AssistantAssociate Professor of Biology Vertebrate Biology

Position Summary:

The Biology Department at Adams State University invites applicants for a tenure-track assistant or associate professor position in biology. We are seeking a broadly trained vertebrate biologist to join an engaged and vibrant faculty committed to excellence in undergraduate education. Responsibilities include teaching upper-division lecture and laboratory courses in the following areas: Mammalogy Ornithology Evolution Wildlife Management Comparative Anatomy and/or Conservation Biology. Participation in General Biology general education science courses or other core biology courses may also be required. While we are primarily a teaching-focused institution tenure-track faculty are expected to conduct scholarly or creative activity and maintain currency in their field. The ability to involve undergraduate students in research is valued. Service to the department university and/or community is also expected. With small class sizes a diverse student population and opportunities for one-on-one mentoring our campus environment lends itself well to those who are interested in being a positive influence in the lives of students.

Candidates should demonstrate that they possess (1) a commitment to student-centered instruction 2) a knowledge of or willingness to develop skills in high-impact and inclusive pedagogy in the context of biology education and 3) a plan for conducting research/scholarly activity at primarily undergraduate institution. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse faculty staff and students within the School of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics and across campus.

Mission of the Department

The biology program provides an inclusive and empowering education that fosters curiosity critical thinking and a deep appreciation for the natural world. We support and inspire students in their pursuit of scientific excellence through innovative teaching research and community engagement. We are committed to creating a diverse community of scholars who will lead with compassion innovation and a commitment to advancing both science and social equity.

We recognize that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they dont match 100% of the job qualifications. Dont let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology with a background in one or more of the areas listed above; or ABD with expected completion date within 6 months of employment.

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in in undergraduate teaching and student-centered learning.

• Knowledge of sensitivity to and ability to work effectively with the educational needs of individuals and groups with a diverse range of identities cultures backgrounds and abilities

• Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial socioeconomic academic and cultural diversity of Adams State Universitys student population including students with different abilities (e.g. physical and or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded inclusive practices within the classroom

• Demonstrated commitment to honesty efficacy and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level.

• Commitment to undergraduate inquiry-based laboratory and field-based instruction

• Ability or experience working with historically under-served and/or underrepresented populations and first-generation college students.

• Ability or experience in the recruitment and/or retention of underrepresented students including students of color.

• Commitment to professional development scholarship and service to the university and community.

• Demonstrated self-awareness of ones own cultural beliefs perspectives and privileges as a part of ones orientation towards teaching.

• Demonstrated decision-making that is informed by research data and theory and that leverages students unique cultures experiences and background as strengths.

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52320-$67200 commensurate with experience and education. The salary range reflects a minimum for an entrylevel Assistant Professor level to a maximum for an experienced AssociateProfessor level position. In addition to salary Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical dental vision disability insurance flexible spending accounts life insurance and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit Opportunities for supplemental contracts may be available.

Required Documents

Completed applications should include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• A detailed cover letter of application addressing teaching interest/experience as well as how professional interests and goals align with Adams vision and values.

  • We encourage applicants to discuss their ability to teach the courses listed above

  • We encourage applicants to discuss their commitment to scholarly and/or creative excellence.

  • Additionally we seek to learn how scholarly excellence is interwoven with their approach to service teaching mentoring and affirming diverse perspectives.

• Teaching Statement: (include sample course syllabi) in addition to describing your approach to teaching in general please address the following questions:

  • What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting students who have been historically marginalized in biology

  • What role should faculty play in student success

• Informed Response regarding Adam States Commitment to People Place and Perspective.

  • People: An understanding of and commitment to the people who study work lead and help or have helped shape our university.

  • Place: An understanding of our universitys geographical and historical context within the San Luis Valley region and commitment to the unique opportunities and responsibilities that come with being part of this place.

  • Perspective: An understanding of the intersecting perspectives that define our universitys resilience grit strength and innovation from being a low-income first-generation and Hispanic-serving rural anchor university and commitment to intentionally supporting individuals who possess these characteristics.

  • Please address the following:

    • Your understanding of Adams States history the people who occupy it and the place in which it is located and how you will contribute to our unique university environment.

    • Articulate how your understanding of our location in the San Luis Valley with its unique challenges and its realities such as scarce resources rurality the land and geography and current and historical occupants will be manifested in your approach to teaching research and service.

    • Share your understanding of the unique characteristics that make up our university such as First-Generation Low-Income Hispanic Serving and being a rural anchor university and how those perspectives influence your role as a faculty member. Please give specific examples from your experiences in the classroom or in your teaching and mentoring experience(s) or other relevant experiences from your life that inform your perspective(s).

• Unofficial photocopies of graduate transcripts. Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.

• Four professional references: name job title and contact information (email phone).

How to Apply:

All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State Universitys Workday application portal.

No other format of application material will be accepted.

Questions and inquiries can be directed to:

Dr. David Bertolatus

For full consideration applications should be received by 11/10/2025. Review of applications will begin immediately after this date.

The position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.

Adams State University is committed to building and expanding the talent of its professional staff and actively seeks qualified applicants who bring unique perspectives experiences skills and attributes that can augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff and can contribute to serving and preparing our students to engage and thrive in their learning leadership and service.

We strive to create a more representative workforce that mirrors the people who study work and lead our institution and welcome applications from candidates from all walks of life especially members of communities who fall within state and federally protected classes such as: women BIPOC LGBTQ individuals veterans and people with disabilities.

We value qualified candidates with varied language skills who have a record of successful experience with varied communities and student populations and who have a deep understanding of and commitment to the unique geographical and historical characteristics of the place we are situated in and the intersecting perspectives that define our university being a low-income first-generation and Hispanic-serving rural anchor university. Therefore we seek individuals committed to intentionally supporting students and colleagues who possess these characteristics through their teaching service and scholarship.

The successful candidate will join a campus that is dedicated to inclusive excellence and acknowledges Adams States purpose to foster the educational goals of its students and the well-being of the surrounding community.

Additional information about the university and the academic mission may be found at compliance with the Immigration Control Act of 1968 candidates for positions must provide proof of eligibility to work before an offer of employment can be made final.

Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students faculty staff and visitors and to protecting its funds property and other assets. Well-informed hiring decisions contribute to this effort. Therefore Adams State University has adopted a policy on background screening for its prospective continuing and returning employees as well as students in certain circumstances. Offers of employment will be contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. The information received in response to a background check will be treated as confidential to the extent provided for by law.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Adams State University (ASU) may be directed to ASUs Office of Equal Opportunity Director Ana Guevara and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Support resources for sexual misconduct ASUs sexual misconduct policies contact information for the Adams State Universitys Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX as well as a detailed procedure for filing a grievance due to discrimination on the basis of sex may be found online at These procedures also describe the Universitys response to reports and/or complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.

Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race color sex disability and as covered by law veteran addition University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion national origin ancestry age sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression marital status and parental status.