The Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama is a flagship department in the College of Arts and Sciences, with one of the highest student enrollments on campus. The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and undergraduates can pursue a concentration in Marine Biology or Environmental Sciences. Additionally, South offers a Master of Science in Biology and students can choose to be mentored by one of the department’s faculty members, which includes renowned experts in a range of biology-related disciplines.
Courses are taught primarily by full-time faculty, and students are provided with research opportunities each semester. Through mentorship, teaching and research, biology faculty foster an environment for active learning where students acquire knowledge in all areas of the field, including ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, microbiology, conservation and global change. South strives for excellence and provides students with the analytical and technical skills necessary to work on microbes, marine mammals, and everything in between. Students from this program graduate as well-rounded alumni capable of pursuing professional, governmental and academic careers to tackle challenges facing our planet.
Announcements
The University of South Alabama Department of Biology seeks applications for two full-time (9-month) tenure-track Assistant Professor positions, starting August 15, 2027.
Position One
The first candidate should have a background in Microbiology and should also integrate her/his research with other disciplines such as molecular biology, ecology, physiology, genetics, or any biology-related field. Preference will be given to candidates able to teach existing courses such as General Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Cell Biology and/or Genetics. Skills in computational, modeling, or big data analytical approaches are a plus. Development of new skills-based curricula in the candidate's specialty area for undergraduate and/or graduate students is desirable.
Position Two
The second candidate is for an integrative or organismal biologist with a primary focus on understanding processes within organisms that drive performance and may affect processes at ecological or evolutionary scales. Preference will be given to a candidate able to teach existing core courses in Ecology/Evolution and/or Cell Biology/Genetics and upper electives courses such as Entomology and Invertebrate Biology, and/or Developmental Biology, or Plant Physiology. Skills in computational, modeling, or big data analytical approaches are a plus. Development of new skills-based curricula in the candidate's specialty area for undergraduate and/or graduate students is desirable.
Requirements
Successful candidates are expected to have earned a doctoral degree prior to August 15, 2027, and be able to work legally in the United States without visa sponsorship. Applicants who are currently ABD (all-but-dissertation) will be considered, but all Ph.D. degree requirements must be completed prior to the start date.
Successful candidates will have (1) a track record of research productivity, evidenced by their scientific publications and record of, or potential to attract, external research funding; postdoctoral experience is not required but is preferred; (2) a strong commitment to student-centered instruction and evidence-based teaching methods; and, (3) a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student mentoring, advising and other departmental service activities. Successful candidates will develop an extramurally-funded research program in their area of expertise that incorporates undergraduate and graduate students. Research will be supported by institutional start-up funds, and USA faculty are eligible for multiple early career funding opportunities.
Department Information
The Department of Biology is currently the largest major in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Alabama. Our award-winning faculty blend excellence in research and teaching with a strong emphasis on student mentorship and training. Our students have high rates of acceptance into professional and graduate schools and ultimately find jobs in their target careers. The department offers both B.S. and M.S. degree programs in Biology. Faculty may mentor Ph.D. students through the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Science.
Geography & Culture
The University of South Alabama is in Mobile, Alabama’s oldest city and a key Gulf Coast port. Located near the white-sand beaches of Dauphin Island and Orange Beach, Mobile has a subtropical climate supporting year-round outdoor activities. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is the second largest delta in the contiguous U.S. and a National Natural Landmark with a complex network of more than 800 km2 of tidally influenced rivers, creeks, bays, lakes, wetlands, and bayous hosting fish, birds, and other wildlife. Mobile has a rich cultural heritage of French, Spanish, British, Creole, Greek, and African heritages visible in our diverse cuisine of fresh-caught seafood, soul food, and a farm-to-table movement, offering fresh, local ingredients. Mobile also boasts a centuries-old Mardi Gras tradition with a season full of parties, balls, and parades.
How To Apply Email a single pdf file including, in order: (1) cover letter (1-2 pages), (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages), (4) statement of research goals (1-3 pages), (5) unofficial transcripts, and (6) the contact information for three professional references, to the search chair, Dr. Juan Luis Mata (jmata@southalabama.edu).
All-but-dissertation (ABD) candidates will be required to provide a letter of recommendation from their current mentor at time of application. All other letters will be requested after the zoom interview. Official transcripts will be required prior to hiring.
Review of applications will begin October 3, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding the position or the department can be directed to the search chair, Dr. Juan Luis Mata (jmata@southalabama.edu).
The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.