Assistant Professor Biology

Assistant Professor Biology
Job Description

Position Classification

FT Faculty UDMPU (9 month).

Position Summary

The Department of Biology in the College of Engineering & Science at the University of Detroit Mercy invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track faculty positions beginning August 16, 2027 , with teaching responsibilities commencing in Fall 2027. We seek collaborative teacher-scholars who are enthusiastic about undergraduate education, engaging students in research, and mentoring students with varied backgrounds, experiences, and career goals. These positions offer opportunities to contribute to a collegial department, develop courses that complement or expand our curriculum, and establish a research program that meaningfully involves undergraduates.

Position 1: Vertebrate Anatomy, Organismal Biology, or Comparative Anatomy

We welcome applicants with an expertise in vertebrate anatomy, organismal biology, or comparative anatomy. The successful candidate will primarily teach Comparative Anatomy Lecture and Laboratory, with opportunities to teach Human Anatomy, Nursing Anatomy and Physiology with associated laboratories, Scientific Writing, and other upper-level courses including laboratories that complement or expand departmental offerings.

Position 2: Open Specialty

We welcome applicants across biological disciplines, with a preference for candidates whose expertise is in integrative biology. This position will support a variety of courses offered in the department, including Introduction to Biology series, upper-level courses, and supporting courses for Nursing and other programs supported by the department.

Expectations

Successful candidates will use student-centered, evidence-based teaching and assessment practices and contribute to advising, mentoring, and service within the department, College, University and community. They will establish a research program appropriate to a primarily undergraduate setting, pursue external funding, and disseminate scholarly work through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Applicants should describe a focused, feasible research agenda that provides meaningful roles for undergraduate students.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must hold a doctorate, Ph.D., or terminal degree in a basic science or other relevant specialty by August 2027. Experience teaching in a college setting using active teaching strategies or has training in teaching. Record of scholarship that demonstrates the commitment and ability to pursue external funding, disseminate results in peer-reviewed publications and conferences, and mentor undergraduates in scholarly activity.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in science communication, and/or the development and teaching of upper-level laboratory courses. Commitment to innovative, evidence-based teaching strategies that enhance student learning outcomes. Knowledge of assessment strategies associated with course learning outcomes and pedagogical best practices for a diverse undergraduate student body. Commitment to service of the department, college, university, and community in alignment with the Mission of the University. Commitment to student-centered mentoring and advising a students' holistic development, including encouraging students to reflect and engage with biology/science in a broader social context. Experience mentoring undergraduate students in a research laboratory. Postdoctoral training (or other relevant experience. Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule

TBD

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates must apply by completing an application and uploading materials. Include:

A cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications A complete curriculum vitae. A research statement (up to two pages) describing relevant accomplishments and a propose a three-year research agenda. Outline research goals, undergraduate student activities, and essential resource needs. A teaching statement (one page) addressing effective instruction, hands-on learning, and inclusive student mentoring. Mission-related statement (one page) describing how you would contribute to Detroit Mercy's Jesuit and Mercy mission through teaching, research, mentoring, and/or service. Include specific examples from your experience and plans for supporting students' whole-person development, fostering ethical reflection, or connecting biology education with community needs. Names and contact information for three professional references that have direct knowledge of the applicant's teaching ability. Letters will be requested from semifinalists.
To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by January 5, 2027 .

Applications received after that date may be reviewed until the position is filled.

Department and University

The Biology Department's eighteen full-time faculty serve approximately 675 undergraduate majors, along with students in Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Faculty conduct research and provide mentorship and advising for students in the College of Engineering & Science. The department also offers accelerated and early assurance programs through collaborations with Detroit Mercy's professional schools and external partners.

As a primarily undergraduate institution, we offer small classes, close collegial relationships, and a vibrant community of teacher-scholars dedicated to student-centered education, undergraduate research, and mentorship. Detroit Mercy ranked 2nd in Michigan and 36th nationally in the 2026 Wall Street Journal /College Pulse Best Colleges rankings.

Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, the University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. The University seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.

Benefits Summary At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:

Medical

Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network Dental

Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes). The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.

Vision

Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute $35 Comprehensive Eye Exam Contact Lens Exam starting at $70 50% off Optical Frames 25% off Sun Frames 30% off Prescription Lenses 20% off Prescription Contact Lenses *Cannot be combined with insurance* Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options

Employee Assistance Program

Provided to everyone in your household Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Life and AD&D

One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance

Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children

Retirement Plan

Employees have a choice of the following: Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 6%, and employees who contribute 4% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 8%.
Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.

Commensurate with experience