Assistant Professor of Biology

Biology Faculty (Tenure-track, Assistant Professor)
Center for Learning Innovation

The Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), an interdisciplinary department focused on health sciences at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), invites applications for a full-time tenure-line faculty position (tenure-track, assistant professor) in Biology beginning fall semester 2026. The appointment will be 100% over the nine-month academic year with responsibilities in research at 45%, teaching 40%, and service 15%.
Successful applicants will develop an active research line in the fields of scholarship of teaching and learning and/or a discipline-based education research. The required research productivity is outlined in Section 7.12 of the Regents Policy on Faculty Tenure.

We are seeking applicants who have significant interest in supporting student learning in a high-contact, in-person teaching model. This faculty member will work collaboratively and creatively with an established faculty team, teaching biology courses including but not limited to Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Biology, Microbiology, or additional biology areas intended for health science undergraduate students. The successful applicant will have experience supporting a diverse student body population as UMR has growing populations of students of color and first generation college students.

About the UMR Center for Learning Innovation. The new biology faculty member will join colleagues in the Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), an interdisciplinary department that focuses on undergraduate education in health sciences and engages students as participants in research on learning. The CLI is a learning-centered faculty community in which ongoing assessment guides practice and is the basis for research on teaching and learning. Faculty take a team-based, collaborative approach to teaching and research. While some engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning across the integrated curriculum, others approach their research from a disciplinary education perspective. The CLI promotes a learner-centered, technology-enhanced, concept-driven, and community-integrated learning environment. Through ongoing assessment of student achievement, the CLI aspires to personalize education and continuously improve the educational experience for our students. As a tenure-line position in the CLI, the successful candidate will contribute to the Center's engagement in scholarship of teaching and learning as their primary area of scholarship (see: https://r.umn.edu/learning-research-and-innovation/cli).

This position works in-person in Rochester, MN. This role is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

Candidates must have the following minimum qualifications:
* A terminal degree (i.e., PhD) in Biology, Biology Education Research, or closely related field
* Demonstrated experience and/or commitment to develop an active research program in the field the scholarship of teaching and learning and/or disciplinary based education
* Demonstrated experience and/or commitment to teaching and student learning of undergraduate students using evidence-based practices.

Preferred qualifications:
* Show experience effectively designing and teaching courses at the undergraduate level with evidence-based practices.
* Demonstrate familiarity with undergraduate health science education and/or expertise in a related area.
* Work well in interdisciplinary teams.
* Embody a highly innovative and collaborative approach to teaching and learning in an interdisciplinary setting.
* Have knowledge, experience and ongoing commitment to working with underrepresented and diverse students, including: People of color; new immigrant populations; Native Americans; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; first-generation students; and/or students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), located in downtown Rochester, serves nearly 1,200 students and recently welcomed its largest class ever in fall 2025. Faculty and staff are dedicated to innovative education, student development and applying research to enhance learning every day. With a strong focus on health sciences and student-centered learning, UMR partners closely with Mayo Clinic and emphasizes research-driven teaching to meet the evolving demands of the health care industry.

Pay Range: $70,000 - $80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR)

At the University of Minnesota Rochester, our vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the twenty-first century. UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including pre-med and patient care; psychology and mental health; business and leadership; health technology; public policy and global health; and research, discovery, and cures.

The campus community serves almost 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester and continues to grow in size and influence through creative partnerships. At UMR, relationships and research drive student success. Learn more about UMR.

The University of Minnesota is proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022-24).