Academic Professional Associate, Lab Coordinator

Position Summary

The Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Georgia invites applications for a non-tenure track Academic Professional Associate position to begin August 1, 2025. The position is a 12-month, full-time appointment with responsibilities in teaching and administration (33%-67% split, respectively). The successful candidate will be expected to coordinate UGA’s introductory biology laboratory program for science and non-science majors ( BIOL 1103L, BIOL 1104L, 1107L, 1108L), which is designed according to best teaching and learning practices outlined in the AAAS’s Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education Initiative. This includes the continued development of a writing-intensive lab curriculum. The success of the position is highly dependent upon developing new and continuing existing collaborations with multiple stakeholders to create opportunities for students to engage in course-based undergraduate research experiences ( CURE ), which provide authentic research experiences to students in a classroom setting. The successful candidate will oversee lab program operations including providing teaching preparation and professional development to Graduate Student Laboratory instructors, supervising instructional support personnel, managing budgets, and acting as a liaison between the Division Director and UGA faculty, staff, and students. Teaching responsibilities will include courses that support the instructional mission of the Division.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant, dynamic, and forward-thinking group of faculty engaged in undergraduate biology instruction across life science departments, including several faculty who specialize in biology education research. The University of Georgia is also home to the SEER Center (Scientists Engaged in Education Research), which supports collaborations among scientists and educators across campus to improve undergraduate STEM instruction. Opportunities for professional development are available.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1) Cover letter indicating suitability for the position

2) Resume/CV

3) 1- to 2-page Teaching Statement that addresses how the applicant incorporates the National Academy/ AAAS “Vision and Change” core concepts and competencies in their teaching to students with highly varied backgrounds and a wide range of prior experience as reflected by the UGA student body

4) List of References with Contact Information who are prepared to submit letters of recommendation. Please provide three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2024 and continue until filled. All applications received by January 2, 2025 will receive full consideration, but the position is open until filled. Questions may be addressed to the search committee Chair, Dr. Holly Gallagher ( hmgalla@uga.edu ).

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2166P

Working Title

Academic Professional Associate, Lab Coordinator

Department

Franklin-Biological Sciences

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Division of Biological Sciences and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences are committed to multidisciplinary research, collaboration, and academic innovation and to sustaining a work and learning environment that is inclusive.

College/Unit/Department website

https://franklin.uga.edu/biological-sciences

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

$80,000 - $83,000

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

10/21/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Academic Professional AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Academic Professional Associate

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should hold a Ph.D/Ed.D in biology, science education, or a related field.

Additional Requirements

Two semesters of teaching experience as the instructor of record of post-secondary biology (or related) laboratory courses is required.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Competitive candidates should exhibit a clear and creative vision for developing and executing the introductory biology instructional laboratory program following current teaching laboratory pedagogy that aligns with AAAS’s Vision and Change. They should also communicate a vision for CURE experiences that is appropriate for large numbers of science and/or non-science majors. They should show evidence of student-centered teaching that considers students with highly varied backgrounds and a wide range of prior experience as reflected by the UGA student body. Candidates should also demonstrate the leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills needed to manage lab course operations, including the ability to solve problems and manage laboratory instructional budgets. They should exhibit engaging and clear communication skills, both oral and written. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a knowledge of pedagogy, especially in support of the teaching development of graduate student instructors.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Academic Professional Associate

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information
4. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents