Instructional Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Non-tenure track, January 2026 (Short term appointment)

Description

Chapman University seeks applications for an Instructional Assistant Professor of Biology (non-tenure track) in the Schmid College of Science and Technology, starting January 2026. This is a short-term position for the Spring 2026 semester (January - May) only.

 

Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. The University achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities and is ranked as #121 among Best National Universities by US News and World Report (2025). Our faculty include academic leaders who excel in research, publishing and world-class teaching in our 11 schools and colleges, including Schmid College of Science and Technology. Dedicated to forward-looking, personalized education, we create an environment for unlimited achievement by both our students and faculty. More information about Chapman University is available at www.chapman.edu.

 

Schmid College of Science and Technology (SCST) embodies Chapman’s mission of providing students with personalized educational experiences by fostering an outstanding community of teacher-scholars across a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Schmid College has a new 140,000 sq ft home, the Keck Center for Science and Engineering, alongside the newly founded Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering. More information about the Schmid College of Science and Technology is available at http://www.chapman.edu/science.

 

The undergraduate-only serving Biology Program is home to a dynamic group of faculty with specializations in a broad range of fields, including ecology, evolution, physiology, and molecular biology. The Biological Sciences program is characterized by personalized education, small class sizes, innovative teaching, and strong research mentoring and student-faculty interactions. Instructional faculty play critical roles in the program for teaching, pedagogy, advising, and service. 

 

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will teach four courses within the Schmid College of Science and Technology.  This is a full-time, non-tenure track position that requires work to be performed in the State of California and has in-person teaching responsibilities and required on-campus availability at Chapman’s Orange campus. Responsibilities include:

 

• • Teach BIOL 205 - Evolution and Diversity of Multicellular Organisms (Gen Biol II), Lecture and Laboratory. Current course descriptions are available at https://catalog.chapman.edu.
  • Actively contribute to program activities and engage with the vibrant community of Biology faculty and students.
  • Actively contribute as an integral member of Schmid College of Science and Technology in the ongoing development, implementation, and assessment of our academic and degree programs.
  • Perform service to the unit, college, university, profession, and wider community as expected of an instructional faculty member.

 

Qualifications

• • A Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or a related field.
  • Evidence of effective teaching in higher education at the undergraduate level, particularly in core biology courses.
  • Experience with implementation of innovative teaching practices, including using technology to enhance educational environments.
  • Ability to design and implement program and course assessment tools.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills.

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates should submit the following electronically via Interfolio: Cover letter detailing qualifications related to the position description, Curriculum Vitae, Statement of teaching philosophy that includes a brief description of past teaching experience (no more than three pages please), and three professional letters of reference.

Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Douglas Fudge, Search Chair, at schmidcollege@chapman.edu. Please use “Instructional Assistant Professor of Biology” as the email subject line. Application review will start on November 17, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

 

Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate. This position is subject to final budget approval. Benefits start the first day of the month following the start of employment. The salary range for this Instructional Assistant Professor position is $35,000 - $38,000.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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