Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology

Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology

 

Kenai Peninsula College, in Soldotna, Alaska invites applications for a tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor of Biology in the College of Arts and Science as part of the University of Alaska Anchorage system. Primary duties include teaching general biology courses, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and related science courses, participating in university/professional/ and community service programs and developing and implementing undergraduate research opportunities. This 9 month/year position supports the university tripartite mission of teaching, research and service.

For more information and to apply for this position go to KPC’s employment page at https://www.kpc.alaska.edu/employment/.

To ensure consideration, please apply prior to the review date: January 17, 2022, 11:55pm Alaska Standard Time. The search committee may choose to leave the position open but has the option to close it at any time after the review date.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized for unrestricted employment in the United States. No work visas will be sponsored for this position.

We especially encourage applications from candidates who understand the diversity present in Alaska, our local community and student body, and who will enhance and promote engagement with other cultures.

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Duties: 
Teaching day or evening courses, including face-to-face and distance delivery in 100/200 level biology courses; Developing research partnerships and opportunities for undergraduate students; Providing community service related to the biology department and university/college service; Holding weekly office hours appropriate for the course(s) being taught; Advising and mentoring students interested in the field of biology

The position is effective August 2022 and is a 9-month per year position which supports the university tripartite mission of teaching a 5-part workload with three parts teaching, one part research and one part university/community service. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Teaching day or evening courses, including face-to-face and distance delivery in 100/200 level biology courses; Developing research partnerships and opportunities for undergraduate students; Providing community service related to the biology department and university/college service; Holding weekly office hours appropriate for the course(s) being taught; Advising and mentoring students interested in the field of biology

The position is effective August 2022 and is a 9-month per year position which supports the university tripartite mission of teaching a 5-part workload with three parts teaching, one part research and one part university/community service. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills in an environment involving a variety of cultures, backgrounds and age levels.
Evidence of a potential for successful teaching.
Demonstrated commitment to taking on the tasks associated with being a productive member of a small faculty, such as committee membership and community service.
Demonstrated involvement with professional and/or academic organizations.
Demonstrated success working with diverse populations.
Ability to advise and mentor students in a culturally diverse environment.
Ability to teach in face-to-face, hybrid delivery, and distance delivery formats.

Preferred:
Ability to provide general oversight for biology offerings at KPC, including review and selection of adjuncts as necessary and providing coordination for biology courses in related programs.

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:
Significant coursework development and experience in teaching introductory biology courses.
Experience teaching at an accredited institution of higher education.
Experience designing curriculum for and teaching for both distance and face to face courses.
Experience with learning management systems such as Blackboard.
Experience in university research consistent with job duty description.

Preferred:
Experience teaching human anatomy and physiology and microbiology.
Experience teaching upper division biology courses.
Experience utilizing innovative technologies in a teaching setting.
Experience working as a member of university service organizations (Faculty Senate, Curriculum Committee).
Current research focusing on biological systems with future potential research focusing on Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula.
Experience with culturally responsive teaching/multicultural education.
Experience in the field or post-doctoral activity.
Experience working with community and other constituencies.

REQUIRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:
PhD in Biology or related field from a regionally accredited university.
Preferred Education: Additional prior training and/or experience in health sciences.

Successful applicants must provide official transcripts documenting academic credentials required for the position as a condition of employment. Qualifying earned degrees must be conferred either by institutions of higher education which are accredited by one of the six US regional accrediting associations or by an equivalent international institution of higher education as determined by UAA based on a review by a foreign educational credential evaluation service and recognized by UAA.

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SUMMARY: Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) is a campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage. The college has three locations and is comprised of: 
-Kenai River Campus, Soldotna 
-Kachemak Bay Campus, Homer 
-Resurrection Bay Extension Site, Seward 

This position will be located at the Kenai River Campus situated on 309 acres along the banks of the beautiful Kenai River, the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina Athabascan, Ahtna Athabascan, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq and Eyak peoples. The area is known for its wildlife splendor, mountain viewscapes, world-class fishing and hunting, hiking, canoe trails and winter outdoor adventure. And yet, Anchorage, Alaska's largest city is just a 2.5-hour drive or 20-minute flight away.

The campus offers five 4-year degree programs, 14 associate degrees and five certificates. The college has 35 full-time faculty, 55 staff, 30+ student employees, and 85+ part-time faculty each semester. KPC enrolls more than 2,600 students/semester.

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IMPORTANT: Please document all of the listed required and preferred education, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.

Please submit your online application and electronically attach the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vita
3. Three professional references, including the names, titles, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses
4. One-page teaching philosophy statement
5. Unofficial Transcripts (Successful candidate will provide official transcripts when hired)

Finalists for this position will be asked to give a 15-minute zoom presentation showcasing a biological sciences portfolio and a 15-minute zoom teaching presentation/activity pertaining to a 100- or 200-level biological sciences related topic typically delivered in a classroom.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized for unrestricted employment in the United States. No work visas will be sponsored for this position.

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Union Representation:
This position is represented by United Academics-AAUP/AFT (UNAC).

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

Affirmative Action Statement:
UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

Background Check:
The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Public Disclosure Statement:
Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

University of Alaska is a Drug-Free Workplace. University of Alaska campuses are Tobacco-Free.

Training Policy:
It is the policy of the University of Alaska (UA) that all employees are required to complete training to meet the requirements of the positions they hold, and to complete the required training within a specified period to remain employed at the UA.

Contact Information:
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.