The posting
Department
Biology
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences do not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.
The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. As a university community, we are proud to have earned the federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and to work at the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
About the Department of Biology
The mission of the Department of Biology is to foster a learning environment where students from diverse backgrounds can build the conceptual framework to examine living organisms from the molecular level to entire ecosystems gaining comprehensive knowledge of biological principles. MSU Denver is a primarily undergraduate serving institution (PUI) and the Biology department supports development of inclusive teaching practices that engage students in active learning and community building in the classroom. As part of our commitment to innovative pedagogy, the Biology Department is a campus leader in engaging students in undergraduate research opportunities in the classroom, through course-based undergraduate research, and in faculty research laboratories and guiding students to build analytical, laboratory and field-based scientific skills necessary to conduct contemporary biological research, pursue graduate studies, or directly enter the workforce.
Position Description
The Department of Biology at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) seeks outstanding candidates for three tenure-track positions in the fields of microbiology, cell biology, genetics, and/or anatomy & physiology. Candidates will be expected to teach in classroom, laboratory, and/or virtual settings and must be able to use and apply current technologies and evidence-based, inclusive teaching practices. Faculty in these positions should have experience or skills applicable to teaching or developing courses in any combination of the following: introductory courses in general biology, microbiology, and/or anatomy & physiology; and upper division courses such as cell biology, genetics, virology, microbial genetics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, animal physiology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and/or genomics.
Candidates selected through this curricular cluster hire will be given modest start-up funds to support their scholarly work in science and/or science pedagogy while engaging undergraduates in research activities. In addition, tenure-track faculty support student progress to degree completion through academic and career advising, and provide service to the department, school, university, community, and/or profession. This position requires presence in Colorado on MSU Denver's Auraria campus for in person teaching and other activities.
MSU Denver and the Biology Department are committed to a transparent process that provides a clear path to tenure. As such, new faculty will participate in a robust mentoring program for tenure-track faculty at both the university and department levels. In their first year, new faculty will be enrolled in the MSU Denver Roadrunner Faculty Academy, a year-long course designed to support new faculty as they navigate faculty life and thrive in teaching, scholarly activity and service. Incoming faculty will also be mentored by current members of the Biology Department, who will provide support and guidance for teaching biology courses and laboratories, establishing their research program, and building a strong portfolio for tenure application. Faculty can also choose to participate in university programs that help new faculty connect with diverse affinity groups and networks offering additional mentorship opportunities.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate must have the ability to effectively:
- Teach 24 credit hours of undergraduate courses during the 9-month contract period
- Teach a broad range of lower and upper division undergraduate biology courses in the fields listed
- Engage undergraduate students in research and scholarly activities
- Pursue scholarly and professional activities appropriate for the undergraduate teaching-focused mission of the university
- Advise a diverse student body through their academic program
- Participate in course and program development
- Perform university and professional service
- Perform other duties as assigned by the department chair
- Work with, and be sensitive to, the educational needs of a diverse, urban population
Required Qualifications
Earned doctorate in Biological Sciences or related field conferred by the start of fall 2027 classes
Preferred Qualifications
A successful candidate will possess the following:
- Demonstrated ability or experience teaching any combination of the following: introductory courses in general biology, microbiology, and/or anatomy & physiology; and upper division courses such as cell biology, genetics, virology, microbial genetics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, animal physiology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and/or genomics
- Demonstrated commitment and effectiveness to inclusive teaching and learning
- Demonstrated commitment and effectiveness in engaging undergraduates in research and scholarly activities
- Experience working with, and sensitivity to, the needs of a diverse, urban student population including (but not limited to) students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, non-traditional students, student veterans, and English-language learners
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our Department and the University.
Salary for Announcement
The salary range for these faculty positions is $65,000 - $75,000 at Assistant Professor rank. The salaries of the finalists selected for these roles will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, specialty and training.
MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.
Please Note: MSU Denver is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.
Instructions to Apply
To apply, complete an online application through our career site and search for JR105923: https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.
To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials:
- Curriculum vitae; for previous teaching experience, please clearly indicate when serving as instructor of record
- Cover letter (1 page max)
- Unofficial graduate transcripts
- Teaching philosophy (2 pages max) with a focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will use evidence-based, inclusive teaching practices to remove barriers and promote equitable access and advancement for all students in science. If applicable, include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students
- Research plan (2 pages max) in science or science pedagogy that is appropriate for an entirely undergraduate, teaching-centered institution without housing or care staff for mammals or vertebrate animals larger than fish. Please indicate specifically how you plan to engage undergraduates in your research program
Important Note: Due to volume of applications received, only applications completed as outlined above will be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the Resume/Cover letter section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded, so you may need to combine some documents or all documents into one pdf file.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Deadline
Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received through Friday, December 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya Rogowsky
Posting Representative Email
Benefits
The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected].
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.
