Biology Visiting Faculty (Teaching Specialist or Lecturer)

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) invites applications for a visiting faculty position in biology (non-tenure track) for its undergraduate degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS).  The position is teaching-focused, including classroom and lab instruction and JustASK (https://r.umn.edu/academics-research/academic-resources/just-ask) hours (100% teaching). This is a 9-month, annually renewable position, beginning August, 2023, through May, 2025, with the possibility for extension. 
 
The instructor will join the Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), an innovative, interdisciplinary department.  The CLI coordinates the development and teaching of an integrated, writing-enriched curriculum for a baccalaureate degree in the health sciences. It promotes a learner-centered, undergraduate environment in which ongoing assessment informs pedagogical and curricular choices and is the basis for data-driven research on learning.

We are seeking a qualified instructor who has significant interest in supporting student learning in a high-contact model inside and outside of the classroom and will work closely with other faculty to coordinate and teach anatomy and physiology and introductory biology courses for health sciences undergraduates. The successful instructor will have experience in implementing pedagogical strategies and supporting a diverse student body population as UMR has growing populations of students of color and first generation college students. The instructor should be prepared to teach undergraduate courses in biology and student focused courses in the Center for Learning Innovation, such as first-year Cornerstone or senior year Capstone courses, to support student success.

Duties include assisting preparation and team-taught delivery of course content in the interactive learning classroom, assisting in preparing and teaching laboratory sessions, grading, holding weekly hours in the Just ASK tutoring center, assisting in ordering laboratory supplies, supervising undergraduate teaching assistants, facilitating department-wide data collection efforts that coincide with course delivery duties, and other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A master’s or doctorate degree in biology or a closely related field that includes a strong background in human anatomy and physiology is required for this position.

The successful candidate will also have excellent communication skills (both written and verbal). Experience in laboratory instruction and interdisciplinary teams, as well as a commitment to exemplary teaching are preferred. The successful candidate is also comfortable working independently.

The University of Minnesota requires that an employee has authorization to work in the US in which the role is based. In the event an applicant does not have current work authorization, the University of Minnesota will determine, in its sole discretion, whether to sponsor an individual for work authorization. However, based on immigration requirements, not all roles are suitable for sponsorship. This role is available for candidates already authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package (https://humanresources.umn.edu/benefits) including: 

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• Excellent retirement plans with employer match
• Disability and employer paid life insurance
• Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
• Opportunities for growth and promotion
• Employee Assistance Program

How To Apply

Review of applications will begin February 1, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled, with the expectation of starting August, 2023 (Fall Semester). Applications must be submitted online at https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job. Search postings for Job Requisition #353632 for application instructions and links. In addition to the Faculty/Academic Application for Employment form, applicants must attach to the online application: (1) a cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) description of teaching experience and philosophy, and (4) a statement of commitment to diversity with an example of addressing diversity in an undergraduate setting/classroom. For more information, e-mail umrhr@r.umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

About the U of M

University of Minnesota Rochester Vision and Core Values: 
The University of Minnesota Rochester is nationally recognized for inspiring and empowering undergraduates to solve the health care challenges of the 21st-century. UMR core values are embedded in our Vision: community, respect, diversity and inclusivity, evidence-based decision making, and human potential. To build and sustain collaborative communities that move us toward our Vision while creating a culture of trust, accountability and belonging, we necessarily place high value on diversity and inclusiveness. As a diverse and purpose-driven community, we value human potential and the significance of every person, compelling us to make evidence-based decisions that will empower individual learning and development so that students, staff, faculty, and community partners will flourish. To learn more about our campus diversity and inclusion, please go to: https://r.umn.edu/student-experiences/diversity-and-inclusion.