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Department Of Biology

Job no: 538338

Work type: Visiting Faculty

Location: Sonoma

Categories: Temporary, Full Time, Visiting Faculty, Unit 3 CFA - California Faculty Association

Department of Biology

Visiting Faculty, Assistant Professor

Starting August 2024

Sonoma State University is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, as such we are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and we endeavor to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.

Guided by our core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. We have a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad-based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged.

Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which bias and intolerance have no place. It is our expectation that all students, faculty, and staff work together to honor this commitment and hold each other accountable to create an open and inclusive environment.

We are committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on our students' assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. The successful candidate will be one who can collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and students to achieve these goals. We are especially interested in candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Visiting Faculty Position

This position is a full-time one (1) year appointment per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (Article 12.32). For re-appointment in future terms, the faculty member must submit an application to the Temporary Faculty Pool and/or apply to other faculty vacancies, as they are available.

The Department

The Department of Biology is housed within the School of Science & Technology and offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum that addresses foundational and emerging principles that span multiple levels of biological organization and disciplines. The overall mission of our undergraduate and graduate programs is to educate the next generation of scholars, professionals and citizens so that they are prepared to meet the biological, environmental and technological challenges of the future.

To promote academic excellence, the Department actively recruits students from a range of backgrounds, including but not limited to local community college students, first generation college students, dual language learners/students, and Pell eligible individuals. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with this commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Department of Biology serves approximately 400 majors, that pursue either a BS or BA degree with a concentration in: Ecology and Evolution, Physiology, Marine Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or Zoology. The Department also serves students interested in the allied health fields through various course offerings required in several health-related fields. The Department provides students with a broad interdisciplinary understanding of biological principles. Our graduates often pursue graduate education, obtain work in the biotech or conservation and restoration industry.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to see the department's web page at:

Duties of the Position

In the Fall 2024 semester, the successful candidate would be expected to teach BIOL 340 - General Bacteriology including 2-3 sections of the accompanying lab. This course is an upper division elective course for Biology majors that fulfills the organismal diversity requirement for graduation. In addition, the candidate would have the opportunity to teach an upper division lecture only course in the candidate's field of expertise. During the Spring 2025 semester, the successful candidate would be expected to teach BIOL 240 - Medical Microbiology along with the accompanying labs. This course is geared towards non-majors and is an important service course for pre-Nursing and Kinesiology students. In addition, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to participate in our undergraduate research curriculum during their appointment.

Professional Qualifications

To be recommended for appointment, the candidate must have:

• Ph.D. in Biology
• Demonstrated teaching experience in college level microbiology courses

Preferred Criteria:

• A Ph.D. in microbiology
• Postdoctoral experience in microbiology field

All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Rank and Salary

Service credit depends upon academic preparation and professional experience. The anticipated salary range for this position is: $70,000 to $80,000.

Required* Application Materials

• Cover Letter*
• Curriculum Vitae*
• Teaching Philosophy
• Three (3) Non-Confidential Letters of Recommendation

Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee's identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU.

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon the date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, go to and click on the Staff & Faculty Career Opportunities link. Find and select the faculty position you are applying for to view the description and select Apply Now. If you have not previously applied, you will be prompted to create an account. You can use this account to apply to multiple positions. Once you have submitted the application, a confirmation email will be automatically sent to you. Please do not send materials to . If you encounter difficulties during the application process, please email .

Application Deadline

First consideration will be given to applications received by May 20, 2024. The position will remain open until filled. Early response is encouraged.

Contact Information

Questions concerning the application process may be directed to:

Questions concerning this position may be directed to:

Sean Place

Please refer to the requisition job number on all correspondence and inquiries regarding this position.

The ADA Coordinator is also available () to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education.

Other Information

The university is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.

This position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

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