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.
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Announcements
Faculty Opening - Microbiologist
The University of South Alabama Department of Biology seeks applications for a full-time
(9-month) tenure-track Assistant Professor position with expertise in microbiology
or microbial ecology starting August 15, 2026. Candidates should have a doctorate
in Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Microbial Ecology, Molecular Biology or closely
related field with at least 18 graduate semester hours in Biological Sciences. ABD
candidates will be considered, but an earned doctoral degree is required prior to
August 15, 2026. The research area is open, but skills in computational, modeling,
or big data analytical approaches are a plus. The successful candidate will be able
to teach existing courses, with a strong preference for those who can contribute to
courses in Molecular Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Cell Biology and/or Genetics.
Development of new skills-based curricula in the candidate's specialty area for undergraduate
and/or graduate students is desirable.
The successful candidate must be able to work legally in the United States without
visa sponsorship.
The successful candidate will have (1) a track record of research productivity, evidenced
by a strong publication record and successful extramural funding. Postdoctoral experience
is preferred; (2) an established track record or potential to attract external research
funding; (3) a strong commitment to student-centered instruction and evidence-based
teaching methods; and, (4) a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student
mentoring, advising and other departmental service activities.
The successful candidate 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 top 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. To learn more about the Department of
Biology, our Vision and Mission please see our website: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/artsandsci/biology/mission.html.
The department offers both B.S. and M.S. degree programs in Biology. Faculty are also
able to recruit PhD students through the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental
Science.
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 200,000 acres 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 (2 pages), (4) statement of research goals
(3 pages), (5) unofficial transcripts, and (6) the contact information for three professional
references, to the search chair, Dr. Jeremiah Henning (henning@southalabama.edu).
Official transcripts and letters of recommendation will only be requested for candidates
who are invited for an on-campus interview.
Review of applications will begin October 31, 2025, and continue until the position
is filled. Questions regarding the position or the department can be directed to the
search chair, Dr. Jeremiah Henning (henning@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.