Human Resources

The Lake Forest College Biology Department invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) faculty position in Biology. The position starts in August 2026. We are seeking a well-qualified biologist to teach Plant Biology and help in our core courses in Organismal Biology and Ecology & Evolution. In the fall semester, the VAP will teach the upper-level course Plant Biology with lab, and one lab section of our core course Biol 220: Evolution & Ecology. In the Spring semester, the VAP will offer a first-year seminar course that would appeal to students majoring in Biology focused on the primary literature in the in the candidate's area of expertise, and two lab sections of our core course Biol 120: Organismal Biology. A full teaching load is three courses per semester, and labs count as one course. A PhD is required. Demonstrated excellence in teaching beyond traditional TA experience is preferred. Successful candidates will demonstrate enthusiasm for a liberal arts education.

We provide excellent mentoring of undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts college setting. Our department has faculty with federally-funded grants and a modern science building, including tissue culture labs, aquatic and terrestrial vivaria, and a research-grade greenhouse. Members of the Biology Department actively engage in interdisciplinary programs in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Studies, Neuroscience, and a Health Professions Program.

In a single PDF, please send the following: 1) a cover letter that describes your motivation for applying and how a liberal arts environment dedicated to supporting all students aligns with your teaching philosophy, 2) a current CV, and 3) a statement of course expertise and teaching philosophy, preferably including  evidence of teaching effectiveness. Please provide names and contact information for two recommenders. (Letters of recommendation will be requested from those who are chosen for first-round interviews.) All documents should be sent electronically to Professor Sean Menke, biosearch@lakeforest.edu. Application review will begin on February 15 and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Lake Forest College offers comprehensive and competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain talented individuals to further our mission. The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $63,000 and our benefits can be found at Employee Benefits | Lake Forest College.

A highly selective liberal arts college located on Chicago’s North Shore, Lake Forest College enrolls approximately 1,800 students from more than 40 states and from more than 100 countries. Lake Forest is one of the most diverse small colleges in the Midwest with approximately 50% of our student body comprised of domestic students of color and international students. The majority of our STEM pool is female and also includes a significant number of first-generation and other historically underrepresented students. If you are interested in learning more about employment at Lake Forest College, please visit Working at Lake Forest | Lake Forest College