Assistant Professor - Zoology

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) seeks an exceptional Assistant Professor of Zoology whose scholarship and teaching advance our department’s strengths in animal biology, ecology, evolution, biological variety, conservation, and related areas of biological science. The successful candidate will be a student-centered educator and an active scholar who integrates undergraduates and master’s students into a sustainable research program.

Florida Gulf Coast University 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; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning; produce peer reviewed scholarship; 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 to 25 Master’s students. Departmental faculty possess 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 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 candidates will complement departmental strengths; demonstrate the potential to secure external support; and show a clear commitment to pedagogy that elevates student success (e.g., active learning, CUREs, POGIL), mentoring, and collaborative engagement within and beyond the University.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Teach 9 credit hours per semester of core and upper-level, and/or graduate courses in biology and related subjects.
• Plans, prepares, and teaches assigned courses, including developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Delivers consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
• Maintains the highest standards of classroom instruction and engages in reflective self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement.
• Holds regular office hours and provides academic advising and individual support to students.
• Utilizes the University's learning management system and other instructional technologies effectively.
• Collaborates with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program advancement.
• Ensures curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
• Establishes and maintains an active research program, including opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.
• Demonstrates evidence of scholarly publication and grantsmanship.
• Engages in continued professional development and maintains professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
• Actively participates in departmental, college, and university committees and meetings.
• Contributes to community, institutional, and professional service in support of the University’s mission.
• Participates in faculty evaluation, student learning assessment, and required training activities.
• Communicates professionally and in a timely manner with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and excellence in all professional activities.
• Complies with University policies, procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Zoology, Animal Biology, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• ABD will be considered if degree is conferred by August 7, 2027. If successful candidate is ABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research and/or teaching expertise in zoology, animal physiology, animal behavior, or wildlife biology.
• Experience teaching zoology-related courses, including but not limited to General Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, Invertebrate Zoology, Animal Physiology, Animal Behavior, and courses supporting our undergraduate and graduate Biology programs.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications in any area of zoology, animal biology, or related sciences commensurate with career stage.
• Experience implementing high-impact practices (e.g., CUREs, POGIL, inquiry-driven labs) and evidence-based teaching.
• Experience with/or clear commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate-level research.
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across biology fields (e.g., environmental studies, ecology, marine sciences, veterinary sciences, chemistry, biotechnology, or public health).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
• Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving 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 the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning.
• Ability to leverage FGCU’s regional ecosystems for research and teaching and complement the department’s existing strengths in biological sciences
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2027.

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

• Statement of Research

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

• Five (5) Professional References

The position is listed as “open until filled”, however applications received by November 6, 2026 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.