Special Instructor in Biological Sciences
Job Description Summary
The Department of Biological Sciences at Oakland University invites applicants for a full-time faculty position to be filled by August 15, 2027. The appointment, as a Special Instructor, is a teaching faculty position, which may lead to job security equivalent to tenure. Special Instructors are expected to teach three classes per semester in the Fall and Winter semesters and to participate in service activities during a 9-month academic year. The successful candidate will teach a variety of undergraduate courses, including introductory biology lecture and laboratory/field courses to students majoring in Biological Sciences and non-major general education courses, such as Biology and Society. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in Plant Biology, who can also teach Botany, Plant Physiology, Plant Genetics and/or Evolutionary Biology.
Minimum Qualifications
The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Biology or related fields and experience teaching lecture and laboratory/field courses. Candidates will be considered favorably if they have demonstrated experience in course development, teaching courses at multiple levels, designing courses in different modalities (e.g., online vs. in person), and/or evidence-based and inclusive teaching practices.
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 5, 2027. The application process must be completed online. Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, and unofficial transcripts. Applicants are encouraged to also upload an example of a recent course syllabus. In addition, names and contact information for three letters of recommendation must be provided. The application system will contact letter writers via email and provide them with instructions for uploading letters. Inquiries may be addressed to: Dr. Mary Jamieson, Department of Biological Sciences (mjamieson@oakland.edu).
School/College & Department/Program Summary
The Department of Biological Sciences (https://www.oakland.edu/biology/) serves ~700 majors, including undergraduate and graduate students with diverse interests, ranging from cell and molecular biology, genetics/genomics, pre-professional programs (e.g. medical, dental, veterinarian medicine) to ecology, evolution, and environmental biology. Courses are also taken by students across programs, including pre-Nursing and Health Sciences. The Department of Biological Sciences is part of the university’s College of Arts and Sciences.
More About Oakland University
The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor’s degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University’s Mission & Vision and Strategic Plan.
Open Date
11/06/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Job Category
Full-time Faculty
EEO Statement
Oakland University is an Equal Opportunity institution.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Transcripts (unofficial)
- Teaching Statement
Optional Documents
- Sample Syllabus
