Position Title Tenure-Track Biology Faculty Position – Plant Breeding/Horticulture
Position Category: Faculty – Tenure Track (FT)
Summary
The Department of Biology at Utah Valley University invites applications for an open-rank tenure-track faculty position, to begin in August 2023. We seek an outstanding candidate with a background in plant breeding, horticulture and/or plant biotechnology.
The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to effective teaching utilizing inclusive, data-driven pedagogies. Teaching responsibilities for this position include: BOT 3340 Plant Biology, courses in the horticultural program, developing a plant breeding course, as well as contributing to teaching undergraduate core courses which may include: General Biology (BIOL 1010) and College Biology I (BIOL 1610). Additionally, candidates may be asked to teach other courses as needed by the department and may develop new courses within their area of expertise. Applicants with experience and interest in teaching hybrid and/or online instruction are especially encouraged to apply.
In addition, the candidate should demonstrate their ability to establish an active and welcoming research program that centers around the mentoring of diverse undergraduates and leads to peer-reviewed publications. Possible research areas include, but are not limited to, plant breeding systems, plant biotechnology, and/or agronomic or horticultural practices. The successful candidate is expected to enhance and complement existing expertise in the Department of Biology The ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to engage in professional development, collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university’s mission and values, and serve on department, college, and university committees as fitting a tenure-track position.
UVU is committed to preparing all students for success in an increasingly complex, diverse, and globalized society. We value and promote collegial relationships and mutual respect among students, faculty, staff, and the community. We acknowledge and seek to address the needs of populations who are underserved as well as students with varying levels of academic preparation. As such, we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who are eager to help construct and maintain a culture of inclusion within biology education and research, and who act with resolute commitment to eliminate barriers to college access, success, and completion. UVU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/ Equal Access employer.
Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah with over 40,000 undergraduate students, and one of a few in the US offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. As an open-enrollment institution, UVU serves a diverse population that includes many working, non-traditional (24+ years old), and first-generation students.
The university community is comprised of people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds and is actively involved in interfaith and intercultural activities. UVU provides an abundance of resources for both teaching and scholarly activities, such as certifications and workshops through our Office of Teaching and Learning, and a plethora of internal funding opportunities at the University, College, and Departmental levels. Additionally, UVU offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, an excellent retirement program, and free parking and public transportation passes.
UVU is located in Orem, Utah, at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. We are centrally located along public transportation, which spans from Provo to Ogden, including Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City has a bustling food and arts scene, an international airport, and access to multiple professional sports teams. Along the entire Wasatch Front, you are always within 30 minutes of hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities, along with a variety of family-friendly entertainment options including Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, and the nature discovery museums and gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Additionally, UVU is within four hours of six national parks and the highest concentration of dark sky parks anywhere in the world.
Required Qualifications:
• Graduation from an accredited institution with a PhD in plant breeding, horticulture, or related biological discipline required.
• Evidence of experience teaching undergraduate students.
• ABD applications will be considered if doctorate verification is received by May 31, 2023.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Experience and/or training in inclusive teaching and mentoring practices
• Demonstrable knowledge of the theory and practice of plant breeding and horticulture/plant biotechnology and research methods in the field of expertise, including horticultural practices.
• A record of incorporating evidence-based pedagogy, such as active-learning techniques, and innovative use of instructional technology in the classroom.
• A record of curricular development, effective verbal and written communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• The ability, desire, and skills to mentor undergraduate student research.
Preferred Qualifications
• Strong knowledge of active learning pedagogies and an established record of incorporation of those techniques in the classroom.
• Experience or strategies for teaching at open-enrollment institutions.
• Publication record that indicates successful mentorship of undergraduates.
• Experience in, and/or commitment to, hybrid and online instruction.
Physical Requirements
Ability to function effectively in classroom and laboratory environments.
EEO Statement
Employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Benefits Summary
UVU offers an excellent benefits package which includes a generous leave policy, 12 paid holidays, affordable medical and dental insurance options, life and AD&D insurance, tuition waiver (undergraduate resident) for employee and dependents and substantial employer contribution to a retirement plan.
FLSA Exempt
Pay Range DOQ
Advertisement Detail Information
Advertisement Number FAC41122
Review Start Date 11/11/2022
Close Date 12/12/2022
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
• Reference letters are not required. Instead please provide a list of 5 references who may be contacted at some point during the screening and selection process for a verbal exchange and/or a letter of recommendation.
• Must include a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement uploaded as “Other document #1”. The statement should describe the candidate’s contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, their understanding of these topics, and specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at UVU.
• Required research statement should include a plan for a research program incorporating undergraduates and addresses the feasibility of that research program at a primarily undergraduate institution.