Whoa. We were stunned when we were told we get to hire a tenure-track ecologist, but now I’m totally gobsmacked that we have been given permission to hire a tenure-track biochemist as well. Two job searches at once? So much work, so much opportunity.

Assistant Professor of Biology
University of Minnesota, Morris

The University of Minnesota, Morris seeks an individual committed to excellence in undergraduate education, to fill a tenure-track position in biology beginning August 17, 2020. Responsibilities include: Teaching undergraduate biology courses including junior/senior level biochemistry with lab, electives in the applicant’s areas of expertise, introductory biology, and other courses that support the Biology and pre-health programs; advising undergraduates; conducting research that could involve undergraduates; and sharing in the governance and advancement of the Biology program, the pre-health programs, the division, interdisciplinary programs, and the campus.

Applicants must hold or expect to receive a Ph.D. in biochemistry or a related field by August 17, 2020. Experience and evidence of excellence in teaching undergraduate biology is required (graduate TA experience is acceptable). Preference will be given to applicants who are able to develop and teach upper-level elective courses in their area of expertise that complement those offered by the current biology faculty. We strongly encourage applications from broadly trained biochemists with complementary expertise in microbiology or physiology or related fields that will support the pre-health programs.

A distinctive undergraduate campus within the University of Minnesota system, the University of Minnesota Morris combines a student- centered residential liberal arts education with access to the resources and opportunities of one of the nation’s largest universities. A founding member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), UMN Morris provides students with a rigorous academic experience, preparing them to be global citizens who value and pursue intellectual growth, civic engagement, intercultural competence, and environmental stewardship. The student body of nearly 1600 is supported by approximately 130 faculty members with a student/faculty ratio of 13:1. UMN Morris serves one of the most diverse student bodies in Minnesota. Forty percent of UMN Morris students are Native American, persons of color, or of international origin. UMN Morris is the only federally recognized Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution in the Upper Midwest.

UMN Morris is highly ranked by national publications – U.S. News & World Report as a top-ten public liberal arts college; Forbes as one of the best colleges and universities in the nation; and Fiske Guide to Colleges includes Morris campus in its list of “the best” and “most interesting” schools in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. Morris students are taught by a faculty with the highest per capita representation in the University of Minnesota’s Academy of Distinguished Teaching and students consistently win national awards, as demonstrated by UMN Morris’s status among the top baccalaureate institutions producing student Fulbright awards. The campus is also a national leader in sustainability, evidenced by receipt of the inaugural Excellence in Sustainability award from the National Association of College and University Business Officers and an AASHE STARS Gold rating.

This tenure-track position carries all of the privileges and responsibilities of University of Minnesota faculty appointments. A sound retirement plan, excellent fringe benefits and a collegial atmosphere are among the benefits that accompany the position. Appointment will be at the Assistant Professor level for those having the Ph.D. in hand and at the Instructor level for those whose Ph.D. is pending. The standard teaching load is twenty credit hours per year.

Applications must include a letter of application describing how working at a small liberal arts college fits into your career plan, a curriculum vitae, copies of graduate and undergraduate transcripts, a teaching statement documenting teaching effectiveness, a research statement proposing a research program that is viable at a small liberal arts college and accessible to undergraduates, and three letters of reference. To apply for this position go to the University of Minnesota Employment System. The job ID # is 333760. Please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae and as many supporting documents as are allowed. Additional supporting documents may be emailed to: Ann Kolden, Administrative Assistant, at koldenal@morris.umn.edu, (320) 589-6301, or they may be sent to:

Biochemistry Search Committee Chair Division of Science and Mathematics University of Minnesota, Morris Morris, MN 56267-2128

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Screening begins December 3, 2019. Inquiries can be made to Ann Kolden, Executive Office and Administrative Specialist, at (320) 589-6301 or koldenal@morris.umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

UMN Morris values diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. UMN Morris is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our community through their teaching, research, and /or service because we believe that diversity enriches the University experience for everyone.

This publication/material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Human Resources, 320-589-6024, Room 201, Behmler Hall, Morris, Minnesota.

A few personal hints for applicants:

• UMM really, really likes good teaching. Your primary role in this position is teaching. You should have some solid teaching bona fides if you want to come here, but we also recognize that some biologists come out of grad school with a passion for teaching, so make your case.
• This is a small liberal arts college, with small faculty teaching big subjects, like biology. That means everyone has to wear multiple hats. The prime requisite in research for this job is biochemistry, but it really is a major plus if you’re dual-classed in an additional subject, especially one appealing to our pre-health majors. This is a replacement appointment to fill the shoes of someone who taught biochemistry and microbiology, but anything to enrich our department is lovely.
• Morris is isolated. Not quite Overlook Hotel isolated, but we’re a couple of hours drive away from the nearest major airport. In any interview, we’ll be asking questions about your ability to cope with the small-town rural Midwest, to make sure you don’t go all Jack Torrance on us. We had our first snow already, temperatures are hovering around freezing, and it will get much colder.
  Don’t be discouraged. The survivors all like it here very much, and it’s a great place to work.