Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology (Cell and Molecular Focus)

Working Title :

Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology (Cell and Molecular Focus)

Appointment Type : Full Time

Purpose of Position :

The Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science at Christopher Newport University invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) beginning Spring 2026. This is a full-time, non-tenure track appointment through Summer 2027, with the possibility of continuation. The department is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to their success. A Ph.D. in Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field is required for appointment at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor. ABD candidates who will not hold the Ph.D. by the time of appointment may be considered for appointment at the rank of Visiting Instructor.

We seek a broadly trained biologist with disciplinary expertise in any subfield of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and / or physiology. Applicants able to bridge their expertise with environmental science ( sensu lato ) are especially encouraged to apply and highlight those connections in their letter of interest and teaching statement. The successful candidate will contribute to both undergraduate and graduate teaching in our department and help advance our recent dual-enrollment initiative with regional high school teachers. The VAP will play a key role in this initiative, which is focused on preparing high-school teachers to teach introductory college-level biology, by developing graduate-level coursework for the departments Master of Science in Environmental Science program in their area of expertise. The successful candidate will be expected to offer evening in-person and asynchronous online instruction to help support the growth and development of that initiative as well as our degree-seeking graduate students. In addition, the VAP will also help contribute to existing foundational and upper-level undergraduate courses in the department, with specific assignments based on expertise and departmental needs. The nominal teaching load for this appointment is 4-4.

Departmental Information :

The Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science (BCES) is composed of 34 faculty members and is housed in the $80 M integrated science building, which includes modern teaching and research laboratories and classroom spaces for faculty in multiple disciplines. The department oversees roughly 770 students in pursuit of a B.S. degree in Biology (with majors in Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Biology, Integrative Biology, Organismal and Environmental Biology, and Kinesiology), a B.A. in Biology, and a B.S. in Chemistry (with majors in Chemistry, and Biochemistry), and works in conjunction with the Psychology Department to support the B.S. degree in Neuroscience. Our faculty are committed to high-impact teaching practices, undergraduate mentorship, and collaboration across disciplines.

The department also houses our Master of Science in Environmental Science program which, aside from our dual-enrollment initiative, provides a thesis and non-thesis M.S. degree track for students interested in careers and / or future graduate work in the environmental sciences. Coursework in the graduate program encompasses both the biological and chemical science expertise of our faculty to provide an interdisciplinary experience for our graduate students. Candidates wishing to know more about the department and its academic programs are invited to visit our website. Because our department recently merged, further information about our programs can also be found on the former [Organismal and Environmental Biology, https : / / cnu.edu / academics / departments / oenb / ] and [Molecular Biology and Chemistry, https : / / cnu.edu / academics / departments / mbch / ] departmental websites. Information about the graduate program may be found here : https : / / cnu.edu / academics / departments / oenb / graduateprograms / .

CNU Information :

Christopher Newport University is a public liberal arts and sciences institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, research and student success. Our efforts are guided by our vision : Anchored in excellence and focused on students, Christopher Newport University aspires to be the nations premier regional public university, offering an innovative education embedded in the liberal arts that advances the values of honor, service, scholarship, and leadership to empower graduates to lead lives of significance.

Located in Newport News, Virginia, CNU enrolls approximately 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 90 areas of study. Our modern, walkable campus features world-class arts facilities, advanced technology, and a close-knit community that fosters collaboration and discovery. Just minutes from family neighborhoods, locally-owned businesses, historic sites, unique cultural attractions, and beautiful parks and a short drive to beaches, Colonial Williamsburg, and Norfolk CNU offers an exceptional place to advance your career, contribute to a community of scholars, and inspire the next generation.

Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit http : / / www.cnu.edu.

Posting Number : F265P

Posting Date : 09 / 30 / 2025

Review Begin Date : 10 / 20 / 2025

Application Instructions :

To apply, please visit https : / / jobs.cnu.edu / postings / to upload a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts (photocopies acceptable for initial screening), statement of teaching philosophy, a one-page statement articulating how your teaching, scholarship and service would contribute toward fostering an inclusive learning environment on campus, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation. (Letters should be uploaded with application materials or emailed to facultyrecruitment@cnu.edu ).

Review of applications will begin on October 20, 2025 .

Applications received after October 20, 2025 will be considered only if needed.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and / or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Quick Link for Internal Postings :

https : / / jobs.cnu.edu / postings / 19896

EEO / Diversity Statement(s) :

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity. Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement