The State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego) has earned a respected place in the academic world for its commitment to high-impact teaching, student-focused mentorship and collaborative research. At the heart of this educational vision lies the Department of Biological Sciences – an intellectually vibrant hub that integrates classroom instruction with hands-on exploration. Now, the department is offering a remarkable opportunity for a talented and driven individual to join the team as an Assistant Professor of Botany.
This tenure-track position presents an exciting path for professionals who are passionate about plant science, undergraduate research and transformative learning experiences. The role is more than a teaching job; it’s a career-defining opportunity to shape the academic and personal journeys of future scientists within a university that genuinely values diversity, innovation and community engagement.
Located in the scenic city of Oswego in upstate New York, SUNY Oswego blends the serenity of nature with the cutting-edge pace of higher education. As an institution known for academic excellence and inclusive practices, it continues to push boundaries by investing in state-of-the-art facilities and recruiting world-class faculty.
The Department of Biological Sciences is a perfect example of this ethos. Equipped with advanced laboratories, expansive research resources and a 400-acre ecological field station, the department fosters an environment where students and faculty thrive together. The Assistant Professor of Botany position is rooted in a department that champions interdisciplinary thinking, encourages botanical innovation and places a strong emphasis on community-based environmental impact.
This is an ideal role for a professional who wants to leave a legacy not just in academia but also in conservation and public outreach.
This full-time faculty position isn’t just about lectures and lesson plans – it’s about inspiring the next generation of biologists through research-based education and inclusive mentorship. SUNY Oswego’s biological sciences faculty members are more than educators; they are facilitators of curiosity, exploration and discovery. With access to rare resources like the university’s 40,000-specimen herbarium and a diverse rooftop greenhouse, the Assistant Professor of Botany will play an active role in developing experiential learning projects that extend well beyond the classroom.
Whether it’s leading a field trip to the Rice Creek Field Station or involving students in a grant-funded digitization project, this role offers a level of academic freedom and collaboration that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The position also aligns closely with SUNY Oswego’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The university’s Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan is more than a document – it’s a campus-wide initiative grounded in civil discourse, cultural humility and an enduring respect for all communities. As such, the successful candidate will be expected to not only engage students across a range of identities and backgrounds but also actively contribute to shaping a culturally responsive learning environment.
Applicants are encouraged to articulate their experience with diversity, equity and inclusion through a personal statement – demonstrating how their teaching style, research interests and service reflect those values. For professionals who believe that education should be inclusive, transformative and socially engaged, SUNY Oswego offers the ideal stage.
In addition to its academic strengths, the university provides an incredibly supportive employment package that includes a competitive starting salary of $63,000 per year, full New York State employee benefits and the possibility of visa sponsorship – a significant draw for international scholars seeking academic positions in the U.S. The Assistant Professor of Botany will join a community that values interdisciplinary growth, sustainable development and impactful teaching.
The institution’s recent investments in botanical digitization, plant diversity research and ecological education reflect an unwavering dedication to both scientific advancement and public service. For educators who view academia as both a calling and a responsibility, this position offers a unique chance to blend personal passion with professional purpose in a truly dynamic academic environment.
Salary Package
The starting annual salary for this role is $63,000, with the potential for adjustments based on experience and qualifications. This compensation aligns with the State University of New York (SUNY) salary scale for faculty members and includes comprehensive New York State employee benefits, offering job stability and long-term financial security for eligible candidates.
Employment Type
This position is designated as a full-time, tenure-track academic role, offering consistent employment and long-term professional development opportunities. Faculty members benefit from job security, collegial engagement and access to ongoing resources to advance their careers in both teaching and research.
Job Address
The successful candidate will be based at: 7060 State Route 104, Oswego, NY 13126.
To assist with commute planning, applicants are encouraged to input their home address on relevant map platforms to estimate travel time to campus. SUNY Oswego is easily accessible and offers an attractive balance of small-town charm with proximity to larger urban centers in New York State.
The Department of Biological Sciences at SUNY Oswego is recognized for its commitment to excellence in undergraduate education, collaborative research and engaged service. The department fosters an academic environment that prioritizes student success, faculty mentorship and the discovery of scientific knowledge through immersive learning.
