Instructor or Assistant Professor of Biology

Job Description:
About Seattle Pacific University
Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has a long and distinguished history in Christian higher education. Its comprehensive academic programs serve more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Located just minutes from downtown Seattle, SPU seeks to be a premier Christian university committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.
Seattle Pacific University seeks faculty who are committed to excellent teaching, meaningful scholarship, and the integration of Christian faith with their academic discipline. We value teachers who mentor students thoughtfully, engage them across varied learning contexts, and help them connect their studies to the wider world.
About Biology
The Biology program is part of Seattle Pacific University’s College of Applied and Natural Sciences. Our faculty are committed to excellent undergraduate teaching, meaningful faculty-student engagement, and providing students with opportunities to connect classroom learning with scientific inquiry and hands-on experience.
In addition to courses on our Seattle campus, SPU provides distinctive opportunities for field-based teaching and research at the University’s Blakely Island Field Station in Washington’s San Juan Islands. We seek a colleague who will contribute broadly to our Biology curriculum and help students develop the knowledge, skills, and scientific curiosity necessary for their academic, professional, and vocational pursuits.
What We Need
Seattle Pacific University invites applications for a regular, full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track faculty position in Biology, beginning September 1, 2027. (Possibly moving to tenure track in the future.) The position may be filled at the rank of Assistant Professor or Instructor; candidates whose highest degree is a master’s may be considered at the rank of Instructor.
We seek a broadly trained biologist who can contribute to multiple areas of our undergraduate curriculum and add depth to the program both on our Seattle campus and at the Blakely Island Field Station. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in marine biology or biological oceanography. Additional experience in microbiology or molecular biology would strengthen a candidate’s ability to contribute across the curriculum.
What You'll Do
Teach upper-division Biology courses within your areas of expertise.
Contribute to introductory Biology courses serving both majors and non-majors.
Teach and engage students in field-based learning opportunities, including opportunities at the Blakely Island Field Station, as appropriate.
Mentor and advise undergraduate students in their academic, vocational, and professional development.
Integrate research and scientific inquiry into undergraduate teaching, as appropriate.
Provide opportunities for and/or supervise undergraduate student research.
Participate in service to the University.
What You Bring
Graduate degree in Biology or a closely related field.
Evidence of, or demonstrated potential for, excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring.
Ability to teach broadly within an undergraduate Biology curriculum, including introductory courses for majors and non-majors as well as upper-division courses within the candidate’s area of expertise.
Ability to support and engage students from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and levels of academic preparation.
Faith and Learning Integration: Demonstrated ability or commitment to thoughtfully integrate Christian faith with the study and teaching of the biological sciences, helping students consider connections among scientific inquiry, Christian faith, and their broader vocational formation.
Faith and Mission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU’s mission; alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community.
Preferred:
PhD in Biology or a closely related field completed by September 1, 2027. Candidates who are ABD may be considered at the Assistant Professor rank; candidates with a master’s degree may be considered at the Instructor rank.
Expertise in marine biology and/or biological oceanography.
Additional expertise in microbiology and/or molecular biology.
Experience incorporating research or authentic scientific inquiry into undergraduate courses.
Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate research.
Interest in field-based teaching and learning, including opportunities at SPU’s Blakely Island Field Station.
Compensation and Benefits
Assistant Professor: $71,000–$78,500, commensurate with relevant post-secondary teaching experience.
Instructor: $62,500–$67,000, commensurate with relevant experience.
Faculty salaries at Seattle Pacific University are based on nationally-normed, regionally-adjusted, and discipline-specific data from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). Specific salary offers will be determined by level of education and relevant experience. All open faculty positions subject to final funding approvals.
SPU offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families. Benefits currently include healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, health savings account contributions for eligible employees, tuition benefits for employees and qualified dependents, and other programs that support employee well-being and professional success. Benefit plans and eligibility are subject to change and will be provided at the time of hire.
Application Review: Review of applications will begin November 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Because our students bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and levels of preparation to the classroom, we value faculty who are committed to supporting and engaging all learners and helping each student flourish.
Inquiries may be directed to:
Timothy A. Nelson, PhD
Dean, College of Applied and Natural Sciences
tnelson@spu.edu
Additional Information:
Application Instructions
To apply, submit the online application in Workday. Be prepared to upload a cover letter and CV/Resume.
Completion of the application will also include submission of:
Personal response to the University's faith statement
One page document regarding your teaching philosophy
References will be obtained upon request
We look forward to learning how your teaching, scientific expertise, and commitment to mentoring students will contribute to the Biology program and enrich the academic community at Seattle Pacific University.