Biochemistry Instructor - Michigan State University
BIOCHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR – FIXED TERM
Michigan State University
This is a 12-month, fixed-term (non-tenure track) position with an expected start date in August 2022. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at Michigan State University is seeking an innovative and engaging educator to implement the online instruction of our 200-level and 400-level comprehensive biochemistry courses for non-majors that are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. These popular courses have large enrollments of MSU students who are health- and life-science related majors, chemical engineers, and also serve continuing education students from outside the university. The primary responsibility of the successful candidate will be to manage and maintain these two established online offerings. Specific duties include the delivery of current materials, including course lectures and learning activities, the development and administration of course exams, and evaluation of other student work. The successful candidate will also hold office hours, mentor students, and train and supervise course teaching assistants. We anticipate that, over time, the successful candidate will update the courses regularly by incorporating new scientific discoveries, taking advantage of emerging technologies in developing and presenting course material, and collaborating with other educators as the online courses evolve. We also highly encourage engagement in Discipline-Based Education Research and subject matter pedagogy.
The College and Department are committed to building and supporting an equitable and inclusive community of faculty, staff, and students. The department is especially interested in receiving applications from candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion and who may bring perspectives from a nontraditional educational background and/or an understanding of the experiences of persons from underrepresented groups.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related field
Desired Degree
Doctorate -Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related field
Minimum Requirements
Masters degree required. A doctorate is preferred in biochemistry, molecular biology or closely related field. Experience in teaching science courses at the college or university level. Experience teaching diverse populations of students and/or evidence of commitment to professional development around diversity, equity, and inclusion topics.
Desired Qualifications
Proficiency in biochemistry and molecular biology. Demonstrated effective teaching skills such as experience in online teaching, which may include video production and delivery, familiarity with learning management systems like Brightspace D2L or other education technologies that support online learning, knowledge of accessibility standards and use of quality assurance tools such as Quality Matters or OLC Quality Scorecard, experience with teaching in large-enrollment course, experience in curriculum development, examples of collaboration during course instruction curriculum development or in other professional contexts, evidence of professional development, participation in or familiarity with scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL) or discipline based educational research (DBER).
Required Application Materials
Applicants should submit the following documents to careers.msu.edu (posting 773205): https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/510239/instructorfixed-term
• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• scientific writing sample (e.g., research manuscript, medical communication, technical report, science blog post, news article)
• teaching portfolio (limited to 10 pages) describing past roles and responsibilities based on a brief narrative and supporting information such as syllabi, assessments, student evaluations, developed course curricula and course materials, including any involvement in online teaching. A representative short (5 to 10-minute) lecture video or other previously delivered online material is encouraged (if not providing public links for online material, please contact the Chair of Search Committee for alternative options).
• teaching philosophy (limited to 2 pages) with documentation of philosophy implementation and contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Thoughts on the particular challenges and opportunities of online teaching are highly encouraged. • contact information for 3 references in the cover letter
Together-we-will Statement
The university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID 19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/
Special Instructions
Please direct questions regarding the position to Dr. Michael Feig, Chair of the Search Committee (feig@msu.edu).
Review of applications will begin on May 16 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Department Statement
The missions of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Michigan State University are to discover and transfer new knowledge about the molecular basis of life through basic and cross-disciplinary biomolecular science research while maintaining a collegial and fertile learning environment. Additional information about the BMB Department, including descriptions of current courses, can be found at the BMB departmental website. https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.