BACKGROUND

The Biological Sciences Department at Salem International University is expanding into the area of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. As we do, we invite applications and nominations for a faculty appointment in the Biological Sciences Department, specifically for someone who can lead our department in this area of specialization.

Salem International University is a small, private institution in the beautiful hills of West Virginia. We are unique in our mission, in that we are dedicated to the education of an international student body, in a way that provides each student with the tools and the perspectives to move forward in their professional as well as personal lives, with the international perspective that can only come from living in a multicultural intellectual as well as interpersonal environment. As testament to this, the current student body has representatives from 32 different countries.

The Biological Sciences Department at Salem International University is based in the Carlson Hall of Science, which is exceptionally well equipped, both with the traditional tools of modern biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as being the hub of an internet-wired campus. The department is dedicated to the education of its students using a very interactive and hands-on approach. We are in the process of re-shaping our curriculum to emphasize three things: 1) the teaching of science from the perspective of how scientists actually learn; 2) the teaching of science in a cross-disciplinary and integrated approach; and 3) the use of laboratory experiences to reinforce the learning process. We are looking for someone who wants to be totally engaged in the development of this department and, as a result, this institution.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will be energetic, both intellectually and as a leader of young students, as well as someone who embraces the entire culture of teaching and personal mentoring. The ideal candidate will have an academic background centered in computer science, with associated skills in mathematics and algorithm development. The candidate will be comfortable working with the colleague faculty, whose expertise is more oriented towards more traditional genetics and biochemistry, to create a fully functional computational biology area of specialization. The ideal candidate has either an earned doctorate, or ABD, in a relevant field of study.

HOW TO APPLY

The position reports to the Chair of Biological Sciences. Applications should include a cover letter, a full academic CV, a one-page vision statement of a plan to develop this program of Computational Biology, and a list of at least three academic and professional references. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications. Questions may be addressed to bertocci[at]salemiu.edu. Applications in hard copy should be directed to: Loren A. Bertocci, Chair of Biological Sciences, Salem International University, 233 Carlson Hall, Salem WV 26426. Questions may be directed either via email at bertocci[at]salemiu.edu or to 304-782-5575. This position has an intended start date of 3 January 2005.