Visiting Assistant Professor in Biology

Position Summary
The Department of Biology at New Mexico Highlands University Department invites applicants passionate about student success, teaching, and student research to fill one nine-month, Term Visiting Professor of Biology positions beginning in the Spring 2021 semester (January). Ideal candidate with teaching expertise and research areas in Ecology/Vertebrate Biology and Wildlife, are invited to apply. As a member of the Highland's community, you are also responsible for: Demonstrating a commitment to the university's mission, vision, core values of excellence, diversity, accessibility, and responsiveness, and strategic goals. Understanding that as a staff member of NM Highlands University, you are considered a Responsible Employee under Title IX, and are expected to fulfill the responsibilities as such. Contributing to the overall success of your department and the university by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned. The biology program offers BS and BA degrees in Biology and a MS Degree in Natural Sciences with a concentration in Biology. The mission of the Biology Program is to provide students with a high quality education incorporating research experiences in the laboratory and in the field. The program is centered in student-centered learning pedagogical practices and provides a scientific and technical background that empowers students to successfully pursue science and technology careers or proceed to advanced graduate or professional studies. The faculty strives to make each student's educational experience challenging and rewarding. All biology students seeking a BS are required to complete a capstone research project that provides a realistic perspective of biology and insights into scientific investigations. For a list of current biology faculty and links to their webpages see New Mexico Highlands University is a regional comprehensive university with open enrollment providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. Highland's new executive leadership team and faculty are committed to student success and improved retention and graduation rates. Highlands serves approximately 2,200 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students on our main campus in Las Vegas, NM and at centers. The student population is diverse with more than 70% of students identifying as Hispanic, Native American, or African American coming from 42 states, 19 tribes, and 35 foreign countries. For more information about the university, visit the website at Highlands University is located in historic Las Vegas, NM. Las Vegas is in the northeastern part of the state, where the Great Plains meet the southern Rocky Mountains. It lies just two hours north of Albuquerque and one hour from Santa Fe, the state capital. Santa Fe is home to many world class restaurants, excellent shopping, and noted cultural venues including the Santa Fe Opera. Las Vegas is an easy drive to Taos, Angel Fire, and other ski resorts. Founded in 1835, Las Vegas was for many years a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, and became a tourist destination after the arrival of the railroad in Many of the town's architectural landmarks date from the late 1800s. Las Vegas offers hiking, art activities, biking, historical and cultural exploration, and fishing at nearby rivers and lakes. It is a frequent movie and TV location. Films include Red Dawn, Blind Horizon, All the Pretty Horses, Wild Hogs, No Country for Old Men, and Due Date. The Longmire television series is also filmed in Las Vegas. Las Vegas offers easy access to a wide variety of outdoor activities and venues including snow skiing, national forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges.

Duties And Responsibilities
The successful candidate in this position is expected to teach a combination of entry level biology courses and upper division, or graduate courses within the candidate's specialty (generally 24 credit hrs/academic). Successful candidates will also have to participate in service, advising, and course based research projects; as well as maintain regular attendance, and hold office hours. The candidate will be expected to provide department service such as and supervise Teaching Assistants, and supervise the functioning and equipment of the teaching laboratories

Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in a biological science or related fields. ABD would be acceptable. Background in Ecology/Wildlife/Vertebrate Biology.

Preferred Qualifications
PhD in a biological science Experience with diverse student populations or underrepresented minorities. Demonstrated commitment to teaching and to one's own professional development including training/experience in active, and cooperative learning teaching strategies

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