Working Title: Lecturer, Microbiology
State Role Title: N/A
Position Type: Instructional / Teaching Faculty
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: College of Science and Mathematics
Department: 100006 - Biology Department
Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience
Specify Range or Amount:
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 10/13/2025
About JMU:
Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.
Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.
Who We Are
Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.
General Information:
The Department of Biology at James Madison University invites applications for a renewable term appointment faculty member at the rank of lecturer beginning August 2026. This is a 10-month, full-time, non-tenure track position that is eligible for promotion to Senior lecturer and then Principal lecturer. We seek candidates who value undergraduate teaching and engaging in a collaborative teaching environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate for this position will coordinate and teach our existing microbiology laboratory courses (Bio 245L), which services both Biology and Health Science majors. The successful candidate will work closely with other biology faculty in coordination responsibilities, and in curricular and pedagogical initiatives and their implementation. Coordination responsibilities include the purchase, preparation, and setup of laboratory materials, preparation of course materials, and supervision of undergraduate student assistants, for the microbiology courses in our curriculum. Teaching responsibilities include teaching the undergraduate microbiology laboratories. Involvement in scholarly activity, student mentoring, and departmental service is also expected.
Qualifications:
A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in microbiology or a related field at the time of appointment; potential to develop and/or assess new curricula.
Additional Posting Information:
Please submit the following materials with your application:
• a cover letter that addresses the applicant’s qualifications for the position.
• a Curriculum Vitae
• a teaching statement (2 pages maximum, uploaded under "Statement of Teaching Philosophy") that describes a plan or ongoing approach to:
o effectively teach undergraduate biology and health science students at James Madison University
o coordinate existing general microbiology laboratory courses
o promote a supportive climate for students
• The names and contact information for three professional references that can speak directly to your teaching experience and aptitudes. Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation at the time of application; references will be contacted by phone as candidates move forward in the search process and may be asked to submit letters at a later date.
JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.