What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biology, Science Education - Full-Time, Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position at UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA?
Job Details
Position Summary Overview:
The Department of Biology at the University of Central Oklahoma invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Science Education starting August 4, 2025. Teaches, advises, and mentors students, evaluates student performance, and maintains department and student records in accordance with university policies. Adheres to the educational philosophy of the university. Works in a collaborative manner with colleagues and professional peers. Participates in university meetings that relate specifically to faculty. Serves on department, college, and university committees as requested. Prepares departmental reports as requested. Engages in teaching, service, and scholarly and/or creative activities as defined by the tenure and promotion policy in the UCO Employee and Faculty Handbook. Teaching, research, departmental/school, and university service are expected. This position is a full-time, tenure-track position.
College/Department Overview:
The College of Mathematics and Science currently has 128 full-time and over 70 part-time faculty in 5 academic departments and the Schools of Engineering and Nursing. The College serves more than 3,300 undergraduate students in 30 majors and provides graduate programs in Biology, Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Applied Mathematical Science, Engineering, Computational Science, and Nursing. Accreditation/Certification is held by ABET, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the American Board of Funeral Service Education, and the American Chemical Society. UCO is an institutional member of the Council on Undergraduate Research. For further information see our website at http://www.uco.edu/cms.
Department Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
The Biology Department at the University of Central Oklahoma, as a metropolitan institution serving a diverse student body, has a strong commitment to undergraduate education through transformative learning and research. Duties include teaching undergraduate/graduate courses, research and scholarly activities, and service to the department, college, and university appropriate to rank and appointment.
In addition, the successful candidate will serve as the Program Coordinator for Secondary Science Education. These duties include being a member of the Teacher Education Faculty, The Teacher Education Council, the Program Coordinators Committee, and other committees as assigned. The program coordinator serves as an advisor to the secondary science education students, interviews prospective students for admission into the program, and meets with student teachers. The program coordinator compiles data and prepares reports concerning the program including an assessment review to retain accreditation. Ten hours of pubic-school service are required each year.
The department is seeking a candidate with expertise in Science Education who is committed to innovative and inclusive teaching and collaborative, student-centered research. Primary areas of teaching responsibility include science education, upper-level biology courses, and other courses as needed. The position also requires working collaboratively with the College of Education and Professional Studies and attending relevant meetings and supporting teacher education at UCO.
Teaching responsibilities may include introductory biology courses with the option to develop upper-division courses in the successful applicant’s area of expertise. A successful applicant will have a clear plan for cultivating discipline-specific research involving undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds and demonstrate a willingness to contribute to mentoring and/or teaching master’s level graduate students.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Science Education or related field from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution is required; ABD considered, but the Ph.D. must be completed by June 2025. Exceptions require Academic Affairs approval. Demonstrable oral and written communication skills required.
A minimum of 3 years of experience teaching science in the public schools.
Candidates should be able to teach upper-level biology courses as well as science education courses.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience teaching and mentoring research at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Experience at a district-level position in supervision or administration.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Ability to work collaboratively with other faculty and staff. Reports to the Chair of the Department and the Dean of the College.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Instructions to Applicants:
Online application must include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a teaching statement, a research statement, a list of three professional references with contact information, and transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees and degrees in progress. Review of applications will begin on April 28, 2025.
Qualifications
