Visiting Assistant Professor Biology
Oglethorpe University

Job Info

Job DetailsJob Location Oglethorpe University - Atlanta, GAPosition Type Full-Time FacultyEducation Level Master'sJob Category Education The Oglethorpe University Biology Program is searching for three (3) Visiting Assistant Professors for the 2021-2022 academic year. We are looking for colleagues to join a team of biology faculty who work collaboratively to deliver a curriculum that emphasizes using the scientific method to explore biological principles. Candidates with expertise in Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology and/or Organismal Biology are encouraged to apply. The new faculty member will be responsible for teaching the equivalent of two lectures and three laboratories each semester. The new biologist will teach in the Cousins Center for Science and Innovation recently renovated in 2019. Course enrollments of no more than 24 students result in a learning environment that is ideal for one-on-one faculty-student interactions and for implementing innovative pedagogical strategies. Successful applicants will have a history of collaborating productively and enthusiastically with diverse colleagues and illustrate their commitment to inclusive, innovative, student-centered models of biology instruction. There is a modest university and/or program service requirement, developed in collaboration with the Division Chair (e.g., division meetings, student poster sessions, mentoring events, student clubs and activities) along with resources and encouragement for course-embedded research. In addition, the current biology faculty are continuously updating the introductory biology course and would include the new faculty member in course development and implementation. All courses are supported by a Lab Coordinator and many courses are supported with student peer-instructors, who work collaboratively with faculty to promote an inclusive learning environment. Thus, the new faculty member will have the opportunity to mentor novice leaders in the Oglethorpe community and beyond. Oglethorpe was founded in 1835 as a small private liberal arts and sciences university and continues to value a broad and personalized education. However, we are different from other institutions of this type. We are in the diverse and growing city of Atlanta and reflect that city's demographics and energy. Our 1540 students represent 30 states and 20 countries, with a significant population of first-generation college students (~30%). Oglethorpe ranks among the top 15% of US colleges for diversity in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, disabilities, and geographic origin. Assured in the belief that diversity and equity are key to Oglethorpe's success, both the strategic plan and EEOC statement express an institutional desire for our employees to reflect the diversity of our student body and wider Atlanta community we serve. Website: www.oglethorpe.edu M.S. or Ph.D. in Biology or related field. Compensation:The position comes with a full-time salary/benefits package. Competitive applicants will be contacted, if warranted, with specific details about compensation. Starting and Ending DatesThe first day of class for the Fall 2021 semester is Monday August 30th but applicants should be prepared to begin working at the beginning of August on course development with the rest of the Biology team. The last day of classes for the Spring 2022 semester is Tuesday May 10^th with grades due Thursday May 19^th. To ApplyApplicants are asked to submit: 1) a brief letter of interest that addresses their commitment to high-quality inclusive undergraduate instruction. Specific examples illustrating how the candidate is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion by functioning as a teacher and a mentor to support under-represented STEM students should be provided. Applicants should also indicate what courses they are prepared to teach. 2) C.V. (including contact information), and 3) the name and contact information of two references (no letter necessary at this point). Inquiries may be made to Dr. Lea Alford (Searches Chair) at lalford@oglethorpe.edu. Review of applications will begin on June 15^th and will continue until all three positions are filled. Applications received after that date may be considered on a rolling basis. Oglethorpe University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Oglethorpe prohibits discrimination against all applicants and employees based on race; age; color; religion; national origin or ancestry; sex; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity or gender expression; marital, civil union or domestic partnership status; pregnancy; childbirth; physical, mental or sensory disability; family history or genetic information; citizenship status; veteran status; or any other category protected by federal, state or local law. Dr. Lea AlfordAssociate Professor of BiologySearches ChairBiology Program Coordinator Oglethorpe UniversityLalford@oglethorpe.edu