Transylvania University

Transylvania University (www.transy.edu), a top-tier, independent, residential liberal arts college in Lexington, Kentucky, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Biology. This is a tenure-track position, teaching in-person classes and labs, beginning August 27, 2026. Transylvania University recognizes that a diverse and inclusive community is essential to the fulfillment of our mission as a liberal arts institution. To that end, we seek to attract a diverse faculty skilled in the scholarship of teaching, research, and student mentorship from a variety of backgrounds. Candidates are encouraged, in their cover letter, to identify their strengths and experiences in creating an inclusive academic community.

Job Responsibilities:

We seek a Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biologist whose specialty complements existing faculty expertise. The teaching load consists of two classes with laboratory sections per regular term and a single class during the May term, which offers additional opportunities for travel courses, team-taught courses, and other more experimental classroom endeavors. Courses to be taught include (1) upper-level Developmental Biology course, (2) introductory Cells and Molecules course, and (3) biology electives in their specialty (e.g., stem cells, regenerative medicine, genetics, or genomics/bioinformatics). Occasional contributions to First-Year programming and service as an academic adviser are also expected. Other responsibilities include academic scholarship/professional activity, preferably involving undergraduate students, and service to the university through various committee appointments. The university also has an excellent faculty development program that competitively funds faculty (and student) scholarly research and artistic projects.  We are looking for applicants who are passionate about attracting, teaching, and mentoring undergraduates in the sciences.

Qualifications:

A PhD is required by the start date. Preference will be given to candidates with undergraduate teaching experience. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to continuing their research along with a commitment to teaching, interdisciplinary dialogue, and working collaboratively with other faculty and with students both within the Biology Program and across disciplines within a liberal arts environment.

To begin the application process, submit a cover letter and one PDF that contains your curriculum vitae, your unofficial graduate transcripts, and statements of teaching and research philosophies. Candidates are encouraged in their cover letter to specifically address the following: (1) identify and describe an upper-level course you could develop that would contribute to the biology curriculum; (2) discuss how you would establish an undergraduate research program; and (3) explain how you would contribute to the liberal arts ethos by proposing an interdisciplinary course or a distinctive science course for non majors you could envision teaching. 

If you are selected to move forward in the application process, you will be asked to provide official graduate transcripts and letters of recommendation at a later date.  These documents may be submitted by following the job openings link at http://www.transy.edu/jobs. Send questions specific to this search to Dr. James Wagner, search committee chair, at jwagner@transy.edu. Review of applications will begin on September 22, 2025 and will continue until an appointment is made.

Transylvania University is ranked in the top 15 percent of the nation’s four-year colleges by the Princeton Review, which cites its community-driven, personalized approach to a liberal arts education through 49 majors and 40 minors. Founded in 1780, it is the 16th oldest institution of higher learning in the country, with approximately 1,000 students.

 Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we seek qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We embrace diversity and encourage all who are interested to apply.