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Inside Higher Ed

Assistant Professor - Biology (Aquatic Biologist)

Inside Higher Ed, Valdosta, Georgia, United States, 31601

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Assistant Professor – Biology (Aquatic Biologist) Valdosta State University (VSU) is a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. VSU’s mission is grounded in community, civility, integrity, and citizenship, and is guided by the core values of the University System of Georgia: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.

Job Summary The Department of Biology seeks applicants for a ten‑month, full‑time, tenure‑track faculty position beginning August 1, 2026. We are looking for an aquatic biologist (freshwater or marine) who uses an integrative approach to understand how environmental factors influence aquatic organisms. The selected candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate level courses that align with the applicant’s area of expertise, maintain scholarly productivity, and participate in service to the department, college, university, and broader community.

We serve approximately 450 students and have 20 faculty members who have been recognized for teaching, research, and service. The department offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science (thesis and non‑thesis) programs. For detailed information visit

https://www.valdosta.edu/biology/ .

Application Materials

Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae

Teaching philosophy outlining student‑centered, active learning, and inquiry‑based approaches

Research statement describing research goals, student engagement, and equipment needs

Professional references (email addresses for at least three)

Applications must be submitted by

December 10, 2025 . Contact Dr. Theresa Grove, Department Head, via email at

tjgrove@valdosta.edu .

Proposed Salary Commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities Teach up to 12 credits per semester (Fall and Spring) at the undergraduate and graduate levels in areas that may include marine biology, limnology, ecophysiology, or ecology. Establish an independent research program that complements departmental programs, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute through service to the department, college, university, and professional communities.

Typical Allocation of Duties:

Teaching and scholarship

– 80%

Service

– 20%

Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Biology or closely related field by appointment date

Record of effective teaching appropriate to career stage

Ability to teach courses in freshwater or marine biology that expand departmental offerings

Commitment to excellence in teaching and learning

Record of research productivity in aquatic biology appropriate to career stage

Research plan that actively involves undergraduate and master’s students in scholarly activities at VSU

Preferred Qualifications

Record of mentoring students

Postdoctoral experience in aquatic biology or closely related field

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting

Conditions of Employment

Professional references with current contact information

Documentation of academic credentials

Employment history

During the search process, VSU reserves the right to: ask candidates to disclose criminal record history during initial screening; view social media outlets; remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment Is Contingent Upon

Successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check

Reference checks

Satisfactory credit check

Successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)

Pre‑employment drug testing

Confirmation of credentials

Post‑Hire Training Requirements

New employee orientation

VSU’s Annual Compliance Training, including:

USG Ethics Policy

Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy

Drug-Free Workplace

Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Motor Vehicle Policy

Workers Compensation (new hires)

Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)

USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)

Job‑specific training such as FMLA and Worker’s Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving

Equal Employment Opportunity Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant based on age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Accommodations If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills in the Office of Human Resources at

croark@valdosta.edu .

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