The Life Sciences concentration at Soka University of America (SUA) seeks to fill a full-time visiting assistant professorship in Microbiology, beginning August 1^st, 2025 and continuing to May 31^st, 2027. This is a two-year position. This position will support SUA’s Life Sciences concentration housed in a state-of the-art science teaching and research facility. The teaching load per academic year for this position is five courses and may include developing and teaching the following courses:

• BIO 307 Microbiology
• BIO 353 Project Based Laboratory (PBL) in Microbiology
• IBC 200 Integrated Biology and Chemistry (cotaught with a chemist)
• BIO 100-level General Education biology course, flexible topic, for non-science concentrators

The ability to teach immunology or biochemistry, as well as other General Education courses, in addition to microbiology, would be a benefit.

All courses should involve active learning approaches suitable for small class sizes. SUA provides resources to support faculty with undergraduates through student research assistantships and senior thesis funding.

Soka University of America

Soka University of America (SUA), located in Aliso Viejo, California, is a private liberal arts college founded on the principles of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life. It offers a unique and globally focused education with a commitment to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding. SUA’s small student body, approximately 500 undergraduates, ensures personalized attention and a close-knit academic community. The university’s curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts tradition and incorporates a strong international perspective, requiring students to study abroad for a semester. Faculty members at SUA have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary teaching and research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to faculty development and academic freedom. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture, serene environment, and a culture that values dialogue, diversity, and the holistic development of its students.

Qualifications: Applicants from all fields of microbiology are welcome, with a preference for interdisciplinary researchers in fields relevant to the Life Sciences concentration, which is designed to prepare students for various careers in science, including biotechnology, medicine, and allied health fields. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Preferably, candidates will have teaching experience in microbiology.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials: (1) Letter of application addressing the required qualifications; (2) A curriculum vitae; (3) unofficial transcripts; (4) a one-page research statement; (5) a one to two-page teaching philosophy that describes their teaching experience in relevant courses, how they would address teaching needs in a liberal arts environment, and how they would incorporate diverse identities and viewpoints in their teaching and/or scholarship; and (6) contact information for three references. Three letters of recommendation will be requested prior to the phone interview through the Interfolio platform.

SUA welcomes all candidates and encourages those from historically disadvantaged communities.

Review of applications will begin February 7, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please submit your application by Feb 7, 2025.

Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.

Benefits and Salary

SUA offers an excellent benefits package for full-time faculty that includes medical, dental, vision, and retirement. The salary range for this position is $82,000 - $94,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Please apply by submitting your application through Interfolio using this link: 

http://apply.interfolio.com/161256

Email: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal-opportunity employer.

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About Soka University of America

Founded on the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life, Soka University of America is a secular, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school with a unique mission: to educate global citizens to contribute to a better world. Situated atop a ridge overlooking a 4,000-acre wilderness park, Soka is three miles from the Pacific Ocean, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The university's commitment to fostering global citizenship is reflected in its diverse student body, with 50% of students hailing from international backgrounds. This is further supported by mandatory second language and study abroad programs, and an interdisciplinary core curriculum. The curriculum is delivered in small, dynamic classes, maintaining a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 12.

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