Job Details

Faculty - Assistant Professor Genetics/Molecular/Cell Biology

Position Number: 6642233
Location: Orem, UT
Position Type: Science - Biology

Faculty - Assistant Professor Genetics/Molecular/Cell Biology

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Job Type: FT Faculty
Job Number: FY2604985
Closing: 1/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Location: 800 W University Parkway, Orem
Division: VP Academic Affairs

Position Announcement

The Department of Biology at Utah Valley University invites applications for an open-rank tenure-track faculty position, to begin in August 2026. We seek an outstanding candidate with a background in Genetics/Molecular/Cell Biology.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to effective teaching utilizing engaging, data-driven pedagogies. Teaching responsibilities for this position include: Genetics, Molecular, and /or Cell Biology. Additionally, candidates may be asked to teach other courses as needed by the department (such as Evolution, Biotechnology, etc.) and may develop new courses within their area of expertise that would primarily contribute to our Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Program, and could also contribute to other programs within our department.

In addition, the candidate should demonstrate their ability to establish an active and welcoming research program that centers around the active mentoring of under graduates and leads to peer-reviewed publications. The candidate should incorporate cutting-edge genetics and/or molecular/cellular biology techniques in their research. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to engage in professional development, collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university's mission and values, and serve on department, college, and university committees as fitting a tenure-track position.

UVU is committed to preparing all students for success in an increasingly complex, diverse, and globalized society. We value and promote collegial relationships and mutual respect among students, faculty, staff, and the community. We acknowledge and seek to address the needs of students with varying levels of academic preparation. As such, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds who are eager to help construct and maintain a welcoming culture within biology education and research, and who act with resolute commitment to eliminate barriers to college access, success, and completion.

Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah with over 40,000 undergraduate students, and one of a few in the US offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. As an open-enrollment institution, UVU serves a varied population that includes many working, non-traditional (24+ years old), and first-generation students. The university community is comprised of people from different cultural and religious backgrounds and is actively involved in interfaith and intercultural activities. UVU provides an abundance of resources for both teaching and scholarly activities, such as certifications and workshops through our Office of Teaching and Learning, and a plethora of internal funding opportunities at the University, College, and Departmental levels. Additionally, UVU offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, an excellent retirement program in addition to base salary, and free parking and public transportation passes.

UVU is located in Orem, Utah, at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. We are centrally located along public transportation, which spans from Provo to Ogden, including Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City has a bustling food and arts scene, an international airport, and access to multiple professional sports teams. Along the entire Wasatch Front, you are always within 30 minutes of hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities, along with a variety of family-friendly entertainment options including Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, and the nature discovery museums and gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Additionally, UVU is within four hours of six national parks and the highest concentration of dark sky parks anywhere in the world.

Summary of Responsibilities

Plans, prepares, and follows and approved course of study that includes measurable objectives for each course taught. Prepares
instructional materials. Evaluates student performance, documents, and maintains accurate records and assessments involving student learning, grades, and outcomes. Engages with students outside of scheduled class time by establishing and maintaining office hours. Maintains consistent and timely communication with students throughout the semester.
Instructs, manages, and supervises individuals and groups in courses in classrooms, online, and laboratories, through demonstration, discussion, visual aids, individualized instruction, lectures and other appropriate methods or educational delivery.
Engages in scholarly activities including student mentored research and produces scholarly/creative work consistent with disciplinary specializations and the academic goals of the department.
Participates in service at various levels (department, college, university, and professional discipline) as needed. Attends department meeting and other meetings as assigned. Collaborates with department chair, faculty, staff, and students to meet department strategic goals.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

A doctorate in Genetics or a related biological discipline from an accredited institution is required. Evidence of experience teaching Genetics, Molecular or Cellular Biology, or Introductory Majors Biology to undergraduate students. ABD applications will be considered if doctoral verification is received by June 1, 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong knowledge of active learning pedagogies and an established record of incorporation of those techniques in the classroom (especially in Genetics or related courses). Examples of this may include, but are not limited to, self-designed classroom activities (e.g., case studies, debates, group projects) and use of effective assessment practices (e.g., ability to write specific learning objectives for lessons, self-designed assessments targeting both knowledge AND skills, use of assessment results to inform course improvements).
Experience or strategies for teaching at open-enrollment institutions.
Publication record that indicates successful use of cutting-edge genetics and/or molecular biosciences, which can be applied as part of undergraduate mentored research.

Required Documents:

CV
Cover letter
Teaching philosophy-Explanation and justification of teaching practices with specific examples of how the candidate has applied evidence-based methods in the classroom. Specific examples of novel self-developed lessons in and/or use of effective assessment practices are of particular interest.
Research statement - Statement that includes a plan for a research program incorporating undergraduates and addresses the feasibility of that research program at a primarily undergraduate institution. Additionally, the statement should outline how the mentor fosters a welcoming and engaging research environment.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Experience and/or training in engaging and welcoming teaching and mentoring practices.
Demonstrable knowledge of the theory and practice of Genetics and Molecular/Cell Biology, and research methods in the field of molecular biosciences.
A record of incorporating evidence-based pedagogy, such as active-learning techniques, and innovative use of instructional technology in the classroom.
A record of curriculum development, effective verbal and written communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
The ability, desire, and skills to mentor undergraduate student research.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/jobs/5108407/faculty-assistant-professor-genetics-molecular-cell-biology

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