Assistant Professor of Biology – Bioinformatics emphasis

The Department of Biological Sciences at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, invites applications for two full-time tenure-track faculty positions in bioinformatics. Both positions will provide instruction for an existing bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, and a forthcoming master’s degree in genomics with a bioinformatics emphasis. The Biological Sciences department houses degree options for students in the fields of Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, and Natural Sciences, and Biology Secondary Education as additional options. Additional information about the department, faculty, and program offerings can be found online at https://biology.utahtech.edu/.

These positions will support a recently funded master’s program in genomics that includes a bioinformatics and functional genomics track. The non-thesis, project-based master’s degree will prepare students for graduate programs and careers in functional genomics and DNA sequencing. This position will mentor master students in functional genomics research programs and teach courses related to this program. We seek candidates from a variety of disciplines in the life sciences with skills in computational biology. Those with expertise in evolutionary genomics, biomedical informatics, and disease genomics are especially encouraged to apply.

• Teach 24 credit hours of lower and/or upper division courses per academic year, plus provide institutional service as defined by University Policy and the College of Science, Engineering & Technology.
• Teach upper-division and master’s level coursework related to bioinformatics and genomics. Additional teaching responsibilities may include principles of genetics depending on need and applicant expertise. Responsibilities also include the opportunity to develop innovative, upper-level courses that complement and diversify the department's offerings.
• Work with Department Chair, Dean, and other faculty in the Biological Sciences department on curriculum and program development.
• Perform defined campus-wide duties, including holding office hours, attendance at department and division meetings, service on committees, outreach programs, and other responsibilities as defined by University policy.
• Assist in mentoring, supervising, and assisting part-time instructors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related field required.
• Successful teaching experience at the college or university level, ideally with experience using active learning models of instruction, required. 
• Ability to develop innovative curriculum and appropriate course content for face-to-face instruction, flipped, hybrid, and online instruction; willingness to teach evening and summer courses, when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with other faculty, staff, and students and contribute to a collegial environment. Candidates should respect students and colleagues from all backgrounds, and should be an advocate for women, people of color, and other groups underrepresented in sciences.
• Ability to communicate clearly with students, staff, and colleagues orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to continually learn new skills, tools, and practices that are adopted by the professional and academic communities.
• Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary curricular and scholarly activities within the department, the College of Science, Engineering & Technology, and the University.
• Be strongly committed to the teacher-scholar model, maintaining high-quality teaching while also supporting research involving highly motivated undergraduates.

POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position. Faculty service begins Spring Semester 2025, with pay and benefits starting upon hire. Annual salary of $82,000-$86,000 depending on qualifications and experience, with additional compensation available for optional summer/overload teaching. Excellent benefits package included that begins on start date; includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance and wellness programs, life insurance, disability, retirement, and undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents. See https://humanresources.utahtech.edu/employee-benefits/ under "Benefits Summary" for more details.

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Application review begins January 27, 2025; position open until filled. Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (including email addresses), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (1-2 pages about the candidate’s teaching or other professional experience working with a wide range of student academic preparedness).  Please upload all the requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check. If, because of a disability, you need special services or facilities to apply for this opening, please call the Human Resources Office (435) 652-7520.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY: Utah Tech University is an open, comprehensive, polytechnic institution, committed to exceptional student learning and success that has adopted an instructional approach of "active learning. active life" and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek faculty and staff committed to creating an active, applied and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, our University is located in picturesque southwestern Utah, approximately 120 miles north of Las Vegas. The area is renowned for its red rocks, desert climate, over 300 days of sunshine annually, and featuring easy access to world-class outdoor recreational opportunities. Click here to learn more about the University.

Utah Tech University is a fast-growing Utah public institution of higher education, with more than 12,000 students. We offer over 250 programs, including masters, bachelors, associates, certificates, endorsements, minors, and/or emphases. We seek to recruit and retain diverse and ambitious faculty and staff who bring new ideas, possess values and career aspirations aligned with the mission and vision, and are inspired to build a premier open, comprehensive, polytechnic university. Utah Tech University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer; the President and employees of the University are fully committed to Affirmative Action within its employment programs and activities. Utah Tech does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state or local law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or the University’s non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Equity Compliance / Title IX Coordinator: Hazel Sainsbury - titleix@utahtech.edu, HCC 579, 435-652-7747.
• Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Jennifer Larimore - titleix@utahtech.edu, 435-652-7731.

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://titleix.utahtech.edu/ or contact:

• U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, ocr@ed.gov, 800-421-3481.
• U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, ocr.denver@ed.gov, 303-844-5695.

The University provides key institutional information regarding Academics, Campus Safety, Student Services, Employment Laws, and other requirements per the Higher Education Act and other consumer information requirements to prospective students, students, UT employees, and prospective employees online at https://utahtech.edu/right-to-know/ and https://police.utahtech.edu/clery-act/. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification.

Salary : $82,000 - $86,000