Assistant Professor of Biology

Posting Details

Position Information


Position Title
Assistant Professor of Biology


Job Responsibilities


The School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biology to begin August 2026.

This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman's campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University's core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed. The position is ideal for those who wish to work with high-ability undergraduates in an experiential learning focused, liberal arts environment.

Responsibilities : The successful candidate will teach 12 contact hours per semester in courses that support the biology core (Genetics, Cell Biology) as well as upper division electives in the candidate's area(s) of expertise. The candidate is expected to establish a robust undergraduate-focused research program. Candidates can come from a variety of life science disciplines but should be able to offer electives of interest to biology and biochemistry & molecular biology majors, such as pharmacology, developmental biology, histology, cancer biology, biotechnology, and/or computational biology.

Benefits : Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses. Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year. More details:

Program : The Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences is part of the School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University. The Department has 17 faculty members and approximately 270 undergraduate majors in Agricultural Science (with specializations in Animal Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Business, and Equine Science), Biology, Cannabis & Natural Medicinals, and Environmental Science. The Department also offers courses in the Dialogues (Truman's liberal studies core curriculum) and opportunities for faculty members to pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research.

The University : Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state's public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master's universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers' markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O'Hare provide quick access to one of the country's major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Required Qualifications


Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in the life sciences with an emphasis on genetics, cell, and/or molecular biology. All-but-dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered, but a Ph.D. must be completed by the start date. Candidates should display a desire to engage with students in a liberal arts setting, including establishing a research program that is tractable to undergraduate students.

Preferred Qualifications


Candidates that conduct biomedical or biotechnological research that would be tractable to Biology or Biochemistry & Molecular Biology majors would be preferred, especially if their projects incorporate resources on campus including our confocal microscope. Candidates that display interest in interdisciplinary teaching would also be competitive.

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number
F131P


Open Date
03/04/2026


Close Date

Open Until Filled
No


Special Instructions to Applicants

Application: Applications must be submitted electronically at

For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.


Complete applications must include:

• a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a statement of teaching philosophy that reflects on our liberal arts and sciences mission;
• contact information for at least three references;
• a sustainable research/scholarship plan that includes a mentorship philosophy for engaging undergraduate students in your scholarly pursuits; and
• official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire).

Review of applications will begin April 3, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to the chair of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Drew Sieg, (View email address on click.appcast.io). Please include "Biology Search" in the subject line.

Applicants will be evaluated on :

• academic qualifications;
• support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University;
• teaching philosophy and experience;
• compatibility of planned research programs involving undergraduates;
• demonstrated potential for success in teaching biology courses;
• evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• fit with the department's needs.

Salary
Salary is commensurate with experience.


Non Discrimination Statement


Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, View phone number on click.appcast.io, and View email address on click.appcast.io .

Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io .