Description
Visiting Assistant Professor
Position Details: Randolph-Macon College invites applications for a full-time, one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biology to begin September 1, 2026. This position is ideal for a microbiologist who is deeply committed to undergraduate teaching and excited to lead an upper-level Microbiology course serving both Biology and Nursing students.
The Randolph-Macon Biology Department is a research active community of fifteen faculty with approximately 200 student majors and 50 student minors. Chemistry, Nursing. Environmental Studies, and Behavioral Neuroscience students also take many of the Biology Department’s course offerings. Biology faculty are committed to delivering courses with active learning components. The Biology department has shared teaching equipment, including bacterial cell culture incubators, thermal cyclers, gel photo documentation equipment, a quantitative PCR instrument, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, a flow cytometer, tissue culture facilities, and a confocal microscope. The successful candidate will have access to professional development funds.
Major/Essential Functions: This Visiting Assistant Professor will have the primary responsibility of teaching BIOL 311 Microbiology to students in the Nursing program in addition to Biology majors and minors. Relevant disciplinary expertise may include, but is not limited to, microbial physiology, bacterial cell biology, host-pathogen interactions, clinical microbiology, or related areas. Additional courses taught may include our Introductory Biology sequence (BIOL 121/123), upper-level courses in the candidate’s area of expertise, and contributions to general education. We seek candidates that will incorporate student-centered, active, and inquiry-based teaching practices into their courses. Successful candidates will demonstrate familiarity with approaches such as backward course design, team-based learning, formative assessment or other inclusive active learning strategies that foster the success of all learners.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in Microbiology; we will consider candidates who will complete their degree by June 1, 2026;
- Teaching experience at the undergraduate level
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience teaching Microbiology at the undergraduate level
- Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching, including the successful implementation of active learning strategies
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusive pedagogical methods that support all learners
- Ability to teach courses with a clinical or health focus, including application of core microbiology concepts relevant to health-focused students
- Ability to teach introductory-level courses at the undergraduate level
- Ability to break down complicated research ideas related to the field of microbiology into explanations accessible to the undergraduate student
Application Procedures: Please complete an online application at https://bit.ly/4klTD84 to include uploading the following as a single pdf addressed to Sabrina Granderson, Administrative Services Coordinator, no later than March 2, 2026.
The documents that must be uploaded include the following:
- Letter of application that addresses the position qualifications
- Curriculum vitae
- A brief (1-2 page) statement of teaching philosophy that includes specific examples of course design, laboratory activities, and assessment strategies demonstrating experience teaching undergraduate students. The statement should describe the candidates use of evidence-based, inclusive pedagogical methods that support all learners.
- A brief (1 page) statement that explains your research to an audience of undergraduate students.
- Transcripts (unofficial and scanned copies are acceptable); and
- The names and contact information for three professional references (at least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application). Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks by phone.
For full consideration, applications must be received by March 2, 2026. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. At this time, please only upload the required documents listed above.
Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee.
Randolph-Macon College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.
At this time, we are unable to offer new USA visa sponsorship for this position.
Institution Information: Randolph-Macon College is a nationally-recognized residential institution of about 1800 students located in Ashland, Virginia, just north of Richmond. Founded in 1830, the college offers a broad range of academic programs, including a graduate program in PA studies. The RMC curriculum, grounded in a liberal arts core, fosters intellectual growth and personal development, with a steadfast focus on helping students find and navigate pathways through college and to successful outcomes. With a commitment to inclusivity and hands-on learning, Randolph-Macon College provides an extraordinary educational experience – enhanced by exceptional athletic and extracurricular activities and supportive alumni – and prepares graduates for success in their chosen fields and in their lives.