The Department of Natural Sciences at Morningside University seeks a postdoctoral fellow to participate in teaching and research activities for an NSF-funded project investigating the impacts of focused Project-Based Learning (PBL) research experiences in the academic development and professional preparation of first-year undergraduate students majoring in Biology and Chemistry. This project, funded by NSF’s IUSE (Improving Undergraduate STEM Education) program, will provide a 2-semester course sequence for incoming Biology and Chemistry majors during their freshman year that enables them to develop research skills through open-ended research investigations in a PBL environment with team-taught instruction. Duties specifically related to the grant project include:

1. Participate in internal and external training in how to implement PBL in undergraduate STEM learning
2. Co-teaching the PBL courses in partnership with a Natural Sciences faculty member, beginning in the Fall 2026 semester
3. Assisting the students with their research projects outside of normal class time
4. Mentoring the students in developing skills necessary to become future STEM professionals
5. Accompany the students on travel place-based STEM learning trips during the 2027 and 2028 May Term sessions
6. Working with the project team to collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of this program, and to advance understanding of how to effectively utilize active learning in STEM higher education

Additional features of the position include:

1. The opportunity to teach introductory undergraduate courses in the fellow’s field of expertise
2. The opportunity to perform research with Natural Sciences faculty members
3. Participation in structured mentoring/training activities provided by Natural Sciences faculty designed to develop the fellow’s skills in teaching and mentoring students, both inside-and-outside the classroom

This is an excellent opportunity for applicants who are interested in future careers as educators at teaching focused institutions, who are interested in performing STEM Education research, and who are interested in mentoring others in development of STEM research skills.

This position is grant-funded, and is a multi-year appointment that runs from the date of hire through June 30, 2028. The target starting date of the position is January 7, 2026, although other starting dates will be considered. A benefits package is included.

Morningside is a private university located in Sioux City, Iowa, that serves over 2,000 students from almost all 50 states and more than 30 countries. It was established in 1894 by The United Methodist Church, an affiliation it continues to maintain, and Chad Benson serves as its Interim President. The main campus comprises 69 acres nestled in a serene, park-like setting in the heart of Iowa’s fourth largest city. Lags Farm and Sioux Gateway Airport are both nearby extensions of the campus that serve the School of Agriculture and Aviation.

Morningside’s largest undergraduate programs are education, nursing, and business, and the Sharon Walker School of Education, Nylen School of Nursing and School of Business all offer well-established online post-baccalaureate and graduate program options for nontraditional and graduate students. A strong commitment to experiential learning has enabled Morningside University to maintain a remarkable 99% job and graduate school placement rate for its undergraduate graduates over the past decade.

Morningside University is home to the Mustangs Athletic Department, which fields 28 varsity sports and is a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Residential undergraduate students may also enjoy more than 50 student-led clubs and organizations or choose to get involved with the School of Visual and Performing Arts regardless of their major.

Learn more about Morningside University at morningside.edu

Review of applications for the position will begin immediately and will continue until filled. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by November 5th, 2025.  Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. Successful completion of a background check and education verification is required. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, religion, creed, race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, national origin, or other characteristics protected by state and federal law. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Director of Human Resources at welp@morningside.edu.

Apply online only by submitting an email to facultysearch@morningside.edu, entering Natural Sciences Postdoc Search in the subject line, and attaching a PDF or Microsoft Word files for the following documents: A cover letter, current curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, a brief statement of research interests, and the names and contact information for three persons to provide professional recommendations. Questions about the position may be addressed to Dr. Brian McFarland, Dean of Arts and Sciences at mcfarlandb@morningside.edu