Botany/Biology, Assistant (Tenure-Track) Professor Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 14598)

Description

Position Summary  

The Life Sciences Program is seeking qualified applicants for one full-time tenure-track position focusing on Botany, with a preference for individuals who also have experience teaching General Biology and/or Plant Identification and Classification. Preferred applicants will utilize effective teaching skills and have the ability to engage and challenge students. The department is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working in a diverse setting and are committed to attracting and supporting faculty that represent the diversity of our student population. Applicants who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas. Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate a variety of teaching styles and classroom techniques that will support community college students.   

Life Sciences faculty perform duties and responsibilities under the general direction of the Provost and are responsible primarily to the Dean of the Science Division.  Full-time Life Sciences faculty are expected to teach a variety of botany/biology courses while creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for a diverse student population. Faculty are also expected to advise students, assist in curricula development, participate in college governance and initiatives, and provide leadership in the Life Sciences program.  Applicants must also maintain currency in content expertise and teaching pedagogy.

The successful candidate must reside in Washington State by the start of the position and demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching in person. This includes teaching on the Bellevue College campus and participating in non-teaching duties such as committee service, advising, and professional development activities. While there may be opportunities to teach online or hybrid courses, faculty are expected to maintain a significant presence on campus to support students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to the college community.

Furthermore, we seek candidates who embrace culturally responsive pedagogy, value diverse perspectives, and demonstrate an ability to create welcoming learning spaces that foster student success. Candidates with experience advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice in their teaching, scholarship, or service are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $81,757.08/year - $114,664.94/year

Annual salary is based on a 176-day contract with a minimum of $81,757.08; beginning salary will be determined by the assessment of the candidate's education and related experience. New hires start no higher than $87,663.74 unless exceptional circumstances prevail. Certain positions may also be eligible for assignment/project-based additional compensation, including a High Demand Stipend up to $8,350 annually, prorated based on the discipline and duration of the assignment. All additional compensations are subject to change depending on funding and negotiated agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid personal leave plan; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

In addition to teaching, full-time faculty maintains office hours and participate in department and college activities. This position is represented by the Bellevue College Association of Higher Education (BCAHE) union.

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued, respected, and supported. We recognize that diversity enriches the educational experience and strive to address barriers to access and success for historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

The Science Division at Bellevue College is committed to fostering a passion for discovery and scientific inquiry through high-quality education, innovative research, and community engagement. We offer a diverse range of courses and programs that prepare students for academic advancement, professional careers, and lifelong learning in the sciences. The Science Division provides opportunities for students to explore and pursue degrees in STEM. Our Division has set a goal of reducing opportunity gaps and we are engaging in conversations and initiatives to address these within our pedagogical and organizational practices.

The Life Sciences Program includes courses in Biology, Botany and Nutrition, offering students an engaging and comprehensive education in the biological sciences. Designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of living systems, the program prepares students for academic transfer, careers in science, and informed citizenship in a rapidly evolving world.

Essential Functions  

Teaching duties include:              

• Teach seven 6-credit lab classes per academic year, or an equivalent course load.  Laboratory classes typically have 28 students and are taught on campus.
• Create and revise course materials, including varied assessments of student knowledge.
• Design and facilitate learning experiences centered around student needs and interests by using varied instruction methods and resources.
• Hold at least five weekly office hours per academic quarter and generally assist students one-on-one both through electronic media and in-person.
• Use data, self-reflection and student/colleague feedback to revise your instruction, improve student success and better serve historically underserved, underrepresented, or marginalized student populations (e.g. students with disabilities, student of color, first generation college students, LGBTQIA+ students, Veterans, English language learners, etc.).
• Grade and/or provide useful feedback to students in a way that promotes student understanding and improvement. Assign overall course grades.

Non-teaching duties include:

• Participate in curriculum design, assessment, and revisions aimed at 1) improvement of course relevancy and 2) promotion of educational equity in the classroom.
• Engage in professional-development opportunities on-and-off campus to maintain currency in botany, research and teaching methodology, and to stay up-to-date on campus programs and policies.
• Contribute to the department through service such as textbook selection, curriculum design, feedback regarding department policies and procedures, program and course-level effectiveness assessments, mentoring of adjunct faculty, and more.
• Contribute to the division, college, and community, such as through representation of faculty and department interests on division-wide and campus-wide committees, and participation in campus-wide efforts to dismantle barriers that can impact underrepresented and historically marginalized student populations.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Master's degree or higher from an accredited institution in Botany, Biology or related fields
• Documented experience in teaching Botany at the undergraduate level
• Experience mentoring and/or advising students with diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications  

• Training and/or experience to effectively implement varied teaching methods (e.g. inquiry-based and project-based learning, group activities, active learning)
• Experience teaching Plant Identification and Classification
• Experience teaching General Biology
• Experience in working with underrepresented populations in STEM fields
• Experience with curriculum development and/or assessment
• Demonstrated ongoing professional development
• Experience in governance or other service to a campus, community, or workplace

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is eligible for relocation allowance.
• Sponsorship for employment-based visa may be an option for full-time tenure-track faculty position only and depending upon applicants qualification.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 02/21/2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. This position will begin Fall Quarter, 2025.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Attach a statement of your Teaching Philosophy (max 2 pages)
• Attach a Diversity Statement  (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, background or philosophy demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity, and how these prepare you to contribute to Bellevue College. Please note that your Diversity Statement must be a separate response from your Teaching Philosophy
• Attach a copy of academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be submitted - official transcripts required upon employment)
• Complete Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu. 

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .

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