Forensics Term Positions - Department of Biology

Assistant Professor – Forensic Biologists

POSITION: The Biology Department at Northern Michigan University invites applications for TWO three-year term faculty positions at the Assistant Professor level beginning August 2024. Northern Michigan University, with ~7,000 students and 194 degree programs, is located along the shore of Lake Superior in the vibrant, historic city of Marquette, consistently named a top spot in the nation to raise a family, vacation, and enjoy an excellent quality of life. These positions will primarily serve the newly developed B.S. Forensic Science degree.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  The assignments will include teaching a range of courses related to forensic science such as Introduction to Forensic Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Microscopy, Forensic Entomology, other areas of forensic science, a career seminar, and advanced courses in area of specialty. Assignments may also include teaching in related fields including human histology, entomology, or insect ecology. We seek forensic biologists committed to teaching and scholarship with active research interests that will involve undergraduate students and will promote our department mission to foster diversity, equity and inclusion in the biological sciences.

QUALIFICATIONS:  The position requires a Ph.D. (ABD considered) in forensic biology or a related field. Applicants must be able to teach in one or more of the specialty areas listed above. Conducting research and engaging students in research at the NMU Forensic Research Outdoor Station (FROST), the NMU outdoor human taphonomy facility, is highly desired.  (https://nmu.edu/frost/facilities).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED – Applicants must have a commitment to teaching.  Successful candidates must have the ability to incorporate active learning strategies and establish an active research program with undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: 

• Demonstrated teaching experience, particularly in areas related to forensic biology. 
• Specialty in an area of forensic biology, particularly human histology (including histology of bone), and/or forensic entomology.
• Plans to conduct research and involve students in research at FROST.
• Experience with and respect for working with human remains
• Expertise with data management, visualization, and analysis
• Commitment to the mission of a public comprehensive university
• Record of successful grant writing
• Record of peer-reviewed publication appropriate to career stage
• Willingness and ability to work interdepartmentally
• Potential for collaborative research with other institutions

The Biology Department has approximately 700 undergraduate students and 30 M.S. students and is committed to excellence in classroom teaching while providing authentic research experiences for students. The department is dedicated to student success through mentoring and career preparation. The Biology Department values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize the intrinsic relationship between diversity and excellence, and we strive to support equitable access to opportunities for learning and development for all students. The department offers programs in a wide variety of biological sciences that lead to a range of career paths, and our courses also serve a range of other associate- and bachelor-level majors on campus. 

The undergraduate majors offered by the department are Biology, Fisheries and Wildlife Management, and Neuroscience, with multiple concentrations in each major, and we offer several pre-professional tracks. The Forensic Science major is currently under development with anticipated start in fall 2024. The research areas of current department faculty span diverse topics in biology from molecular biology to ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. Undergraduate and graduate student involvement is an essential component of these research programs. In addition to teaching and research labs, the department manages a range of facilities and equipment for research and teaching, including a greenhouse, animal facility, confocal microscope, research zoology museum, aquatics laboratory, vehicles, and boats. NMU also houses the Forensic Research Outdoor Station, which allows for the potential to pursue innovative research in the various aspects of human taphonomy.

The review of applicants will begin November 17th, 2023. Applications received after that date will not be considered.  All applicants must include a letter of application, a current CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information (names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers) for three references, and the following 3 statements (2-page limit, single spaced for each): teaching approach, research plans, and plans for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Final hiring for these positions is contingent upon final approval of the proposed Forensic Sciences major. 

NMU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, and is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty.