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Working Title:

Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Science - IFO

Institution:

Southwest Minnesota State University

Classification Title:

State University Faculty

Bargaining Unit / Union:

209: Inter Faculty Organization

City:

Marshall

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Limited Academic (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$64,066.00 - $186,015.00

Job Description

We are seeking a full-time, 9-month Visiting Assistant Professor (fixed-term, non-tenure track) who can teach botany and a variety of natural-resource themed in-person courses in a student-centered, undergraduate liberal arts environment for the 2026-27 academic year. While teaching will be the core responsibility, the successful candidate should engage to some degree with scholarly activities, professional development, student growth and engagement, and service-related endeavors.

Minimum Qualifications

+ Advanced degree in Natural Resources, Wetland Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Conservation Science, Ecology, or a related field; A.B.D. will also be considered.

+ Ability to teach upper-division Botany with lab as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training

+ Ability to teach an upper-division course with lab in either General Ecology or Freshwater Science/Hydrology as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training

+ Ability to teach at least one of the following courses with lab as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training: Introductory Environmental Science, Introductory Organismal Biology

+ Student-centered approach to pedagogy in a face-to-face liberal arts setting that prioritizes inclusive learning and active teaching strategies, as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training

+ Ability to contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in teaching, scholarship, service, and/or community engagement

Preferred Qualification

+ Ph.D. degree in Natural Resources, Wetland Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Conservation Science, Ecology, or a related field

+ Ability to mentor undergraduate research, including capstone projects and course-based research projects, as demonstrated by experience, expertise, and/or training

+ Knowledge of greenhouse operations and ability to oversee the campus greenhouse manager as demonstrated by experience and/or training

Priority will be given to those who apply by 1/15/2026.

**Required Document to submit for consideration:** Transcript, Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and Teaching Philosophy

**Other Considerations:** The successful candidate must be authorized to work in the United States by the first day of employment. The University will not give consideration for H-1B sponsorship. Employment or Visa sponsorship, other than H-1B status, must be pre-approved by the University prior to offer acceptance.

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu) . This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all students and employees for success.

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/#!/pslf/launch)

**Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies** based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. SMSU maintains compliance with the federal Title IX law, Minnesota statute § 135.A.15 (Campus Sexual Misconduct Policy), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee’s, 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policy and 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Violence and Title IX Sexual Harassment procedure. For a comprehensive review of the aforementioned federal, state, system, and university policies, please go to https://www.smsu.edu/administration/titleix/index.html .

_Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request._

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

Desired Start Date:

08-17-2026

Position End Date:

08-18-2026

Open Date:

11-18-2025

Close Date:

08-16-2026

Posting Contact Name:

Bailey Johnson

Posting Contact Email:

[email protected]