Job Information
Oregon State University Instructor (Biochem / Biophysics) in Corvallis, Oregon
Position Details
Position Information
Department Biochem / Biophysics (SBB)
Position Title Instructor
Job Title Instructor (Biochem / Biophysics)
Appointment Type Academic Faculty
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option? Yes
Job Summary
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, fixed-term Instructor position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head .
Appointment at the Instructor rank is anticipated; however, appointment at a promoted rank may be considered depending upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is a university instructor, with flexibility to be an in-person or remote role per mutual agreement. This role has primary responsibility for developing and delivering university level coursework in Neuroscience and Cell and Molecular Biology related fields, using modern teaching approaches to prepare future leaders in STEM . The instructor will support the development and delivery of a new online Neuroscience undergraduate degree, as well as teaching courses in our existing Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry & Biophysics majors.
The position has asynchronous duties, and synchronous duties that are performed through video teleconferencing if the role is remote, or in-person if the role is in-person. If the role is remote, courses will be delivered asynchronously online, through OSU’s award-winning online education (Ecampus) program, with a commitment to providing engaging, active, and equitable learning experiences to diverse students. If the role is in-person, the position may be assigned to teach a mix of online and in-person courses at the Corvallis, Oregon campus. Course development, when needed, will be conducted largely asynchronously, with some components (such as training sessions) that will be conducted synchronously. The position will involve participation in some regular synchronous duties. These include: meetings with the instructional team and department, service on committees, drop-in office hours for students, reserved time during which students can schedule appointments (totaling approximately 10 hours per week), and 1-2 day-long synchronous “retreat” sessions per year for professional development and team-building. Synchronous work will occur during work hours in the Pacific Time Zone. Instructors in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics contribute to the continued innovation of the department’s undergraduate curricula and academic programs and participate in faculty governance.
The primary mission of OSU’s Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is to provide a program of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral education, and to conduct foundational research and scholarly activities focused on areas that help solve the world’s biggest problems. To accomplish this mission, we have approximately 20 research and instructional faculty. The department is developing an online Neuroscience BS degree, and currently offers BS degrees in Biochemistry and Biophysics and in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ( BMB ), plus a minor in BMB . Our undergraduate population is robust and growing, with over 500 undergraduate majors and minors. In addition, the department offers MS and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and Biophysics. To support our educational mission, we offer a strong portfolio of both in-person and online course work.
Oregon State University’s Ecampus online degree program has ranked in the top 10 online bachelor’s programs in the US every year for more than a decade. OSU offers dozens of degrees through Ecampus. Each program focuses on delivering a top-quality education that is affordable and accessible. The Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics is partnering with Ecampus to develop a cutting-edge online Neuroscience degree program, increasing access and supporting our students in joining this growing field. The successful applicant will share in our instructional team’s longstanding success in offering rigorous, engaging online STEM coursework.
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is a member of OSU’s College of Science ( COS ), which provides a core instructional role at OSU , supporting the ideals of learning, discovery, and engagement that are the foundation of a land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant university. COS embraces instruction and research, in disciplines including the physical, mathematical, statistical, and life sciences, that are based in unbiased inquiry and a dedication to discovery and innovation. COS is committed to partnering with industry and public agencies to address some of the most compelling challenges of today and tomorrow. The College of Science’s strategic plan,Extending the Reach and Impact of Science(https://science.oregonstate.edu/strategic-plan-2022), is aligned with Oregon State University’s mission (https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/strategic-plan), and will develop leadership among land grant universities, guiding the College of Science over the next five years in our aims to lead in inclusive scientific research, education and engagement in Oregon and globally.
OSU has an institution-wide commitment to inclusive excellence, and community. We actively engage in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and student body, We strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. OSU provides leadership opportunities for people interested in promoting inclusive excellence, nurturing creativity and building community. All employees are responsible for helping to maintain and enhance OSU’s collaborative and inclusive community that strives for equity and equal opportunity.
