Title: Special Purpose faculty - Biology

Application Review Date: 03/02/2026

Campus Location: Roanoke

Work Authorization: Radford University employs individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Applicants requiring new H-1B visa sponsorship will not be considered.

Job Description

The Department of Biology at Radford University seeks a Special Purpose faculty member to serve as the Program Director for our Applied Biotechnology Program, housed at our Roanoke site. Students in our program complete the Applied Biotechnology aspect of the major at the junior/senior level in Roanoke, once they have finished their General Education and pre-requisite courses in Radford, at a community college, or at another institute of higher education. Our students will be required to complete an internship with a biotechnology company or a related experiential learning opportunity! Therefore, we seek candidates who have experience in the biotechnology field and are able to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and industry professionals.
We are looking for candidates who can:
• lead, grow, and manage the Applied Biotechnology program,
• recruit and coordinate teaching faculty to support the program’s curricular needs,
• recruit and support students’ progression toward a successful graduation,
• coordinate student internships to connect students to the biotechnology enterprise,
• assist students with job placement or graduate/professional school in biotechnology or a related field,
• manage the budget (e.g., purchase of equipment, software, and supplies, special projects, course needs, etc.),
• manage the onsite facilities and associated equipment,
• assess the programs’ success and sustainability, and
• supervise the laboratory manager and student employees.

This 12-month position will begin August 2026. The Program Director will be required to teach 6 contact hours per semester that align best with their interests and program’s curricular needs. We actively support our faculty with access to professional development opportunities through Radford’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, funding for conference and professional development opportunities, and encourage participation in departmental, college, and university-wide events.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in relevant field.
Minimum three years of experience in the biotech industry.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated management experience.
Knowledge of the higher education learning environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Letter of Application: Interested candidates should submit a letter of application introducing who you are and your experiences, including an explanation:
• for why you are interested in this position at Radford University,
• of how you will lead the faculty, staff, and students as the program director,
• on how you plan to engage and collaborate with individuals in the biotechnology industry, and
• on your vision of success for our undergraduates in the Applied Biotechnology Program. [

Your letter of application must be single-spaced, 2-pages maximum, no less than 11-point font, 1-inch margins, and use Times New Roman, Aptos, Arial, or Calibri font.

CV and References: Candidates must also submit their curriculum vitae and the names and contact information for three professional references (not part of your letter of application page limit).

Transcripts: Applicants must submit an unofficial copy of transcripts of post-secondary course work with the application. If the applicant’s official transcripts are on file in the Office of the Provost, a statement indicating such, must be submitted in lieu of the documents with the application. Official transcripts of all post-secondary course work will be required upon selection for hire.

Employment Conditions: Radford University is a comprehensive public university of over 7,800 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 75 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 27 master's programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 21 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Teaching & Research Faculty

Department: RUC-Biology, Dept of

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Department Contact Name: Laura Link

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-1761

Department Contact Email: llink1@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.