Visiting Assistant Professor - Biology

Faculty Posting Details

Appointment:

Department of Biology, 1-year Visiting Assistant Professor position; begins Fall 2026.

Responsibilities:

The Department of Biology at the University of Puget Sound, a predominantly undergraduate liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, seeks to recruit a Visiting Assistant Professor for the 2026-2027 academic year. Excellence in teaching is highly valued at Puget Sound, and we seek candidates with a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for teaching introductory biology at the undergraduate level.

The successful candidate will teach BIOL 112 (Evolution and the Diversity of Life) during both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. This foundational course introduces students to evolutionary theory, the history and diversity of life, phylogenetic relationships among organisms, and fundamental aspects of organismal biology. Major topics include evolutionary mechanisms, adaptation, speciation, phylogenetics, biodiversity, the origins of major lineages, and the structure and function of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

The position consists of one lecture section of BIOL 112 and three associated laboratory sections each semester. The lecture typically enrolls approximately 42 students, while each laboratory section enrolls approximately 14 students.

The instructor will teach one of multiple concurrent sections of BIOL 112 and will work collaboratively with other instructors to coordinate lecture and laboratory content, learning objectives, and assessments. Existing laboratory exercises, field activities, and instructional materials are available and may be used as-is or adapted as appropriate. Laboratories include both laboratory-based and field-based investigations focused on evolution, biodiversity, organismal biology, and natural history.

We are particularly interested in candidates with:

• Experience or strong interest in teaching introductory biology courses
• Background in evolution, ecology, organismal biology, biodiversity, environmental biology, natural history, or related fields
• Experience with field-based, laboratory-based, or inquiry-driven teaching
• Commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment that promotes student engagement and success

While there is no expectation for research or mentoring, laboratory space and modest funds are available if the incumbent is interested in pursuing professional development activities or research with undergraduates during their stay at Puget Sound. If interested, the individual might also collaborate with researchers at the Puget Sound Museum of Natural History, a world-class collection comprising more than 105,000 specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, plants, insects, molluscs, and fossils, with particular strengths in tetrapod vertebrates.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related discipline (ABD considered).

Application Deadline:

Search and selection procedures will begin when a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; early submission is encouraged.

Compensation and Benefits:

Rank: Visiting Assistant Professor

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. This is a 5/6-time appointment with benefits.

Faculty salaries at the University of Puget Sound are based on a common salary scale based on experience. Assistant Professor salaries in 2026-2027 begin at $62,766.67 annualized for 5/6th the salary of an assistant professor without a terminal degree in their field in their first year of full-time post-doctorate teaching through $77,384.17 annualized based on experience.

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package. For more information, visit: Summary of 2026 Benefits for Faculty Members.pdf - Google Drive

Puget Sound has a well-established Shared Faculty Appointments Policy, https://www.pugetsound.edu/policies/faculty-policies/shared-faculty-appointments

About Puget Sound:

The University of Puget Sound is located in Tacoma, Washington, a vibrant, diverse mid-sized urban port city. Within, and near, Tacoma there is ready access to urban, rural, and natural areas as well as opportunities to participate in a wide variety of cultural activities.

University Diversity Statement:

• We acknowledge the richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community; the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here; that education is enhanced by the investigation of and the reflection upon multiple perspectives.
• We aspire to create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community; to increase the diversity of all parts of our University community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts; to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community.
• We act to achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity; to ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here; to prepare effectively citizen-leaders for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: http://www.pugetsound.edu/about/diversity-at-puget-sound/

Required Documents:

Applicants submitted without the required attachments will not be considered.

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of Interest
• Teaching statement
• Diversity Statement (see prompt below)
• Contact Information for 3 References. You will be prompted to enter the contact information for three (3) reference providers. The system will automatically email these reference providers to request a letter.

Note: In the online application system, please submit curriculum vitae when prompted to submit resume. Additional documents can be attached within the application.

Applicants Diversity Statement:

As a department and university, we are strongly committed to creating an inclusive and effective teaching, learning, and working environment for all. In their diversity statement, applicants should reflect on how they will advance the values articulated in the University Diversity Statement in all aspects of their future work as faculty and members of the university community.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background inquiry.

The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.

Given the current Executive Order and the $100,000 petition fee for new H-1b visas, at the moment sponsoring a new H-1b is cost-prohibitive to us. Therefore, unless the executive order is rescinded or blocked by the courts, we are unable to commit to new H visa sponsorship at this time. Applicants with questions about visa sponsorship are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.