Instructor 1

As an Instructor of Biology, your primary responsibility will be teaching lower-level undergraduate biology courses that could include those that support the pre-nursing program (e.g., BSC 1020C: Human Systems and MCB 2010C: Microbiology with Lab). As such, you will be involved in course and/or curriculum development in lower-level undergraduate courses; pursue professional development that supports undergraduate teaching; and participate on College and University committees and/or initiatives.

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning and success; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning (when applicable); and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.

The Department of Biological Sciences and FGCU provide unique opportunities for candidates interested in this position. On an average year, we support 900 undergraduate students and 15 – 25 Master’s students. Departmental faculty possess a wide range of scholarly interests to include molecular, genetic, and organismal pursuits as well as community-engaged research and SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning). Faculty also provide a variety of learning opportunities that run the range of Bloom’s taxonomy (from recall to creation) and, therefore, employ different approaches to include integrated lab-lectures, active-learning, and Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). Faculty, staff, and students also partner extensively with the community members, which supports the university’s sustainability and service-learning goals. In addition, half of the campus is set aside as conservation areas, which creates a living laboratory for both teaching and research opportunities for the field and lab. This is a special place for people who want to connect their teaching, research, and service.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong interest in introductory biology instruction, utilizing different approaches that complement departmental strengths. They should demonstrate a genuine commitment to student-centered education, prioritizing the growth and development of their students. This candidate should have a proven ability to foster collaboration that could include partnerships within or outside the discipline. Moreover, they should display a capacity for innovative thinking and actively contributing to creative endeavors that enhance student learning experiences.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Teaches 12 credit hours per semester of lower-level undergraduate courses in Biology and other assigned courses as outlined in the annual assignment.
• Prepare and deliver course content, including syllabi, lectures, instructional materials, assessments, and timely evaluation of student performance.
• Maintain scheduled office hours and ensure timely, professional communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university meetings, as well as faculty evaluations, assessments, and curriculum development/revision efforts.
• Utilize the university’s learning management system and other required campus-wide technologies to support teaching and related responsibilities.
• Complete all mandatory university trainings and comply with all institutional policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Engage in ongoing self-assessment and professional development to maintain effective instructional practices and remain current in the field.
• Contribute to service at the departmental, institutional, community, and professional levels in alignment with the University’s mission.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Engages in additional professional activities, including disciplinary research, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), and/or community-engaged service, as aligned with individual interests and time availability.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology or closely-related discipline from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• Demonstrated potential for, or a record of, achievement in teaching undergraduate courses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in biology or closely-related discipline from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• Demonstrated experience with teaching first-year biology courses, such as BSC 1010C (General Biology 1 with Lab), BSC 1007C (Introduction to Biology), BSC 1020C (Human Systems), and/or MCB 2010C (Microbiology with Lab), effectively.
• Demonstrated experience with implementing impactful and successful active-learning experiences, such as Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) or Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs).
• Demonstrated experience working with student teaching assistants to improve student learning and success.
• Experience with management of the lower division biology curriculum, especially in connection with standards and policy implementation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
• Understands how to use digital and interactive technologies to efficiently and effectively achieve specific learning goals.
• Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high-level questioning skills.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
• Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g., Face-to-face, synchronous online, or asynchronous online).
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in developing and delivering instruction, resulting in improved student learning.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2026.

Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials, including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida’s Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.

Required Application Materials:

• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Five (5) Professional References

The position is listed as “open until filled”; however, applications received by October 19, 2025 will receive priority consideration.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.