Job Duties
Job Description
The Department of Biology at Norfolk State University invites applications for a nine-month tenure track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The department offers a diversity of options that are outlined in three curriculum models, each of which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Review of Applications will begin October 30, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. This position opened on October 20, 2025 and there is a five consecutive workdays minimum posting requirement. The selected candidate will begin August 2026.
We seek an accomplished biomedical scientist with a proven track record in grantsmanship and expertise in biomedical and/or health disparities research. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing NSU’s research ecosystem and contribute to the overall growth and success of the Department’s planned new MS and PhD programs.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will share departmental responsibilities with a dynamic and productive biology faculty. Some of the departmental responsibilities include assisting with curriculum development and assessment activities, participation on committees, undergraduate mentoring and participation in recruitment and retention activities.
Overview of the Department
Applicants are encouraged to visit for more information on the Department of Biology.
NSU Teaching Philosophy for Underrepresented Populations
Norfolk State University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for all students regardless of background. Candidates must include a statement that reflects their philosophy and experience working with initiatives or with students and communities from underrepresented populations.
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is a comprehensive urban public, doctoral granting institution committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service. The University is a top ranked and largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with nationally recognized STEM programs and enrolls 6,000 students in over thirty undergraduate and nineteen on-line & in-person graduate programs. Norfolk State University garners over $20M in annual grant acquisitions, has as an NCAA Division I athletic program with fifteen sports that boasts three regular season MEAC conference championships in men’s basketball, and a coveted marching band as winners of the 2024 Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands.
About the City of Norfolk
Norfolk is one of seven cities that make up the Hampton Roads Region. With a population of about two million, Hampton Roads is the 33rd largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the nation, the 8th largest metro area in the Southeast, and the 2nd largest between Atlanta and Washington, DC. It is home to the world's largest naval base, the Port of Virginia, one of the world's leading maritime gateways, and NATO’s only North American headquarters (NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation). By virtue of its strategic location, it is a cosmopolitan area with many minority groups from every corner of the world. Norfolk has big city amenities and attractions of arts and culture, as well as cuisines of the Eastern Seaboard and is a home port for Carnival Cruise Lines year-round with other cruise lines using Norfolk as a port-of-call. In addition, the region boasts accessible parks, riverfronts, beaches, and numerous festivals, all favorable for weekend getaways.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field with broad training in biology.
2. A record of excellent scholarship.
Additional Considerations
3. At least three years of training as a post-doctoral fellow.
4. Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate and future graduate courses in biomedical science-related areas.
5. Demonstrated ability to secure external funding to support a vibrant biomedical research program.
6. Experience in mentoring graduate and post-doctoral trainees in biomedical research.
7. Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate research via mentoring of undergraduate research students and/or use of course based undergraduate research experiences (CURES).
8. Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with students from diverse backgrounds.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit:
1 Application materials should be submitted the Commonwealth of Virginia Jobs Website using the following link and include the following materials.
1. State application
2. Cover letter
3. Curriculum vitae
5. Teaching Philosophy
Some requirements must be saved into one file and attached as “other” to the state application.
Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation that should be submitted directly to the Chair of the Biology Department via email using the information below:
Subject: Position # F0319
Email:
Applicants selected for first consideration will be invited for an initial interview via Zoom. Finalists will be invited to campus for an in-person interview. Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. This position opened on October 20, 2025 and there is a five consecutive workdays minimum posting requirement.
Application and/or résumé for this position must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Job Board/Recruitment Management System (RMS). Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of Virginia Employees Only), must attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from either the electronic application and/or resumé. RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position.
Norfolk State University conducts background checks on all candidates identified as a finalist for employment consideration. The type of background check(s) performed are dependent upon the type of position for which you have been identified as a finalist and may include: criminal history, including sexual offender registry checks, reference checks, degree validation, DMV (driving) records, license verification, and credit report reviews. The results of background checks are made available to university employing officials. As a finalist, you will be required to sign an Authorization to Release form. Norfolk State University utilizes Form I-9 and E-verify in the verification of eligibility for employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
EEO STATEMENT
NSU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. NSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
Contact Information
Name: Norfolk State University
Phone: 757-823-8160
Email: Emailed material not accepted
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.