Facilities and Learning Resources
Our faculty are supported by exceptional teaching and research infrastructure, such as:
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A fully equipped Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Center
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The Great Lakes Institute supporting environmental research
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Advanced microscopy suites
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A 400-acre Rice Creek Field Station that provides immersive ecological fieldwork opportunities
In addition, the department features:
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A modern greenhouse housing over 220 diverse plant species
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A 40,000-specimen herbarium, currently undergoing digitization with the support of a $220,000 NSF grant
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Dedicated animal care facilities
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A core histology laboratory
These resources make SUNY Oswego’s Biological Sciences Department a hub for innovative undergraduate science education.
Botanical Research and Engagement
Botany has deep roots in our department. From historical collections to current digitization efforts, our herbarium and greenhouse serve as critical tools for botanical instruction and inquiry. Faculty regularly involve students in field-based and lab-based projects, with opportunities extending to local environmental outreach, including:
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Pollinator garden creation
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Great Lakes native plant restoration
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Engagement in the Bee Campus USA initiative
SUNY Oswego also participates in the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, facilitating collaborative research and funding partnerships with federal agencies.
Responsibilities of the Role
The newly appointed Assistant Professor of Botany will play a pivotal role in advancing the department’s teaching and research mission.
Primary Teaching Duties
The teaching load will include, but not be limited to:
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Plant Kingdom
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Evolution
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Plant Systematics
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Additional upper-division or interdisciplinary topics aligned with the candidate’s area of expertise
Faculty are also encouraged to participate in General Education courses and the Honors Program, contributing to SUNY Oswego’s holistic undergraduate education model.
Research and Mentorship
Faculty members are expected to:
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Conduct research projects involving undergraduate students
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Supervise independent study projects and honors theses
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Pursue external grant funding for research and education initiatives
Advising and Campus Service
The role includes:
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Advising biology majors with academic planning
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Participating in departmental committees
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Engaging in campus-wide service and outreach programs
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
SUNY Oswego is committed to maintaining an inclusive, culturally safe and engaging campus environment. Faculty members are expected to contribute actively to:
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The Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan
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Efforts that promote cultural humility, equity and belonging
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Initiatives that enhance the academic experience of students from diverse backgrounds
Applicants are required to submit a separate diversity statement that outlines their past experiences or ongoing efforts toward diversity, equity and inclusion (see application instructions below).
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Required Qualifications
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following:
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Hold a Ph.D. in Botany or a closely related field by the date of appointment (August 2025)
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Demonstrate proficiency with teaching and research techniques that engage undergraduate learners
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Exhibit a strong commitment to inclusive pedagogy, student-centered learning and faculty-student collaboration
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates will stand out if they bring additional expertise or experience in:
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Plant Systematics, Evolutionary Biology, Phylogeography or Paleobotany
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Prior postdoctoral research
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Proven track record of successful teaching and grant writing
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A demonstrated ability to leverage campus botanical resources (e.g., greenhouse, herbarium, Rice Creek Field Station)
At SUNY Oswego, diversity is not just valued – it is celebrated. The university actively fosters a climate that supports:
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Cultural competence
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Civil discourse
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Transformational learning
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Global citizenship
Candidates are strongly encouraged to highlight their engagement with diversity efforts in academia or the community, including:
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Mentorship of underrepresented students
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Inclusive teaching practices
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Volunteer work and community service
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Participation in diversity training or cultural outreach
These reflections should be submitted as a separate DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) statement with the application.
Additional Notes and Disclaimers
Equal Employment Opportunity
SUNY Oswego promotes workplace equity and affirmative action and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We encourage candidates regardless of:
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Race, ethnicity or national origin
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Religion or belief systems
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Sex, gender identity or sexual orientation
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Age, disability status or genetic predisposition
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Military service or status as a domestic violence survivor
To learn more, please view our complete nondiscrimination policy here.
Immigration and Work Authorization
This position is eligible for visa sponsorship. However, all applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. as per the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Campus Environment
SUNY Oswego maintains a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus. This policy extends to e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Learn more about cessation support and campus rules here.Legal Compliance and Applicant Rights
Compensation Disclosure Policy
As stipulated by Executive Order 161, SUNY Oswego does not request salary history prior to issuing a formal offer. If you are asked to disclose compensation details before receiving an offer, please contact: Office of Employee Relations: (518) 474-6988 or [email protected]
Campus Safety and Clery Act Compliance
For transparency and awareness, SUNY Oswego provides a detailed Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Application and Contact Information
Search Committee Contact
For questions regarding the position or application process, reach out to: Dr. Eric Hellquist
Search Chair – Assistant Professor of Botany
Email: [email protected]
Accommodation Requests
If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability during any part of the application or interview process, contact: Human Resources Office
Phone: 315-312-2230
Email: [email protected]