The Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama is a flagship department in the College of Arts and Sciences, with one of the highest student enrollments on campus. The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and undergraduates can pursue a concentration in Marine Biology or Environmental Sciences. Additionally, South offers a Master of Science in Biology and students can choose to be mentored by one of the department’s faculty members, which includes renowned experts in a range of biology-related disciplines.
Courses are taught primarily by full-time faculty, and students are provided with research opportunities each semester. Through mentorship, teaching and research, biology faculty foster an environment for active learning where students acquire knowledge in all areas of the field, including ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, microbiology, conservation and global change. South strives for excellence and provides students with the analytical and technical skills necessary to work on microbes, marine mammals, and everything in between. Students from this program graduate as well-rounded alumni capable of pursuing professional, governmental and academic careers to tackle challenges facing our planet.
Passionflower Species Named in Honor of Late Biology Professor
Public Outreach on the Upper Tensaw River
Upcoming bird outreach events featuring Joel Borden
Announcements
Dr. Pérez is looking for undergraduate researchers:
The University of South Alabama Department of Biology seeks applications for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position with expertise in cellular and/or molecular biology starting August 15, 2025. The research area is open, but skills in computational, modeling, or big data analytical approaches are a plus. The successful candidate will be able to teach existing courses, with a strong preference for those able to contribute to our core courses in Cell Biology and/or Genetics. Development of new skills-based curricula in the candidate's specialty area for undergraduate and/or graduate students is desirable.
The successful candidate will develop an extramurally funded research program in their
area of expertise that incorporates undergraduate and graduate students. Research
will be supported by institutional start-up funds, and USA faculty are uniquely eligible
for multiple early career funding opportunities, including NSF-EPSCoR and NSF Building
Research Capacity in Biology awards (BRC-BIO).
Department Information
The Department of Biology is currently the top major in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Alabama. Our award-winning faculty blend excellence in research and teaching with a strong emphasis on student mentorship and training. Our students have high rates of acceptance into professional and graduate schools and ultimately find jobs in their target careers. Explore this website learn more about the Department of Biology, our Vision and Mission.
The department offers both B.S. and M.S. degree programs in Biology. Faculty are also able to recruit PhD students through the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Science.
The University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, Alabama’s oldest city and a key Gulf Coast port. Located close to the white-sand beaches of Dauphin Island and Orange Beach, Mobile has a subtropical climate supporting year-round out outdoor activities. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is the second largest delta in the contiguous U.S. and a National Natural Landmark with a complex network of more than 200,000 acres of tidally influenced rivers, creeks, bays, lakes, wetlands, and bayous hosting fish, birds, and other wildlife. Mobile has a rich cultural heritage of French, Spanish, British, Creole, Greek, and African heritages visible in our diverse cuisine of fresh-caught seafood, soul food, and a farm-to-table movement offering fresh, local ingredients. Mobile also boasts a centuries-old Mardi Gras tradition with a season full of parties, balls, and parades.
Required Qualifications
Earned doctorate in Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or closely related field
with at least 18 graduate semester hours in Biological Sciences by August 14, 2025.
A track record of research productivity, evidenced by a strong publication record.
Potential to attract external research funding consistent with the University’s status
as an R2 research institution and the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.
Strong commitment to student-centered instruction and evidence-based teaching methods.
Strong commitment to student mentoring, advising and other departmental service activities.
How To Apply
Email a single pdf file including in order: (1) cover letter (1-2 pages), (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of teaching philosophy (2 pages), (4) statement of research goals (3 pages), (5) unofficial transcripts, and (6) the contact information for three professional references, to the search chair Jonathan Pérez (jhperez@sjzddclm.com). Official transcripts and letters of recommendation will only be requested for candidates who are invited for an on-campus interview.
Review of applications will begin November 5, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position or the
department can be directed to the search chair Dr. Jonathan Pérez (jhperez@sjzddclm.com).
The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis.