Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Central Washington University is recruiting a Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences to join our Biological Sciences team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $70,000 - $75,000 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits. Who we are: We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams. Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students. Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seven out of eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus. Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. What we offer: Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator . The Role: The Department of Biological Sciences at Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, seeks a colleague specializing in population or community-level freshwater fish ecology to join the faculty in a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning September 16, 2026. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to engaged teaching, student-centered research, and inclusive mentoring of students at the undergraduate and Master's degree level. We particularly value potential to collaborate with Tribal Nations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations; address regional conservation issues; and provide students with experiential learning and professional development opportunities beyond the classroom. Teaching responsibilities will involve field and laboratory courses at introductory through advanced levels, including general biology, general ecology, and ichthyology, as well as other courses within the candidate's area of specialization. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse career paths, including those who have achieved excellence in non-academic or academic settings. At CWU, we pride ourselves in creating transformative educational environments that encourage personal growth and success, producing a model learning community of access and opportunity. To further this mission and vision, we nurture culturally sustaining practices that expand access and success to all students. We are committed to fostering high-impact practices, sustainability, and authentic community partnerships that are grounded in meaningful relationships. For more information about the Department of Biological Sciences, see . This is an in-person position located at the Ellensburg campus. Minimum Qualifications Ph.D. in a biological discipline or closely related field awarded by the position start date; Research expertise in an area of freshwater fish ecology with a focus on populations or communities; Demonstrated commitment to the use of inclusive teaching methods that will engage, inspire, and foster the academic and professional success of all students; Capacity to engage and mentor undergraduate and Master's students in a research program. Preferred Qualifications University-level teaching experience; Experience or training in developing student-centered curriculum, assessing learning outcomes, and/or engaging students in field or laboratory-based inquiry; Demonstrated commitment to working with Tribal, government, and non-profit management groups; Demonstrated commitment to engaging and/or mentoring students from underserved backgrounds in research, academic, or professional opportunities, including participation in programs designed to broaden participation of students in STEM; Postdoctoral or other post-graduate research or professional experience; Potential to contribute to or develop additional courses related to fish ecology, such as limnology, wildlife and fisheries ecology, conservation biology, ecological connectivity, or response to environmental change; Potential to contribute to a strong program in field biology through teaching and/or research activities. Competencies Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules. Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action. Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support. Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives. Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive. Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for! Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule Annual Salary : $70,000 - $75,000 , based on a full-time nine-month appointment. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Appointment: Full-Time, Tenure-Track, 9 Month Appointment. Additional Summer teaching may be available. Central Washington University is on the quarter system with appointments from mid-September through mid-June. Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance. CWU Benefits, Perks & Discounts Overview . Additional Information: For additional information about the University, visit: For additional information about Ellensburg, visit: OR NOTE: Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time How To Apply To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach: A detailed cover letter clearly addressing how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate your ability to perform responsibilities as described by the posting; Curriculum Vitae including work history, education, training, and contact information for three professional references, including at least one who can specifically comment on teaching; Teaching statement that includes your teaching philosophy, indicates courses you are willing/able to teach, and how your teaching, service, and/or scholarship has supported students from pluralistic societies that are underrepresented in their academic fields (applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should note how their work will further CWU's commitment to access and opportunity); Research statement that details plans for development of a research program at CWU that will engage undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of backgrounds in research and describes plans for obtaining extramural funding for predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs); Unofficial copies of transcripts of highest degree held. Screening Begins: December 12, 2025 NOTE: Although copies of transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, all job offers are contingent upon verification of highest degree. Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Contact Information Name: Dr. Alison Scoville Title: Search committee chair Email: Phone: 509-962-2802 Website: Please contact Human Resources at or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process. Conditions of Employment Background Check/Reference Check Process: Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access. The conditions of employment with Central Washington University are set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Central Washington University and United Faculty of Central, University policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal laws. The Collective Bargaining Agreement may be found here: CWU Faculty Relations. Notice to Prospective Employees:Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email . Reasonable Accommodations Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.

Created: 2026-03-10