POSITION TITLE: CR Ecology/Evolution Assistant Professor DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences BENEFITS: UNC’s Career Hub |  |
Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.
The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Natural and Health Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado is seeking a Contract Renewable Assistant Professor of Biology in Ecology/Evolution.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 03/01/2026.
Position Summary:
This position is a nine-month contract renewable, appointment at the Assistant Professor rank in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Natural and Health Sciences. Responsibilities include teaching (80%) and research (20%). The successful candidate will teach General Ecology and Evolution both fall and spring semesters at the undergraduate level, including design of accompanying laboratories and supervision of graduate teaching assistants. In addition, the successful candidate will teach introductory biology courses and graduate level courses, including Conservation Biology. This position includes a dedicated research component. It is expected that the successful applicant will establish collaborative research with current faculty.
Job Duties:
80% teaching and 20% research as outlined above.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires a doctoral degree in biology or ecology/evolution (or closely related field) and demonstrated experience in or potential for teaching college level biology lectures and/or laboratories.
Candidates must also have demonstrated research experience in an area related to ecology/evolution, as evidenced by scholarly works.
Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidate will have potential for excellence in teaching ecology/evolution courses with associated laboratories; an ability to design undergraduate laboratories using modern pedagogy such as CUREs; and potential for innovative, learner-centered classroom teaching. The successful candidate will have the potential to develop a research collaborations in ecology/evolution and postdoctoral experience including grant writing. Candidates should also have experience in mentoring students in research and/or teaching. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is expected.
Target Start Date: August 17, 2026
Contact and Application Deadline
Screening of applications will begin on 03/03/2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested persons should apply online at https://www.unco.edu/human-resources/careers/ and select "Faculty Positions” then choose “CR Ecology/Evolution Assistant Professor.” Application documents to be submitted online are a letter of application/cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, research interests (especially in regard to potential collaborations), unofficial graduate school transcripts, names and contacts of three references, and a statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion. References will be contacted for all candidates advancing to the final interview stage. For questions about the application process, contact Becca Romine at: [email protected]. For questions about the position, contact the search chair Scott Franklin at [email protected].
About the Department
The department offers undergraduate degrees in five biology-related emphasis areas. We also have graduate options including master’s degrees with research thesis and non-thesis options, and a Ph.D. program in biological education. Our Ph.D. program offers a unique training environment that blends basic science with pedagogical training. The biology faculty are active in teaching and research in the spirit of the student-centered Teacher/Scholar Model. Faculty expertise ranges from molecular biology to ecology with many research areas in between. Due to our small size and typical open-door policy, the biology faculty have close professional interactions with undergraduate and graduate students. There are also strong collaborative traditions within the department and with other programs.
About the College
The College of Natural and Health Sciences offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in the natural, health, human and mathematical sciences. Our students benefit from mentoring by faculty who are national and international experts in their fields and from meaningful research opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities. Our graduates leave us with a first-class education that has prepared them to contribute to society whether they become health-care providers, educators, scientists, dietitians, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, sport administrators, rehabilitation counselors, mathematicians, athletic trainers, recreation program managers, public health practitioners or work in other public service-oriented fields.
Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.
About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and
continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized
as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to
be a Hispanic
Serving Institution and to serve more than 44% of our undergraduates who are the first in their
family to attend college. UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to
learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!
EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working
environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC
community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful
discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin,
religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic
information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on
gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose
a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for,
assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to
discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be
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ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed
to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you
require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing
or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct
your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or [email protected].
Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has
been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.
This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.
Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.