Lecturer - Biology
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Description:
The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (www.bio.umass.edu/biology) seeks a full-time non-tenure track Lecturer to coordinate and direct the first-year biology laboratory experience for life science majors. The primary responsibilities of this position include:
- Designing and implementing undergraduate laboratory experiences with an emphasis on an inquiry-based and/or CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) curriculum that can accommodate up to 1200 students,
- Directing and supervising instructional support staff in all aspects of lab preparation and delivery,
- Implementing evidence-based pedagogical approaches,
- Contributing to the lower division life sciences curriculum by participating in ongoing discussions of pedagogical best practices and the current education research.
This is an academic year, benefited 2-year position and is renewable contingent upon performance. Lecturers at the University of Massachusetts are unionized with the potential for long-term careers with promotional advancement within the Lecturer ranks. Lecturers in Biology are dedicated to ongoing improvement of the lower division life science curriculum. The University invests in our faculty’s continued professional growth through the Institute for Teaching Excellence and Faculty Development. Lecturers are also eligible to apply for numerous professional development grants and fellowships through the University and College of Natural Sciences.
The College of Natural Sciences and the Biology Department have been awarded a grant by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to foster inclusion in our undergraduate student body. A major component of this project is the implementation of CURE-based first-year laboratory experiences for life science majors. The successful candidate will play a major role in the design and implementation of the CUREs, beginning with the Phage Hunters Advancing Genomic and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program.
Requirements:
A Ph.D. in Biology or a closely-related field is required, and postdoctoral experience is preferred. The successful candidate will have experience designing and implementing a lower division undergraduate laboratory curriculum for life-science majors. Broad experience in biological research is preferred, but some experience in cell and molecular biology is essential. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience. Ideally, this position is expected to start January 2019; however, a different start date, no later than September 2019, is negotiable.
Application Instructions:
Online applications should include curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and three letters of reference. Review of complete applications will begin on November 15, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. Electronic applications are to be submitted at the following link:
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.