Employment Opportunities at USD

5632

The Biology Department at the University of San Diego, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a comprehensive program that exposes undergraduate students to concepts across the breadth of biology from the molecular level to ecosystems. In our research-rich curriculum, we emphasize the process of science and the development of skills used in laboratory or field experimental procedures, data analysis and critical reasoning, and communication. Fundamental to our program is a commitment to providing independent research and internship opportunities, which encourage students to work self-sufficiently and assume ownership of their learning as they prepare for graduate and professional schools, teaching in the life sciences, and work in applied biology. Our curriculum also  supplements other major studies with a broad background in biology.

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

The USD Biology Department seeks applications for a part-time instructor for the following courses for Fall 2026 (in-person modality).  

BIOL 212 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 - meets weekly MWF 12:20 – 1:15 pm (lecture) and  Thursdays 2:30 – 6:30 pm (lab).   Course description: The first semester of a two-semester sequence on the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology. The biological function and structure of the cells, tissues, and major organ systems in the body will be covered, along with basic concepts of chemistry and physics. The course will also cover the pathological conditions that are most often seen by medical personnel and will discuss how the loss of homeostasis leads to pathology or disease. 

BIOL 240 Bioenergetics & Systems – lecture meets weekly on MWF 12:20 – 1:15 pm.  Course description: This one-semester course for biology majors provides an introduction to the mechanisms of energy flow within cells and between organisms and the environment. Lecture topics will include cellular respiration and photosynthesis, organismal physiology and locomotion, and ecological interactions. 

BIOL 240L Bioenergetics & Systems Lab – meets weekly on Fridays 1:25 – 5:25 pm.  Course description: The BIOL 240 laboratory will include inquiry into the mechanisms of physiology, including testing novel hypotheses concerning bioenergetics. 

BIOL 242 Genomes & Evolution  – lecture meets weekly on TuTh 9:15 – 10:35 am.  Course description: This one-semester course for biology majors provides an introduction to the mechanisms of information flow through organisms and their lineages. Lecture topics will include the use and change of hereditary information in DNA, the mechanisms of evolution, and the relationships among major groups of organisms. 

BIOL 309 Research Methods  – meets weekly on Wednesdays 2:30 – 6:30 pm.  Course description: Students focus on a specific small-scale research project in the instructor’s area of expertise while developing basic methods and skills common to all research in Biology. Topics include use of literature, hypothesis formation and hypothesis testing with statistical inference, and critical evaluation of data. 

Lecture and lab courses carry a 3-unit teach load each. Part-time instructors are required to hold 1.5 hours of in-person office hours per course taught.

When applying, you may indicate interest in one or more of the positions listed above. Please note specific days and meeting times. Part-time instructors will not teach more than 6 units (faculty load) per semester.

This position is included in the Non-tenure Track Bargaining Unit, and the successful applicant employee, subject to the terms of the College’s Collective Bargaining will be a bargaining unit member and will be subject to the University’s Agreement with SEIU Local 721

This is a part-time temporary, non benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A master's degree in biology or in a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A terminal degree in biology or in a closely related field.

Preference will be given to applicants with teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Compensation for this position will be paid on a bi-weekly basis at a per-unit rate of $2,581-$2,659, commensurate with qualifications.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until positions are filled.

Applicants are asked to submit the following materials.

1. A brief letter of application
2. Curriculum vita
3. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters.

Please address questions to Valerie Hohman, department chair at vhohman@sandiego.edu.

Click Apply Now to complete our online application. If you have any technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.