Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Microbiology

About Western Illinois University:

Recognized as a "Best Midwestern College" by the Princeton Review. Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 5,500 students at its traditional, residential campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non-residential branch campus in Moline, IL.

Job Description:

APPOINTMENT:
Tenure-track appointment beginning August 20, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES:
For appointment as an assistant professor, the successful candidate's primary focus will be teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Biological Sciences. Ability to teach classes in microbiology and genetics is required. Additional courses may be developed, depending on the candidate's interests and expertise.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills with undergraduate and graduate students and serve on university committees as well as advise undergraduate clubs. This is a nine-month full time tenure track appointment with the potential for summer teaching and research opportunities.

RANK & SALARY:
Assistant Professor, 9-month appointment. $7242-$7966 per month, commensurate with experience.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits.

These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include:
Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA. For a full list of benefits as a WIU employee, please visit our Benefits Homepage: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). vpas//benefits/.

For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR-Benefits or by calling .

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned doctorate in Biological Sciences or closely related discipline is required by the start of contract.
• The candidate must have demonstrated ability and enthusiasm to teach and conduct research related to their area of expertise.
• Candidate is expected to meet the physical requirements of conducting field research.
• Evidence of actual or potential success in teaching, research, and service is also expected.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates with practical knowledge and experience with newer technologies are desired.

For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.

Additional Information:

THE UNIVERSITY:

About WIU

Since 1899, Western Illinois University has provided outstanding educational opportunities to individuals in west central Illinois and well beyond our region and state. WIU's traditional residential campus in Macomb, Illinois, is the educational, cultural and athletic center of the region, while the WIU-Quad Cities non-residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois, is the only public university in the immediate Quad Cities region.

WIU-Macomb, IL:
Western's traditional, residential main campus offers a comprehensive slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctorate in education, and post-baccalaureate certificates. A diverse community in west central Illinois, Macomb features a unique blend of agriculture, industry, service, retail, education, and culture. Macomb serves as the county seat, with connections across the state with Amtrak providing twice-daily service from Macomb to Chicago (and point in between).

Macomb is located approximately 75 miles from the Quad…