Description
Visiting Assistant Professor, Biology
Recruitment #: F2601
Review Date: Immediate Review | Open until filled
Department: Biology / NSM
Salary Rate: Commensurate with experience and qualifications [CBA]
About Western Oregon University:
Western Oregon University is a regional public, mid-sized university – committed to changing lives, strengthening communities and transforming our world. Located in Monmouth, the heart of Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, WOU is about 20 minutes from Salem, the state’s capital and about 75 minutes from Portland, the state’s cultural hub. Western is one of Oregon’s oldest public institutions of higher education and was incorporated into the state system as a teacher training institution in 1882. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts and sciences, education and professional areas. It’s known for small class sizes, a focus on sustainability and a diverse liberal arts education in a student-centered environment. Western is a Hispanic Serving institution, with over 40% of undergraduates being students of color.
Position Summary:
The Visiting Assistant Professor is primarily dedicated to undergraduate instruction (80% effort), encompassing lecture and laboratory courses in microbiology, immunology, and general biology, with teaching responsibilities distributed across general/majors, allied health, and pre-nursing student populations. The successful candidate will also support student success through efforts such as individualized research project mentorship and co-curricular or experiential learning activities aligned with departmental curricula. In addition to teaching, this position requires an active and evolving scholarly agenda through engagement in activities that contribute to the cumulative knowledge, creative resources, or instructional advancement of relevant disciplines. Service responsibilities (5% effort) include consistent participation in weekly departmental meetings as well as engagement in mentorship in undergraduate education, teaching development, and departmental curricular planning initiatives.
Click here for the complete position description which includes knowledge areas and preferred qualifications.
Requirements
Required Qualifications: Please ensure your application materials clearly demonstrate how you meet the following:
Doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.) Microbiology or a closely related field. ABD considered if degree requirements will be completed prior to September 16, 2026
Ability to teach microbiology lectures and laboratory courses
Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching
How to Apply: Please upload the following required materials through the application portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only include the materials listed below.
If you have questions, contact employment@wou.edu.
Required Materials:
Completed WOU Employment Application form - available here
Cover letter outlining your qualifications and how they align with the position
Resume or CV
Unofficial transcripts for your highest degree earned
Reference Check form - available here
[Letters of recommendation may be shared during the interview process]
Background/Education Check:
A criminal background check will be completed as a condition of employment. Education checks are processed for positions requiring a formal degree as a minimum requirement.
Benefits:
Western Oregon University offers an excellent benefits package for eligible employees which includes 95% premium paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities. http://www.wou.edu/hr/benefits/
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Western Oregon University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.
Accommodation Requests:
Western Oregon University is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you would like to request disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in a WOU activity or event, please complete the online request form at least three (3) business days in advance. If you have questions, contact Desiree Noah at noahd@wou.edu.
Veterans Preference
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans' Preference when applying with Western Oregon University in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230 and 408.235; and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be given only if the applicant meets the minimum criteria of the position and electronically attach the required documentation at the time of application. For information regarding Veterans' Preference qualifications, visit http://www.oregonjobs.org/DAS/STJOBS/vetpoints.shtmlq
To stay informed about the progress of this search, we encourage you to visit our careers page at wou.edu/hr/employment/jobs/. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide individual status updates.
Thank you for your patience and for your interest in employment at Western Oregon University.
