Assistant Professor of Discipline-Based Educational Research (DBER) and Computational Biology

Visit the URI jobs website at: https://jobs.uri.edu to apply and view more complete details for job posting (F00340).

Search will remain open until the position is filled.

First consideration will be given to online applications received by 11/25/2022.

Assistant Professor of Discipline-Based Educational Research (DBER) and Computational Biology

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Rhode Island is dedicated to broadening STEM educational opportunities for a new generation of students from traditionally underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds. We are looking to recruit an outstanding individual who shares our commitment to fostering student learning in an inclusive and equitable environment. The successful candidate will couple their research and teaching efforts to improve teaching and learning within their own classroom while partnering with other STEM instructors on campus with similar goals. The successful applicant will have demonstrated that they can help advance student achievement, especially for URM students who are historically excluded from science. Specifically, we seek to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with demonstrated experience and training in discipline-based educational research (DBER) and Computational Biology/Bioinformatics. The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is the home for an undergraduate degree program (B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology) with a Bioinformatics Specialization and offers an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment for research and teaching excellence in cell and molecular biology and bioinformatics. The University of Rhode Island has established infrastructure and expert support in high-performance research computing. The successful candidate may, as appropriate, benefit from research and training collaborations through several university-wide initiatives, including the BigData Collaborative and the Data Science Degree Programs.

Basic Function:
The primary responsibility for this position will be undergraduate teaching of courses that support the CMB degree program with special emphasis on courses that support the Bioinformatics option. The remaining commitment will provide the opportunity to pursue DBER research or scholarly activity within the individual’s particular area of interest. This may involve collaboration with other, recently hired STEM-related DBER researchers and/or the Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (ATL) at the University. We seek candidates committed to developing a vibrant and externally funded research program in undergraduate STEM education. It is anticipated that the individual hired will have a thorough understanding, through research and application, of best practices in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Multiple recent STEM-related DBER hires will enable interaction across disciplines and encourage the establishment of joint ventures. The successful candidate will conduct research, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and teach an introductory course in computational biology as well as an upper-division or graduate course in their field of interest.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Teach introductory courses in computational biology, bioinformatics, and additional relevant courses based on interests and demonstrate the application of evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies to improve student success.

Employ strategies to improve the success and retention of URM students.

Perform discipline-based education research (DBER) in computational biology, bioinformatics, and related fields, including but not limited to systems biology, omics data analytics, computer science, or statistics.

Secure external research funding to support research activities that involve undergraduate and graduate students.

Broadly disseminate research findings in peer-reviewed publications in discipline-appropriate journals or conference proceedings.

Perform departmental, college and university service as required.

Required Qualifications:

1. PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field by 06/30/2023.
2. Documented experience in DBER through practice and scholarship.
3. Demonstrated potential for developing an externally funded research program.
4. Documented record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
5. Demonstrated potential for effective teaching and mentoring.
6. Demonstrated ability to promote equity and inclusion, particularly for students historically excluded from science.
7. Demonstrated potential for improving student learning outcomes.
8. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
9. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
10. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

Preferred Requirements:

1. Demonstrated record of research independence.

2. Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentorship.
3. Demonstrated experience working to improve learning outcomes in diverse groups/populations.
4. Documented record of soliciting and/or securing funding to support research.

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY 

ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

URI is an AA/EEO employer and values diversity. URI is an E-Verify employer.

Applications must be submitted online only.

The University of Rhode Island is an AA/EEOD employer. Women, persons of color, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other protected groups are encouraged to apply.