Resident Assistant Professor of Advanced Imaging and Data Analysis

Description

The Department of Biology at Occidental College invites applications for a full-time Resident Assistant Professor of Advanced Imaging and Data Analysis with appointment to begin September 16, 2025. The first contract will be a 1-year contract, renewable pending a positive performance evaluation and curricular need. Subsequent contracts might be multi-year contracts, pending positive performance evaluation and curricular need. 

The Biology Department is searching for a full-time Resident faculty member specializing in Advanced Imaging and Data Analysis to contribute the teaching of courses such as Research Methods, Computational Biology, Special Topics at the upper division level, and laboratory sections required by existing 100- and 200-level molecular courses (3 course equivalents). The new hire will also hold  the administrative role of Director of a new Imaging and Data Analysis Center (2 course equivalents), with responsibilities including user training, operation and maintenance of various fluorescent microscopes including a Leica Microsystems confocal microscope, a scanning electron microscope, an imaging cytometry system, and high-performance computer workstations. The new hire will serve as the campus-wide Radiation Safety Officer (1 course equivalent). In the first year of the position, training in radiation safety, as it relates to microscopes, regulatory issues, and emergency procedures, will be provided. To accommodate this training work, other duties will be reduced in year 1. Finally, the new hire will be expected to contribute to and participate in the life of the department, contribute to department-level service, and serve as an academic advisor.

We are seeking applicants who have a strong understanding of and experience with various microscopy techniques, proficiency in microscopy data analysis software, an ability to stay current with the latest imaging tools, and a creative approach to problem solving. Strong applicants will work collaboratively with department faculty and staff, effectively mentor undergraduates, and have a broad understanding of potential external funding sources and opportunities, and the ability to craft strong grant proposals to support the imaging center. 

“Resident professor” is a faculty category bargained between the College and the non-tenure track faculty union. Resident faculty are teaching faculty hired to meet long standing curricular needs at the College. They teach foundational courses within a department, and they are expected to participate in department-level service, including but not limited to contributing to department level assessment, student recruiting, program review, and community building within the Resident's department. Resident faculty are also expected to serve as advisors for students in the major or minor and pre-major/minor students (e.g., transfer, first-years). Resident faculty may engage in scholarly activities, but scholarship is not a responsibility of the position. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a Biology-related field. Applicants must hold Ph.D. by the position start date, Sept 16, 2025.
• Ability to teach laboratory sections required by existing 100- and 200-level molecular courses, as well as Research Methods, Computational Biology, and/or Special Topics in Biology at the upper division level.
• At least 2 years of professional or post-doc experience, including peer-reviewed publications, in advanced microscopy and other imaging techniques, as well as computational and data analysis skills related to the large-scale collection, processing, and interpretation of images
• At least 1 year of experience teaching at the college-level and record of pedagogical success
• Demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching, including working effectively with students from minoritized and marginalized communities
• Strong problem-solving skills necessary for troubleshooting equipment and addressing research challenges
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and record of success teaching at a liberal arts college
• Experience with budget management and grant writing
• Experience with software packages (ex. Autodesk Fusion, Matlab, ImageJ, Imaris, Python, C, Dragonfly)
• Ability to create and maintain a website for the Imaging Center

Application Instructions

To be assured full consideration, application materials must be received by July 25, 2025 (9:00 pm PDT).

A complete application includes all of the following:

• Cover letter in which you describe your interest in the position, as well as the education, e