Assistant Professor in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Position Title / Rank: Assistant Professor in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Department: Molecular and Cellular Biology 

Position Description:

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track, teaching-focused position at the Assistant Professor level in the areas of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

This position emphasizes innovation in undergraduate teaching and curriculum development, with a teaching-focused distribution of effort (minimum 5 courses/year). The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in an area consistent with genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or neuroscience. We seek individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methodologies to enhance our undergraduate curriculum. This includes leveraging their recent research experiences and advanced knowledge in molecular life sciences, including but not limited to areas such as stem cells, organoid research, machine learning, bioinformatics, and gene editing, to contribute to dynamic, student-centred learning environments.

The successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to employing scholarly approaches and innovative methodologies in areas relevant to MCB, including but not limited to knowledge translation, curriculum development, and novel methods of delivery and assessment. New PhD graduates passionate about integrating research-led teaching and contributing to curricular development are encouraged to apply. They will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary, research-intensive department with 40 faculty members who study diverse biological systems at levels from molecules to cells that include Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Neuroscience and contribute to programs in Biological Science, Biomedical Science, and Plant Science. Graduate teaching activities are focused on M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and faculty members also participate in cross-department programs such as Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, Plant Science, and Toxicology.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in an area consistent with the fields of genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or neuroscience.
• Ability to bring innovative teaching approaches and recent research insights to the undergraduate curriculum
• Interest in curriculum design and the development of new teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Distribution of Effort:

• 70% teaching
• 10% scholarly activity
• 20% service

Teaching:

• A commitment to developing and implementing effective and innovative teaching strategies at the undergraduate level, including the potential for curriculum development and revision.
• Ability to apply recent research experiences and innovative pedagogies to teach courses in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) and, more broadly, in the College of Biological Science.
• Potential for course development and revision in collaboration with other faculty and staff.
• Enthusiasm for creating experiential and research-based learning opportunities for undergraduate students.

Scholarship/Research:

• Evidence of potential to contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
• A focus on innovative curriculum development and the application of cutting-edge methodologies in teaching and assessment, drawing on the candidate’s research background and recent advances in the field.

EDI and Collegiality:

• Commitment to a departmental culture that is positive, collegial, and respectful of all members and in which wellness and healthy work-life balance are valued.

Application Process:

Assessment of applications will begin on November 30, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF file:

1. Cover letter (1 page):

• Describe your background and interest in the position.

1. A curriculum vitae.
2. Teaching statement (4 pages max):

• Describe an overall teaching philosophy.
• Describe all previous formal and informal education training and experience.
• Provide examples of effective teaching strategies in previous courses and/or plan to use in future courses.
• Describe any experiences with experiential/work-integrated learning.
• Describe potential teaching contributions to the department.
• Describe any experience and strategies for course and curriculum design, review and revision.

1. Scholarship/research statement (2 pages max):

• Present a vision of the short and long-term goals of scholarship and curriculum development activities.
• Explain how the scholarship and curriculum development plan will promote interdisciplinarity and collaboration within the Department.

1. Diversity statement (1 page max):

• Describe the history of advocacy and/or commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in teaching, scholarship/research and mentorship.
• Describe strategies to ensure the applicant’s scholarship/research, teaching, and mentorship activities will provide equitable opportunities for students from diverse equity-seeking groups and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in their courses.

1. Contact information of three references.

Applications should be addressed to:

Dr. Jim Uniacke

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

College of Biological Science

University of Guelph

Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

Questions about the position and/or application process may be addressed to [email protected]. 

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant.

SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

Date Posted: 10/01/2024

Deadline: 11/29/2024 or until a suitable candidate is found.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.

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