Assistant/Associate Professor of Anatomy

Job Description

Job Description

The Department of Biology and Chemistry at Briar Cliff University seeks to fill an Assistant or Associate Professor of Anatomy position to begin in Spring 2027 (preferred) or Summer 2027. This is a 12-month, tenure-eligible position focused on advancing knowledge through teaching, professional development and scholarship, and service within the university community. 

The successful candidate will teach anatomy and neuroanatomy across multiple programs, including introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in biology, and graduate level courses in our CAPTE-accredited program in physical therapy. The successful candidate also will maintain and teach in the University’s cadaver lab, one of the few undergraduate cadaver labs in the region. They may also participate in the University’s general education curriculum, known as the Core Values Curriculum. Teaching load will be approximately ½ at the graduate level, and ½ at the undergraduate level. Collaboration with colleagues across departments and programs, and participation in curriculum development are essential to ensure the academic program remains current and rigorous. Additionally, faculty engage in scholarship and professional development, complete institutional and departmental service, participate in departmental and university assessment, and advise students in experiential learning opportunities in addition to their coursework, supporting students’ professional growth and contributing to the broader educational mission. 

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. or DSc in an appropriate health science-related field and have higher education teaching experience. Candidates in the process of pursuing a terminal degree may be considered, but they must already have a doctorate (e.g., clinical doctorate) completed. These ABD candidates must have their terminal degrees completed no later than the end of their first year in the position. The successful candidate should demonstrate excellence in teaching at the university level, a strong record of successfully advising and mentoring students, an interest in maintaining their own intellectual creativity, and an ability to contribute to curriculum development and academic service. 

Founded in 1930 and rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, Briar Cliff University is a vibrant, values-based community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. Located on the scenic Loess Hills overlooking the Missouri River, "The Cliff" maintains a tight-knit learning environment with an institutional 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Academically, the university offers over 30 undergraduate programs and several respected graduate degrees, including regionally recognized programs in Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Sport Management. Our commitment to the student-athlete experience is equally robust; as members of the NAIA and Great Plains Athletic Conference, the Briar Cliff Chargers have earned 19 conference championships and were recently honored as an NAIA Champions of Character Gold Level Institution.

A city of 85,000 stretching across the corners of Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska (referred to as “Siouxland”), Sioux City is nestled along the Sioux and Missouri Rivers approximately 80 miles from both Omaha, NE, and Sioux Falls, SD. The city offers a vibrant, friendly community with a cost of living that is attractive for families and individuals alike. Sioux City possesses a bustling riverfront, a lively downtown arts and entertainment scene, numerous parks, and rich cultural opportunities, combining small-town charm with the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. As a regional hub for business and culture, the city features over 50 parks, the historic Orpheum Theatre, Tyson Events Center, and a mix of national retailers and award-winning local favorites. Sioux City has twice been named an “All-America City,” highlighting its strong community and significant quality of life. 

Interested candidates should visit the Briar Cliff University employment website for more information and to apply. Candidates should submit: 

• A letter of interest describing the alignment of the candidate's qualifications with the position requirements
• Current curriculum vita
• A statement of teaching philosophy that addresses ways in which the candidate creates and sustains a culture of belonging, fairness and appreciation for different perspectives in the classroom
• Graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies are fine at this point)
• Contact information (only) for three professional references

For full consideration, candidates should submit their applications no later than September 30, 2026, although review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Any final offer is contingent on a successful background check. If you have any questions about this position, contact  View email address on ziprecruiter.com. A competitive salary is commensurate with teaching experience and academic credentials. This position is subject to final budget approval.