The Department of Biology at Swarthmore College invites applications for a full-time, 2-year Visiting Assistant Professor position to begin fall semester 2025. Teaching responsibilities are projected to include one intermediate level course with weekly laboratories or field work each semester. Over the two-year appointment, at least evolutionary biology and one other ecology, conservation, animal physiology, or other related course would be taught.

Visiting faculty teach a similar course load as tenure-track faculty, are provided mentoring and professional development opportunities, and are eligible for funds to support research, conference travel, and student summer research. The 200 acre Crum Woods adjacent to campus can be used for teaching and research if desired. 

Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. The Swarthmore undergraduate student body has 44% U.S. minority enrollment and 11% international enrollment. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to diversity, and actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information on Faculty Diversity and Excellence at Swarthmore, see: http://www.swarthmore.edu/faculty-diversity-excellence/information-candidates-new-faculty

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field completed by August 2025, teaching experience, and a strong commitment to teaching undergraduates from diverse backgrounds.

Applicants should include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in this position and highlighting your qualifications.

• A curriculum vitae.

• A research statement that describes both research interests and also potential research activities that could involve Swarthmore undergraduates.

• A teaching statement that describes your teaching experience and philosophy, including ideas for an intermediate course with weekly laboratories that you could teach when not teaching Evolution. 

• Candidates should discuss in their cover letter, teaching statement, and research statement what experience and plans they have for creating a more inclusive environment for students.

• Three letters of recommendation, including at least one letter specifically commenting on teaching.

Applications will not be considered until letters of recommendation have been submitted. Please address any questions you may have to Alison Danilak, Biology Department at adanila1@swarthmore.edu.

Applications received by January 15, 2025 will receive full consideration.  Apply via Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/159823.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Selected applicants will be invited for interviews.

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

About Swarthmore College

Since its founding in 1864, Swarthmore College has given students the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience to become leaders for the common good. Offering a liberal arts and engineering curriculum, the College is private, yet open to all regardless of financial need. It is also decidedly global in outlook, drawing students from around the world and all 50 states. The diversity of perspectives represented by Swarthmore students, faculty, and staff - including different viewpoints, identities, and histories - contributes to the community's strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.

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