Job Details

Institution: Francis Marion University
Department: Biology
Location: Florence, South Carolina
Type: Full-Time | Category: Biology
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Expected Start Date: August 16, 2026
Position Number: 26-11

Position Summary

Francis Marion University (FMU) and the Department of Biology invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position beginning August 2026. The University seeks candidates with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, research, and service within a comprehensive liberal arts environment.

Faculty Responsibilities

1. Teaching

• Teach Conservation Biology (lecture and lab) once per academic year to Biology and Environmental Science majors.

• Teach introductory Biology and Environmental Science courses as departmental needs require.

• Develop and teach a 300–400-level organismal biology course aligned with the candidate’s expertise, such as ornithology, botany, or mycology.

2. Service

• Contribute to departmental, university, and professional activities including:

  • Academic advising and student recruitment

  • Participation in faculty governance

  • Professional service (e.g., organizing conferences, editorial board participation, or involvement in scientific societies)

3. Scholarship

• Establish and maintain an active research program that:

  • Involves undergraduate students in collaborative inquiry.

  • Produces peer-reviewed publications and contributes to the broader scientific community.

Position Details

• Contract: Nine-month, tenure-track appointment.

• Teaching Load: 7 courses per academic year (21 contact hours; labs count fully).

• Rank and Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Additional Opportunities: Summer teaching assignments available for extra compensation.

• Support: Competitive internal funding for travel, research, and undergraduate projects.

Qualifications

• Required:

  • Earned Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

  • ABD candidates will be considered but must complete their degree prior to the start date.

• Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience teaching human anatomy at the undergraduate level.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Letter of Interest referencing position number 26-11

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Teaching Statement – outlining teaching experience and philosophy

4. Research Statement – detailing research interests, long-term goals, and plans for undergraduate involvement

5. Copies of Transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire)

6. Contact Information for Three References

7. FMU Faculty Application (available here)

Submission Instructions

Send all application materials to:

Dr. Charlene Wages
Vice President for Administration and Planning
Francis Marion University
P.O. Box 100547, Florence, SC 29502-0547

Email: hrassist@fmarion.edu
Fax: (843) 661-1202

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

About the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology comprises 22 faculty members covering diverse biological disciplines. The department emphasizes academic excellence, creative teaching, and student-centered research.
Learn more: www.fmarion.edu/biology

Department Chair Contact:
Dr. Vernon Bauer – vbauer@fmarion.edu

About Francis Marion University

Francis Marion University (FMU) is a state-assisted regional university located on an 800-acre campus serving approximately 4,200 students. FMU is committed to academic freedom, strong faculty governance, and inclusive excellence.

Notable Facilities and Partnerships:

• Wildsumaco Biological Station (Ecuador) – FMU’s international research station.

• Freshwater Ecology Center (FEC) – 146 acres of forest, wetlands, and a 20-acre lake.

• Downtown Florence – FMU’s health sciences buildings and medical campus partnerships with USC, McLeod Regional, and MUSC Health.

FMU is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Top Regional University in the South and has been listed as one of The Chronicle’s Great Colleges to Work For (2013–2025).

About Florence, South Carolina

Florence is the heart of the Pee Dee region, serving a metropolitan area of over 250,000 residents. The city has undergone extensive revitalization and offers a rich blend of arts, culture, and healthcare innovation.
For more information, visit: www.flochamber.com/about-flo

Equal Opportunity Statement

Francis Marion University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution that actively encourages applications from women, minorities, and veterans.
Applicants honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces who meet minimum requirements are given employment preference by all state agencies and higher education institutions in South Carolina.