Assistant/Associate Professor, in Biochemistry and Cell & Molecular Biology

Description:

Job Description Summary:

The Assistant or Associate Professor designation in the MBS Department will depend on level of teaching, service, and scholarship experience. They will be expected to excel at teaching graduate-level courses in their area of expertise. This annual position will focus on lecture and laboratory instruction in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Microbiology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities
The individual must be able to teach graduate-level biochemistry, microbiology and cell biology and molecular biology courses, integrating both conceptual knowledge and applied learning. Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to student learning, professional growth, and advancement.
• Demonstrate academic competence in biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, and molecular biology.
• Collaborate with other faculty and departments.
• Maintain a growth mindset toward student learning and teaching practice; remain flexible in adapting course content for different MBS learner cohorts as needed.
• Demonstrate a high degree of self-efficacy, accountability for learner outcomes, and advocacy for student success.
• Collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholder groups within the University to enhance student performance.
• Invest in learners’ well-being, health, and safety—physically, socially, and emotionally.
• Design and facilitate differentiated and personalized learning goals and activities that follow a coherent sequence, align to instructional goals, and engage students in advanced-level cognitive learning.
• Provide both in person and online lecture-based and laboratory-based instruction in microbiology.
• Provide both in person and online lecture-based instruction in biochemistry.
• Provide both in person and online lecture-based instruction in molecular courses as needed.
• Be able to teaching both in person at our Oakland campus and online lectures and laboratories.
• Perform service to the department by participating in departmental meetings.
• Perform service to the University by joining committees, attending seminars, meetings, and trainings.
• Perform scholarship at the level necessary for promotion to the next rank.
• Must be willing to mentor students.

Allocation of Responsibilities: 

Other duties may be assigned.  Time allocated may change.

Time allocated 

Teaching responsibilities  Approx. 80% 

Service Approx. 10%

Scholarship Approx. 10%

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Experience

• Applicant must hold an advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related discipline and have demonstrated expertise in teaching these subjects at a graduate and/or professional level.
• Experience with teaching at a higher academic institution; graduate-level teaching experience strongly preferred.
• Experience teaching microbiology and biochemistry in both lecture and laboratory formats (in-person and online) preferred. This includes experience with laboratory preparation, microscopy, slide preparation/interpretation, and digital resources for analysis.

Work Environment:

Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite

• This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular in-office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and student or team engagement.
• Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; ability to carry, push, pull, kneel, and stoop.
• Must be able to move about campus to accomplish instructional and service tasks.
• Ability to read, write, compose, and edit complex documents.
• Ability to do deskwork/computer work for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to express ideas clearly through verbal and written communication.
• Ability to receive and interpret detailed information through verbal and written communication.

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

The anticipated annual salary range for this exempt position is $100,000 – $120,000. The actual salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and geographic location, as applicable.

Organization:

At Samuel Merritt University (SMU), we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community committed to advancing healthcare through exceptional education, compassionate care, and community service. Known for our leading-edge programs in health sciences, SMU equips students and faculty with the knowledge and skills to make impactful contributions to health and wellness.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SMU welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where anyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.

Benefits

Samuel Merritt University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Education reimbursement
• Employee discounts through Marketplace
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Two floating holidays
• One paid Volunteer Work Day
• Five Education Leave Days

Important Notice: Beware of Fraudulent Job Offers

Samuel Merritt University has been made aware of individuals posing as SMU recruiters, particularly for remote positions. To help protect yourself, please keep the following in mind:

• All legitimate job openings are posted on the SMU Careers page and trusted job boards.
• We will never ask you to provide payment for equipment or submit sensitive personal information before completing the formal hiring process.
• Official offers of employment are issued through Workday, not by text message or informal email.

Please remain cautious and protect your personal information throughout your job search.

Notice to Recruitment Agencies

Samuel Merritt University does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our job application email address, SMU employees, or any other university location.  Samuel Merritt University is not responsible for fees associated with unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions.