QU – Drake United College, a unique joint degree program between Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and Qingdao University in Qingdao, China, invites applications for multiple faculty positions starting Fall 2026. The QU-Drake United College is collaborative initiative between Drake University and Qingdao University that allows undergraduate students to earn both a Qingdao University Degree and a Drake University Degree through a jointly developed curriculum taught in Qingdao. The dual degree programs, offered in Biology and Data Analytics, enable students to complete four years of full-time study in Qingdao University. Students take six credits of ESL/Public Speaking over two semesters.
Qingdao University is located in Shandong, an eastern Chinese province on the Yellow Sea. Qingdao is a vibrant coastal city with a population of over 7 million, known for its temperate climate, rich history, and popularity as a travel destination. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Qingdao has been ranked among the world’s top 500 universities in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
Faculty will teach fall and spring semesters onsite in Qingdao, with a teaching load of four (4) sections per semester. All instruction will be in English. Faculty will also spend time in Des Moines, Iowa for training and support before and after teaching abroad. Candidates should be able to teach a variety of courses such as anatomy & physiology w/ labs, general and pre-professional biology w/labs, medical biophysics, bioinformatics, infectious disease, virology, evolution, and microbiology w/ labs. The positions are renewable for multiple years with the possibility of conversion to tenure-track.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D., or near completion in Biology or a related area is required.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, (4) teaching philosophy, and (5) the contact details for three references.
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Deb Christensen, Department Chair of Biology, debora.christensen@drake.edu .
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu .
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.