Assistant Professor, in Discipline-Based Education Research in Biology

Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications
The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 31, 2025. Applications received after December 31, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
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The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) invites applications for an academic year (9 month), tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Discipline-Based Education Research in Biology. URI is a land and sea grant research university located in Kingston, Rhode Island, a beautiful seaside community that is well connected by car, bus, and rail about 40 min from Providence, 1.5 hours from Boston, and 3 hours from New York City.

The Biological Sciences department has 12 full-time tenure-track faculty members, 6 full-time teaching faculty, and 2 teaching laboratory coordinators. Our faculty conduct impactful research around the world on all aspects of biological sciences. Our department has over 800 undergraduates majoring in either Biological Sciences (BS), Biology (BA), or Marine Biology (BS), and offers courses for many undergraduates across campus. Our faculty mentor graduate students enrolled in thesis-based research at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels in the interdisciplinary Biological and Environmental Sciences graduate program.

We invite individuals with a record of successful research, as well as a demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching, experiential learning, and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels to apply. The successful candidate will generate an internationally recognized program of research and scholarship in discipline-based education research in biology. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop an externally funded research program, disseminate research knowledge, advise undergraduate and graduate students, engage in university service, and support public engagement.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish a vibrant research program supported by extramural funding in discipline-based education research in biology.
• Develop a sustained record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Teach undergraduate courses in biological sciences, and at least one graduate course based on one's research expertise that will enhance both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University of Rhode Island.
• Employ evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies to ensure student success and retention, and support equity and inclusion, without regard to protected status or characteristics.
• Provide advising, training, and research mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Engage in outreach and service activities as well as governance within the Department, College, University, and broader scholarly community.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
1. Ph.D. in Biology, Biology Education, or related field by June 2026.
2. Primary area of research in discipline-based education research (DBER) in biological sciences or related field.
3. Record of excellent scholarship in discipline-based education research (DBER) in biological sciences or related field.
4. Ability to work with diverse groups, and treat all persons with dignity, without regard to protected status or characteristics.
5. Proficiency in oral communication skills in English.

6. Proficiency in written communication skills in English.

PREFERRED:

1. Active participation in collaborative research.

2. Success in obtaining funding through competitive grant programs (including graduate or postdoctoral fellowships and grants).

3. Post-doctoral research experience at the time of application.

4. Record of excellent teaching and mentorship.

5. Evidence of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.

6. Commitment to foster equal opportunity for all undergraduate students without regard to protected status or characteristics.

7. Expertise making research findings accessible to a broad audience through outreach, social media, and other mixed media outlets.

8. Commitment to participate in professional service and outreach.
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EEO Statement:

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state's public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.


Union: AAUP - American Assoc of Univ Professors
Status: Academic Year, Full-time, Tenure-track, Permanent
Department: Biological Sciences

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach the following 6 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:

(#1) Cover letter describing qualifications for the position and how you meet the minimum,
and where applicable, preferred qualifications (as one complete document).

(#2) Curriculum Vitae, including information pertaining to the minimum and preferred
qualifications for this position, and the names and contact information for three
professional references (as one complete document).

(#3) Statement of research interests and future research plans, no more than 3 pages in length.
The research statement should include the following: (1) a discussion of results and
accomplishments in discipline-based education research (DBER) and/or STEM education
(including funding applications, whether funded or not, and publications), and (2) future
research plans in undergraduate biology education research (as one complete document).

(#4) Statement of teaching philosophy and interests, no more than 2 pages in length. The
teaching statement should include the following: (1) a discussion of the philosophy that
guides your teaching and your pedagogical approach; (2) how your research intersects
with your teaching philosophy; (3) how your work promoting access to education for all
intersects with your teaching philosophy; and (4) a plan for engaging and motivating
students in a large lecture setting (as one complete document).

(#5) Diversity Statement - statement on promoting equal learning opportunity for students, no more than 2 pages in length. The statement should include the following: (1) examples of past contributions in teaching, research, or service; (2) how you incorporate DEI principles that are inclusive of all students in your teaching and support; and (3) how you anticipate incorporating
equal access to education into your scholarship and participation in the university
community (as one complete document).

(#6) Other Document - PDFs of up to three published or in-press papers (as one complete document).



Position Number: 107539
Posting Number: F00510
Posting Date: 11/26/2025
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes

To apply, visit https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16043







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