Assistant Professor of Biology, Biology Department

Assistant Professor of Biology . Washington and Lee University: Biology Department . Location: Lexington, VA, USA .

Description

The Department of Biology at Washington and Lee University invites applications for one tenure-track Assistant Professor position for the 2027-2028 academic year, beginning July 1, 2027. We seek an integrative biologist to support the biology program. Disciplinary and research interests are open, but we prefer candidates working across multiple levels (molecular, population, ecosystem) and across traditional disciplines. This person will also support our growing Data Science Minor with an average of two courses per year.

We favor an excellent educator with genuine interests in teaching and pursuing research with undergraduate students. Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in teaching and for vigorous scholarship. We welcome applications from candidates that would contribute to the University’s mission and strategic plan.

The school calendar consists of two 12-week terms, one in the fall and one in the winter, and a 4-week spring term. The teaching load is 5 courses per year; there is no summer teaching. Support for research includes laboratory start-up funding, conference funding, summer research funding, and pre-tenure leave, as well as opportunities to present to faculty cohorts and programs on campus; teaching support is available through university-wide workshops, a faculty mentoring program, and the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning . Washington and Lee University is a highly selective, independent, co-educational, liberal arts college of approximately 1850 undergraduate and 400 law students and located in Lexington, VA, three hours southwest of Washington, DC.

W&L is consistently ranked among the top 12 national liberal arts colleges. Established in 1749, it is the ninth oldest institution of higher learning in the nation. The expected salary for this position is between $94,000 and $105,000 per year. Offers are based on factors such as relevant education, experience, tenure status, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.

Washington and Lee University offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families, as well as substantial support for faculty development through research funding, a strong culture of mentorship, and a pre-tenure leave program. To learn more about working at W&L, employee benefits, and life in the Shenandoah Valley, visit jobs.wlu.edu . .

Qualifications

Preferred candidates will hold a Ph.D. in Biology or adjacent fields, show promise in research, and demonstrate interest and experience in teaching. . Application instructions: Review of applications will begin October 5, 2026. Candidates should submit: A letter of application summarizing teaching interests and experience, scholarly pursuits, and demonstrating the ability to work with students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences a CV names and contact details of three references who are willing and able to write confidential letters of recommendation (we will solicit the letters when and as needed) All materials should be submitted via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/192609 . Our search committee will conduct initial interviews virtually.

After application review, finalists will be invited to campus. For more information, please contact Paul Cabe at [email protected].