Faculty Vacancy: Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology
Department: Biology
Position: Full-time, Tenure-Track position with complete benefit package
Salary: Negotiable within the range established in the CBA (starting at $55,000 for Assistant Professor)
Benefits Include: Insurance Package, Mandatory Retirement Plan, wellness program, and pro-rated sick leave

The Biology Department at the University of Montana Western seeks a passionate plant biologist dedicated to innovative undergraduate education to join our dynamic group of researchers and educators. The position is a full-time, tenure-track appointment at the assistant or associate professor level. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a teaching approach that will take advantage of Montana Western’s unique immersion scheduling model (Experience One). This block-scheduling model, where students take and faculty teach a single 3.5-week course at a time, is the mission of the campus and an unparalleled opportunity for a talented and creative educator to merge research with undergraduate learning.

This position fills a critical role at the University of Montana Western and supports students from many different areas of study including biomedical sciences, ecology, environmental science, kinesiology, psychology and equine science. Initial teaching responsibilities will include science majors’ courses in introductory cell biology and botany and an upper-level course in plant systematics. There will also be opportunities to develop courses in the chosen candidate’s area of interest. Class design must incorporate the Experience One model where lectures and labs are integrated into classes that meet for a minimum of 3 hours each day. Additional responsibilities will include providing student research opportunities, advising, writing student recommendation letters, maintaining the department herbarium, and contributing overall to a vibrant culture of academic excellence through teaching, research, and service to the department and university. The teaching load is 12 credits per semester, which are taught during three of the four blocks offered during a semester. The fourth block is for conducting required professional development activities, such as research with undergraduate students, attending research meetings, or writing grant proposals and research papers. As mentioned above, this position will support various academic programs but is especially important for students in our academically rigorous pre-professional health and ecology programs.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in botany, plant physiology, plant molecular biology, plant systematics/evolution, plant ecophysiology, or related plant biology field and must be able to effectively teach introductory cell biology, botany, and (ideally) plant systematics. ABD candidates will be considered. The candidate should be an engaging and dedicated scientist who is committed to undergraduate student learning and success. The research interests of the candidate should be able to accommodate students from various scientific fields. In addition, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability, or strong interest in experiential learning and innovative undergraduate education using Montana Western’s block scheduling model known as Experience One. College-level teaching experience (including introductory cell biology and botany courses) and experience working with undergraduate research students is highly preferred. The University of Montana Western values diversity, so applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions

Application materials should include a letter of interest responding specifically to this position description (< 2 pages), a statement of teaching philosophy (< 2 pages), a statement of research interests (< 2 pages), a curriculum vitae including contact information for at least three professional references, and official or unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts. All application materials should be submitted as a single PDF file. Teaching evaluations may be requested at a later time. Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.

Review of applications will begin by November 1. The position will remain open until filled.

Inquiries can be made to Dr. Bradley Wood at bradley.wood@umwestern.edu.

The University & Dillon Area

The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate university with over 70 full-time faculty and over 1,200 students. It is located in Dillon, Montana in the scenic Rocky Mountains and has been awarded numerous top national rankings for delivering high quality, affordable education.

Montana Western is the only public four-year college in the nation offering Experience One (X1), experiential learning delivered on the block schedule. Class sizes are small, and students take a single course at a time, three hours each day for 18 days, before moving on to the next course. Each course is four credits, and four blocks are offered each semester. The block schedule facilitates field and lab work, undergraduate research, study travel, and interdisciplinary teaching. Montana Western’s faculty strongly believe in mentoring and inspiring students and assisting them in the transition from university life to graduate school or professional careers.

The University of Montana Western is an integral part of the Dillon Community. With a population of 5,000 people, Dillon is known for outstanding public schools, safe environments, recreational opportunities, and an excellent quality of life.

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Application Process
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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.