Position Overview

The Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Engineering and Sciences (CES) at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Lecturer position in Biological Sciences with expertise in microbiology. This is a one-year terminal appointment beginning Fall 2026. The appointment is for the 2026–27 academic year and carries no expectation of renewal or continuation beyond the appointment period.

The academic-year salary range is $60,000–$65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must have an earned doctorate in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, or a closely related field, with expertise in microbiology, by the start date of the appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and laboratory personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Documented teaching experience and a strong commitment to excellence in the classroom.

Primary Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Deliver high-quality instruction in undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses in biology and microbiology, with a commitment to clear, effective, and student-centered teaching.
• Teach microbiology and related biology courses that may support Biology, Nursing, Integrative Human Health, and other health-related programs.
• Prepare course materials, laboratory activities, assignments, assessments, and grading in alignment with departmental expectations and student learning outcomes.
• Communicate regularly with students, provide timely feedback, and support students’ success in lecture and laboratory learning environments.
• Coordinate with faculty, staff, and laboratory personnel to support safe, effective, and well-organized laboratory instruction.
• Participate in course coordination, assessment activities, and department-related teaching activities, as appropriate to the appointment.
• Contribute to limited department-level service activities related to teaching, student support, departmental meetings, and the instructional mission of the Department of Biological Sciences.
• Support a professional and respectful learning environment for students across the department’s programs.

Who we are

CES is home to six academic departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Physics, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, and Mechanical and Civil Engineering. CES is home to approximately 1,300 undergraduate and 200 graduate students and serves as a driver of PNW’s academic excellence and research agenda.

The Department of Biological Sciences is a multi-disciplinary unit serving approximately 440 undergraduate majors and 15 graduate students. The department includes 12 tenure-track and tenured faculty members, two professors of practice, and five staff members. The department offers B.S degrees in Biology and Integrative Human Health as well as an M.S. degree in Biology.

In fall of 2020, a new state-of-the-art, 68,000 sq. ft. Bioscience Innovations Building opened on the Hammond campus. The facility houses the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Nursing. The new building includes flexible teaching and research laboratories, as well as contemporary student interaction spaces. In 2025, a new teaching laboratory was completed on the Westville campus, further strengthening the department’s capacity to support biology and microbiology instruction across PNW’s two campuses. For additional information about the department, see https://academics.pnw.edu/biology/.

What we value

PNW’s values reflect our commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric environment, and excellence (RISE). These values guide our vision toward an evolving and meaningful future.

• Respect
  We embody a culture of compassion, civility, integrity, and dignity in all interactions across our diverse campus community.
• Innovation
  We transform lives through forward-thinking ideas and technologies, pioneering research, and creative academic and community partnerships.
• Student-Centricity
  We place students at the heart of everything we do, meeting them where they are and uplifting them through experiential learning and holistic support inside and outside the classroom.
• Excellence
  We are relentless in pursuing excellence in education, research, institutional operations, and service, always striving for academic and operational distinction.

University Profile

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana in the greater Chicago area and near the Indiana Dunes National Park, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students, including 6,000 core students, in a wide range of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master’s and applied doctoral levels.

Purdue Northwest employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff members for operations at its main campus in Hammond, Ind., and its branch campus in Westville, Ind., plus additional sites in Northwest Indiana including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso, Ind. PNW’s values reflect the university’s commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric university, and excellence.

PNW is consistently ranked among the best public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges report, and is recognized as a First Scholars institution as well an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence, and impact our world, PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development.

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted electronically through the PNW Careers Faculty webpage:

 A complete application includes:

• a cover letter highlighting interests and qualifications,
• curriculum vitae,
• statement of teaching, including teaching philosophy
• unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon employment), and
• contact information for 3 professional references.

Review of applications will begin July 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a successful background check.

Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university. 

Benefits Eligibility

YES

FLSA Status

Exempt