Job Details

Faculty - Assistant Professor Bioinformatics/Organismal focus

Position Number: 6649348
Location: Orem, UT
Position Type: Science - Biology

Faculty - Assistant Professor Bioinformatics/Organismal focus

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Job Type: FT Faculty
Job Number: FY2604986
Closing: 1/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Location: 800 W University Parkway, Orem
Division: VP Academic Affairs

Position Announcement

The Department of Biology at Utah Valley University invites applications for an open-rank tenure-track faculty position, to begin in August 2026. We seek an outstanding candidate with a background in bioinformatics and organismal focus.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to effective teaching utilizing engaging, data-driven pedagogies. Teaching responsibilities for this position include: Data Analysis for Biologists (BIOL 3100), Bioinformatic Data Skills (BIOL 3150), and Introductory Biology Courses (BIOL 1010, 1610, or 1620). Additionally, candidates may be asked to teach other courses as needed by the department and may develop new courses within their area of expertise. The preferred candidate will complement and strengthen the current course offerings and subject expertise within the department and its programs. Applicants with experience and interest in teaching hybrid and/or online instruction are especially encouraged to apply.

In addition, the candidate should demonstrate their ability to establish an active and welcoming research program that centers around the active mentoring of undergraduates and leads to peer-reviewed publications. Successful candidates will have a background in bioinformatics, particularly skills in R and bash coding, use of supercomputing clusters. Preference will be given to candidates with research experience in organismal biology, such as Mycology, Botany, or Zoology. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to engage in professional development, collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university's mission and values, and serve on department, college, and university committees as fitting a tenure-track position.

UVU is committed to preparing all students for success in an increasingly complex, diverse, and globalized society. We value and promote collegial relationships and mutual respect among students, faculty, staff, and the community. We acknowledge and seek to address the needs of students with varying levels of academic preparation. As such, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds who are eager to help construct and maintain a welcoming culture within biology education and research, and who act with resolute commitment to eliminate barriers to college access, success, and completion.

Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah with over 40,000 undergraduate students, and one of a few in the US offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. As an open-enrollment institution, UVU serves a varied population that includes many working, non-traditional (24+ years old), and first-generation students. The university community is comprised of people from different cultural and religious backgrounds and is actively involved in interfaith and intercultural activities. UVU provides an abundance of resources for both teaching and scholarly activities, such as certifications and workshops through our Office of Teaching and Learning, and a plethora of internal funding opportunities at the University, College, and Departmental levels. Additionally, UVU offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, an excellent retirement program in addition to base salary, and free parking and public transportation passes.

UVU is located in Orem, Utah, at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. We are centrally located along public transportation, which spans from Provo to Ogden, including Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City has a bustling food and arts scene, an international airport, and access to multiple professional sports teams. Along the entire Wasatch Front, you are always within 30 minutes of hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities, along with a variety of family-friendly entertainment options including Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, and the nature discovery museums and gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Additionally, UVU is within four hours of six national parks and the highest concentration of dark sky parks anywhere in the world.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate in bioinformatics or related biological discipline required. Evidence of experience teaching bioinformatics to undergraduate students.
ABD applications will be considered if doctorate verification is received by July 31, 2026

Preferred Qualifications
Strong knowledge of active learning pedagogies and an established record of incorporation of those techniques in the classroom (especially in bioinformatics).
Experience or strategies for teaching at open-enrollment institutions.
Publication record that indicates successful use of bioinformatics and mentorship of undergraduates.
Experience in, and/or commitment to, hybrid and online instruction.

Documents Needed to Apply
Required:

CV
Cover letter
Teaching philosophy-Explanation and justification of teaching practices including statements on applying evidence-based methods for providing an engaging and welcoming learning environment
Research statement - Statement that includes a plan for a research program incorporating undergraduates and addresses the feasibility of that research program at a primarily undergraduate institution. In addition, statement should address how mentor creates a welcoming and engaging research environment

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Experience and/or training in engaging and welcoming teaching and mentoring practices
Demonstrable knowledge of the theory and practice of bioinformatics and research methods in the field of organismal biology.
A record of incorporating evidence-based pedagogy, such as active-learning techniques, and innovative use of instructional technology in the classroom.
A record of curriculum development, effective verbal and written communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
The ability, desire, and skills to mentor undergraduate student research.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/jobs/5112034/faculty-assistant-professor-bioinformatics-organismal-focus

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