Tenure Track Faculty Position Assistant Professor – Forensic Biologist

Submitted: 10/07/2026
Submitted By: Angie Mohrman
Department: Biology
Institution: Northern Michigan University
Job type: Tenure-track
Apply by: 11/08/2026
Application Email:
Application URL: https://jobs.nmu.edu/jobs/biology-forensics-assistant-professor-tenure-track-marquette-michigan-united-states

The Biology Department at Northern Michigan University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level beginning August 2027. Northern Michigan University, with ~6,800 students and 170 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. See more at www.nmu.edu/marquette.

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 anatomy & physiology. We will give preference to applicants whose work engages decomposition ecology or related specialties in entomology, microbiology, morphological decomposition, and postmortem interval estimation. The selected candidate will be expected to develop a research program in forensic biology incorporating undergraduate and graduate students.
QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires a Ph.D. in forensic biology or a related field. Applicants must be able to teach in one or more of the specialty areas listed above as well as conduct research which incorporates undergraduate and graduate students.

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, decomposition ecology or related specialties in entomology, microbiology, morphological decomposition, and postmortem interval estimation
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 (https://nmu.edu/biology/programs#Type). 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.

The review of applicants will begin November 8, 2026. 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 2 statements (2-page limit, single-spaced for each): teaching approach and research plans. To apply for this position please visit: https://nmu.edu/biology/forensic-biologist-faculty-search and follow the apply now button.

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.