Position: A tenure-track faculty position in Plant Biology at the rank of Assistant Professor is available in the Department of Biology at Truman State University, a top-ranked public liberal arts and sciences university.

Responsibilities: The ideal candidate will be a broadly trained plant scientist who can contribute to teaching needs in general botany (e.g., plant taxonomy, plant anatomy) and other electives in their area of expertise. These teaching responsibilities serve the Biology program as well as two new degree programs (pending legislative approval) – Cannabis & Natural Medicinals and Environmental Science. While the particular area of research and focal level of biological organization are flexible, a research program that provides undergraduate students with high-quality research experiences is expected. Particular attention will be given to candidates with research programs that complement and diversify existing programs in the department; examples include plant systematics, horticulture, or ethnobotany. Biology faculty periodically contribute to introductory courses, a freshman seminar, and/or an introductory writing about biology course. Additional opportunities for offering interdisciplinary courses that support the liberal arts mission of the university are periodically available and service to the department and university is expected.

Program: The Department of Biology is part of the School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University. The Department has 18 faculty members, approximately 300 undergraduate majors. Beyond our majors curriculum, the discipline offers courses in Truman’s Liberal Studies Program (LSP); opportunities for faculty members to pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research occur both within the School and as part of the LSP. For more information about the Biology Department, please visit http://biology.truman.edu/

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 4,000 students who make up its student body are well prepared for the challenging academics in a supportive environment. More than 20 percent engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Most gain leadership experience and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school within a year of earning a degree. Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public colleges and universities. For more than two decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school and community college, and the Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Round Barn Blues Festival and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, as well as several local shops and restaurants. It is also the site of numerous community events including the Red, White and Blue Festival in the summer and the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival each fall. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to St. Louis provide quick access to one of the Midwest’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Required Qualifications: This position requires a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field. (ABD candidates will be considered with an expected Ph.D. completion prior to the start of the contract date in August 2024.)

Candidates will be evaluated on: Perceived ability to teach courses in plant biology; evidence of actual or potential teaching effectiveness; a clear plan for research that involves undergraduates and complements or diversifies existing programs; evidence of actual, or potential for, involvement of undergraduates in the candidate’s research program; past experience and/or expressed interest in university service; commitment to teaching at an undergraduate liberal arts and sciences institution; effective communication skills and attention to detail.

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu .

Truman State is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu .