Resident Assistant Professor of Advanced Imaging and Data Analysis

Description

The Department of Biology at Occidental College invites applications for a full-time Resident Assistant Professor of Advanced Imaging and Data Analysis with appointment to begin September 16, 2025. The first contract will be a 1-year contract, renewable pending a positive performance evaluation and curricular need. Subsequent contracts might be multi-year contracts, pending positive performance evaluation and curricular need. 

The Biology Department is searching for a full-time Resident faculty member specializing in Advanced Imaging and Data Analysis to contribute the teaching of courses such as Research Methods, Computational Biology, Special Topics at the upper division level, and laboratory sections required by existing 100- and 200-level molecular courses (3 course equivalents). The new hire will also hold  the administrative role of Director of a new Imaging and Data Analysis Center (2 course equivalents), with responsibilities including user training, operation and maintenance of various fluorescent microscopes including a Leica Microsystems confocal microscope, a scanning electron microscope, an imaging cytometry system, and high-performance computer workstations. The new hire will serve as the campus-wide Radiation Safety Officer (1 course equivalent). In the first year of the position, training in radiation safety, as it relates to microscopes, regulatory issues, and emergency procedures, will be provided. To accommodate this training work, other duties will be reduced in year 1. Finally, the new hire will be expected to contribute to and participate in the life of the department, contribute to department-level service, and serve as an academic advisor.

We are seeking applicants who have a strong understanding of and experience with various microscopy techniques, proficiency in microscopy data analysis software, an ability to stay current with the latest imaging tools, and a creative approach to problem solving. Strong applicants will work collaboratively with department faculty and staff, effectively mentor undergraduates, and have a broad understanding of potential external funding sources and opportunities, and the ability to craft strong grant proposals to support the imaging center. 

“Resident professor” is a faculty category bargained between the College and the non-tenure track faculty union. Resident faculty are teaching faculty hired to meet long standing curricular needs at the College. They teach foundational courses within a department, and they are expected to participate in department-level service, including but not limited to contributing to department level assessment, student recruiting, program review, and community building within the Resident's department. Resident faculty are also expected to serve as advisors for students in the major or minor and pre-major/minor students (e.g., transfer, first-years). Resident faculty may engage in scholarly activities, but scholarship is not a responsibility of the position. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a Biology-related field. Applicants must hold Ph.D. by the position start date, Sept 16, 2025.
• Ability to teach laboratory sections required by existing 100- and 200-level molecular courses, as well as Research Methods, Computational Biology, and/or Special Topics in Biology at the upper division level.
• At least 2 years of professional or post-doc experience, including peer-reviewed publications, in advanced microscopy and other imaging techniques, as well as computational and data analysis skills related to the large-scale collection, processing, and interpretation of images
• At least 1 year of experience teaching at the college-level and record of pedagogical success
• Demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching, including working effectively with students from minoritized and marginalized communities
• Strong problem-solving skills necessary for troubleshooting equipment and addressing research challenges
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and record of success teaching at a liberal arts college
• Experience with budget management and grant writing
• Experience with software packages (ex. Autodesk Fusion, Matlab, ImageJ, Imaris, Python, C, Dragonfly)
• Ability to create and maintain a website for the Imaging Center

Application Instructions

To be assured full consideration, application materials must be received by July 25, 2025 (9:00 pm PDT).

A complete application includes all of the following:

• Cover letter in which you describe your interest in the position, as well as the education, experience, and/or skills you possess that are relevant to the required and preferred qualifications listed above. In your cover letter, please also explain how your teaching and service align with the mission of Occidental College. (2 pages max.)
• Curriculum Vitae. 
• A teaching statement/philosophy that discusses your chief pedagogical goals and the practices you employ to meet these goals, as well as your record of/commitment to creating and advancing equitable learning opportunities and inclusive pedagogies for a diverse student body. (2 pages max.)
• Two confidential letters of recommendation

Semi-finalists will be invited to interview (remotely) with the search committee to further discuss their qualifications and interest in the position. Finalists will be asked to give a mini-teaching demonstration.

If you have any questions about the position or application instructions, please contact: Dr. Shana Goffredi at sgoffredi@oxy.edu or call 323-259-1470. If you have questions about Interfolio or the application process, please contact the Academic Support Administrator, Beatrice Gonzales, at facultysearch@oxy.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Occidental is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Please see Occidental’s Notice of Non-Discrimination.

Occidental is strongly committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and just environment within which students, staff, and faculty thrive. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through their work are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Individuals whose life experiences and perspectives are underrepresented in the field are particularly encouraged to apply.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. A conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

As a condition of hire for a staff position and for appointment to a faculty position, Occidental College requires that all candidates who have received a conditional offer of employment complete an application form (if they have not already done so) and consent to a background check. Satisfactory completion of a background check, along with pre-employment verifications and references are required as a condition of employment, but only as permitted by federal, state, and local law.

All offers of employment for United States based positions are contingent upon each applicant providing original documents which certify his or her legal right to work in the United States and the timely completion of an employment eligibility verification form I-9.

Occidental College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with qualifying disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application or employment process, please contact Human Resources (hr@oxy.edu).