Hybrid Adjunct Faculty in Biology at GVSU

The Biology Department at Grand Valley State University is seeking adjunct instructors for introductory labs, as well as upper level labs and lectures as needed. instructors for the 2025-2026 academic year. Adjunct instructors primarily teach introductory laboratory sections for both majors and non-majors but may be offered other courses depending on need and qualifications. Courses typically meet for 2-3 hours per week. Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• BS or BA degree in Biology or a related field.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills including timely, respectful and empathetic communication with students transitioning to the university setting as well as professional and responsive communication with course coordinators and lab prep staff. 
• Organizational skills and attention to grading deadlines and curricular requirements.

Preferred Qualifications and Education

• MS degree in Biology or a related field.
• Previous teaching experience.

Responsibilities: Lab instructors work with course coordinators and lab support staff to prepare for teaching, implement lab curricula provided, assess and provide timely feedback to students, and submit final grades as instructed. Candidates with graduate degrees (Masters or Ph.D.) may also be asked to teach lecture courses.

Salary/Benefits: Adjunct instructor pay starts at $1000/contact hour but increases for those with a terminal degree and with additional experience teaching at GVSU. Most introductory lab sections are compensated as 2 contact hours for a 3 hour lab. Lectures are compensated 1:1.

Department/College: The Biology Department at Grand Valley State University places an emphasis on teaching excellence using inclusive pedagogies, active scholarship with diverse learners, and equitable service to the university and community. Its 40 full-time faculty uphold the values of a liberal education while providing intensive engagement in the biological sciences. High impact field and lab experiences and community collaboration are hallmarks of our relevant, interdisciplinary curriculum.  There are numerous collaborative opportunities for faculty and students across a wide group of partners within the department, across campus and in the community.

The department has thriving undergraduate majors in Biology (with emphases in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Preprofessional, Preveterinary Medicine, and Secondary Education), Fisheries and Aquatic Science, Natural Resources and Environmental Management, and Wildlife Biology, as well as a master’s degree in biology. The department offers a variety of courses in support of the General Education program and associated majors across the university. The Biology Department is housed in the Kindschi Hall of Science, and is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a vivarium, aquarium, and microscopy room. For more information, see our web site at gvsu.edu/biology or call (616) 331-2470.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

Campus/University:  Grand Valley University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance.

How to Apply: A complete application must include:

• (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU,
• (2) curriculum vitae,
• (3) contact information of three professional references, and (4) graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply).

Apply online at GVSU Careers.  The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview.  If you need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.  Email questions about the position to: [email protected].

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline:  The review process will begin immediately and continue until all course sections are staffed. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.