should address the feasibility of the proposed research and, where appropriate, how undergraduate students may be involved. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any experience with developing or securing extramural funding, where applicable.
   6. Transcripts. Unofficial copies of graduate school transcripts. Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.
      
      

To apply for this position, please click the “Apply Now” button on this page.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Dr. Marina M. Gerson, Chair
Department of Biological Sciences
California State University, Stanislaus
1 University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382

mgerson@csustan.edu

Screening of completed application files will begin on September 21, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. This appointment begins August 16, 2027.

Please note that the CSU does not use automated decision systems or artificial intelligence tools in making hiring or selection decisions. All applicant evaluations and employment decisions are made by human reviewers, using structured candidate responses and job-related criteria to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with FEHA.

COMPENSATION:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Anticipated hiring range is $7,075 - $7,287 per month for Assistant Professor (12 monthly payments per academic year).  As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT and THE COLLEGE, CAMPUS, AND AREA: 

California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a critical educational resource for a six-county region of approximately 1.5 million people. The University is fully committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture – one in which every person in the University community feels safe to express their views without fear of reprisal. Widely recognized for its quality academic programs, the University has 10 nationally accredited programs and 662 faculty members. 94 percent of full-time faculty holds doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. The University offers 43 undergraduate majors, 16 master's programs, 7 CSU post-graduate credentials, a doctorate in education and serves more than 10,000 students. New instructional facilities have been built for the unique pedagogy of professional programs, laboratory sciences and performing arts.

Stanislaus State continues to receive national recognition with its ranking as by U.S. News and World Report in its top 10 among public universities in the West, while Washington Monthly honored Stanislaus State as the West’s No. 1 university for the money. Stanislaus State also is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.

Stanislaus State values shared governance: Statement on shared governance

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. You can learn more about federal equal employment opportunity protections by accessing the Department of Labor’s notices: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf 

Individuals with disabling conditions who require accommodation during the recruitment process may contact the ADA Coordinator at (209) 667-3159.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.

Stanislaus State is not currently sponsoring faculty for H-1B work status if they are subject to the $100,000 fee established under the Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19, 2025. For faculty already in the United States who hold a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as F-1, J-1, or O-1), Stanislaus State is able to consider filing a petition to change their status to H-1B based on the current determination that the fee does not apply. For questions, please contact the Office of Faculty Affairs at facultyaffairs@csustan.edu. We strongly recommend that faculty review their individual circumstances carefully with their personal immigration legal counsel.

The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.

MANDATED REPORTER PER CANRA

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse And Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.

CLERY ACT DISCLOSURE

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, crime report statistics are available at: http://www.csustan.edu/UPD/pages/CampusCrimeStatistics/index.html