The College of Science is deeply committed to upholding the values of anti-racism, diversity, justice and equity — cornerstones of institutional and scientific excellence. Through our rich collection of people, ideas and perspectives, we engage in a healthy, constructive dialogue to learn, inform our research and make discoveries. Visit the following for further explanation of theCoS vision and principles (https://science.oregonstate.edu/diversity-plan) whichinforms our work to ensure all have equitable access to succeed in science, work to dismantle systems of oppression, embed equity in everything we do and create a climate of trust, understanding and inclusion.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS :
•Top 1.4% university in the world
•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
•217k+ alumni worldwide
•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
•Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
•Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
•Retirement savings paid by the university.
•A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
•Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation! (https://bestplace4workingparents.com/policies/)
Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .
Key Responsibilities
All COS employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to inclusive excellence, including efforts promoting equitable outcomes among all learners.. Visit the following for further explanation ofCoS vision and principles (https://science.oregonstate.edu/diversity-plan) . All faculty are expected to be collegial members of their units, and to perform appropriate service that contributes to the effectiveness of their departments, colleges, University, and professions.
90% Teaching & Course Development
Develop and teach undergraduate courses in the majors delivered by the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics at the level of 11 courses or course-equivalents per year (including summer). OSU operates on the quarter system (four 10-week terms per year). A significant portion of development and teaching will be within the online Neuroscience degree. The incumbent will have the opportunity to help shape this exciting new program
To be successful the incumbent should be able to teach BB 360 (Introductory Neuroscience), BB 314 (Cell and Molecular Biology) and at least two of the following courses with anticipated need: General Biochemistry, Sensory Neuroscience, Current Topics in Neuroscience, Science and Society, student career development, and Scientific Writing.
The position will involve curricular development, including the creation of planned courses for the new Neuroscience degree, and development or redevelopment of courses across our majors, to update them or adapt them for online teaching.
Responsibilities for online teaching include equipping students with the required skillset, facilitating online classroom discussions, creating and assessing engaging and active learning activities, evaluating student performance, preparing students to be leaders in their profession, and creating an inclusive classroom. Teaching innovations and modern pedagogical approaches such as development of open-source publishing of educational materials, incorporation of active learning experiences, problem-based learning, strategies for effective online instruction, and other participation in scholarship of teaching and learning is expected.
The incumbent will provide supervision and direction of undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants.
The pursuit of professional development opportunities is expected.
10% Service
The service component of the position includes service on departmental, college, and university committees; serving as faculty advisor of formal OSU student groups; service on student thesis committees; service to the profession, such as service roles in societies or at conferences; and service to the public, such as in the form of outreach.
What You Will Need
M.S. in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, or related discipline.
A minimum of one year full-time experience (or equivalent) in university level instruction in biochemistry, neuroscience, or related discipline.
Commitment to inclusive excellence, including efforts promoting equitable outcomes among all learners.
What We Would Like You to Have
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, or related discipline.
Training and experience using active learning and other evidence-based pedagogy.
Formal experience with design/delivery of online courses.
Experience in curriculum development.
Research or professional experience in a neuroscience-related field.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
The position may be structured as an in-person role, or a fully remote one, per mutual agreement between the candidate and department.
If the role is in-person: Classroom environment, laboratory environment, occasional night and weekend work may be required, 40 hours / week.
If the role is remote: All work can be performed remotely. Must be available to work during normal Pacific time zone business hours.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $65,000 - $72,000
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/178383
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09835UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 09/16/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 04/02/2026
Full Consideration Date 04/23/2026
Closing Date 05/23/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by April 23, 2026.Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV
Your CV should include a table listing your prior curricular development and teaching experience, including course titles, number of times delivered, whether the course was on the semester or quarter system, modality (in-person, online, etc.), your role (instructor, co-instructor, Graduate Teaching Assistant, etc.), and whether you were the instructor-of-record. ;
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position;
3) A Statement of Teaching/Teaching Philosophy, including your philosophy on online teaching (upload as Statement of Teaching); and
4) Please describe how your past actions and experiences reflect a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and promotion of equitable learning opportunities for individuals and communities with varied cultural, socioeconomic, and lived experiences (upload in Other Document 1).
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
Kenton Hokanson
Kenton.Hokanson@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Supplemental Questions
Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/178776
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.