Graduate Teaching Assistant Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job no: 559020
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Stanislaus - Turlock
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Natural Sciences

Faculty Employment Opportunity

The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Comparative Vertebrate Physiology. We seek a dedicated teacher-scientist with broad training in integrative and comparative vertebrate physiology who is enthusiastic about undergraduate education and committed to student success at a comprehensive, primarily undergraduate university. This position is situated within an academic biology curriculum emphasizing organismal and integrative physiology. Applicants whose primary professional focus is clinical practice, veterinary training, or applied animal sciences are unlikely to find alignment with the scope of this role.

• Teach undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses in comparative vertebrate physiology.
• Contribute to the broader biology curriculum, including introductory courses for majors, courses for non-majors, and upper-division courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise (e.g., embryology, cellular and molecular biology, endocrinology).
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Engage in curriculum development, including the potential development of new courses consistent with departmental needs and candidate strengths.
• Develop and maintain an active research program.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service.
• Employ teaching practices that promote student engagement, academic access, and success across a diverse student population.

Teaching proficiency is the primary criterion for retention, tenure, and promotion in the Department of Biological Sciences. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of effective and reflective undergraduate teaching, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Experience with laboratory instruction is especially valued. The successful candidate will be expected to design, teach, and sustain high-quality laboratory experiences in comparative vertebrate physiology appropriate for undergraduate instruction. Evidence of thoughtful course design, assessment of student learning, and meaningful engagement with students in both classroom and laboratory settings is highly desirable. The typical workload is approximately 80% teaching and 20% advising, service, and other professional responsibilities consistent with university policy. Reassigned time may be available based on scholarly productivity, external funding, significant service assignments, or programmatic needs. Opportunities are available to mentor students in the department’s M.S. program. Teaching graduate courses may be possible, depending on programmatic needs and the candidate’s expertise.

Faculty are expected to develop a sustainable program of scholarship appropriate to a comprehensive university with a teaching-centered mission. The Department values disciplinary research in the life sciences as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning. Candidates should articulate a focused and feasible research agenda capable of producing peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations within the context of the workload. Successful programs often involve meaningful undergraduate participation and may emphasize projects that are scalable, collaborative, or otherwise well-aligned with institutional resources. Experience seeking or obtaining extramural funding is viewed positively. External support that enhances student training or scholarly productivity is encouraged, though not required for success in the position.

• Ph.D. in physiology, integrative biology, organismal biology, or a closely related field (ABD considered if degree is completed by the start date).
• Demonstrated expertise in comparative animal physiology appropriate for undergraduate lecture and laboratory instruction.
• Documented experience in undergraduate teaching, with evidence of commitment to and effectiveness in student learning.

• Experience teaching physiology at the undergraduate level.
• Broad training across vertebrate taxa.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate research or scholarly projects.
• Experience in curriculum development or assessment practices.

A complete application must include:

• Cover letter (maximum 500 words) addressing your qualifications for the position, including your preparation in comparative vertebrate physiology and your interest in contributing to undergraduate education at Stanislaus State.
• References – names and contact information of three references. (Three letters of recommendation will be required of finalists.)
• Teaching statement (maximum 1500 words, excluding captions and references) describing your teaching philosophy, teaching-related activities and accomplishments, and plans for teaching at Stanislaus State. The statement should also address how you design learning environments that promote student engagement, access, and success in STEM fields, especially in the context of a diverse student population.
• Research statement (maximum 1000 words, excluding captions and references) describing your research and scholarly interests, prior research activities, and plans for developing a sustainable research program within the context of a primarily undergraduate institution. The statement should address the feasibility of the proposed research and, where appropriate, how undergraduate students may be involved.
• Transcripts – unofficial copies of graduate school transcripts (official transcripts will be required at the time of hire).

To apply for this position, please click the "Apply Now" button on this page.

Applications close: [date not provided]

Screening of completed application files will begin on September 21 2026. The position will remain open until filled. This appointment begins August 16 2027.

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Anticipated hiring range is $7,075 - $7,287 per month for Assistant Professor (12 monthly payments per academic year). As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package.

The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Individuals with disabling conditions who require accommodation during the recruitment process may contact the ADA Coordinator at (209) 667-3159.

The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse And Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21 2017, as a condition of employment.

Advertised: Jul 10 2026 Pacific Daylight Time