Teaching Assistant Professor of Biology - WVU Tech

The Department of Biology within the School of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University, Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor in Biology. This is a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track faculty appointment. Continuation of contract is contingent upon satisfactory yearly performance, and the continued need in the department for the large number of course sections overseen directly by this position.

About the Campus
West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech), a vibrant divisional campus of West Virginia University located in Beckley, West Virginia, offers a distinctive academic environment centered on high-impact undergraduate education, experiential learning, and student-focused mentorship. Situated just minutes from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the campus pairs access to world-class outdoor recreation, scenic Appalachian beauty, and a welcoming regional hub with modern classroom facilities, dedicated laboratories, and an engaged campus culture. As a cornerstone of the WVU system, WVU Tech blends the personal connections and collaborative spirit of a tight-knit college with the extensive academic backing and resources of an R1 land-grant institution, maintaining a proud heritage in STEM, healthcare, business, and applied sciences to drive regional economic mobility and student success.

About the Position
The position is structured as 80% teaching and 20% service, with no formal research or scholarly activity assignment. Typical course load for a Teaching Assistant Professor is 15 contact hours per semester.

Teaching responsibilities include:
* Lead the lecture and lab instruction of all modules within the General Biology course.
* Traveling to other campuses to deliver or coordinate with high school faculty to deliver General Biology courses in person.

Service responsibilities for this position fall under three thematic areas:
1. Departmental and Program Service

• Updating syllabi to match emerging higher education standards, designing new lab protocols or course modules, aligning learning outcomes across multi-section courses, and evaluating open educational resources (OER) to reduce student costs.
  
• Managing multi-section lab preparation, ensuring adequate instructional inventory, calibrating laboratory equipment, and updating chemical/biological safety compliance protocols.
  
• Supervising adjunct faculty, ensuring timely feedback on their course performances.
  
• Supervising undergraduate teaching assistants (TA), work study employees, and peer tutors, including schedule management, ensuring grading consistency and acceptable turnaround times for student queries.
  
• Serving departmental search committees for instructional staff or lab managers, assessment committees and textbook selection panels.

2. Campus and Institutional Service

• Meeting with prospective students and families during open houses, student days, and high school visitation programs as needed.
  
• Facilitating pedagogy workshops on active learning, educational technology or inclusive classroom practices for other faculty and TAs.
  
• Participating in student orientation activities such as attending commencement or judging research posters in symposium.

3. Professional and Community Outreach

• Active participation in program assessment and inclusive pedagogy.

• Must have M.S, M.A., or M.Ed. in Biology or related disciplines with a minimum of 18 credits in biology or related science disciplines (such as zoology, ecology, botany, physiology, etc.).
• Must demonstrate a passion and commitment to educating first generation majors and non-majors in Biology with proven expertise in course module development and overseeing lab instruction.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Important Note: Candidates should clearly provide appropriate evidence in the cover letter and CV how their prior experience(s) align with the qualifications noted above. All qualifications must be met at the time of application.

Applications that include the following are considered "complete," and complete applications will be considered for review.

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Letter of Interest
3. Statement of Undergraduate Teaching Philosophy (no more than 1 page) or a complete teaching dossier.
4. Unofficial copies of all transcripts
5. Name and contact information (email and/or phone) of three professional references
   

Timeline: Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt and continue until a viable candidate pool is established for review. Expected start date for the position will be Spring term, on or before January 11^th, 2027.

Interested candidates can apply online at: http://employmentservices.hr.wvu.edu/wvu_jobs

Please direct any position-related questions to Dr. Naresh Ramesh at naresh.ramesh@mail.wvu.edu

Useful Links:

More information about the School of Arts and Sciences and Department of Biology can be found at: https://www.wvutech.edu/academics/sas/biology

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.