Assistant Teaching Professor

23775BR

Undergraduate Biology Program

Position Overview

The University of Kansas invites energetic and experienced individuals to apply for the position of Assistant Teaching Professor (ATP). Over 1,600 students are enrolled in multiple Biology degree programs at the University of Kansas Lawrence campus (https://kuub.ku.edu ). A primary responsibility for this ATP position is to meet the educational needs and goals of Undergraduate Biology which serves both Departments of Molecular Biosciences and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

This position will have a priority in educating students in Biochemistry, which could include laboratory courses. ATPs are expected to perform pedagogical research and convey scholarly outcomes to peer professional entities. They are also expected to develop and contribute efforts with sharing educational approaches and strategies among the faculty and staff associated with Undergraduate Biology.

All Teaching Professor positions, regardless of rank, are non-tenured positions appointed for a three year limited term period. A second three-year contractual appointment will be offered if it is determined that a teaching professor has met all requirements and demonstrated potential for future term appointments. This determination must include the results of annual performance reviews and a formal three-year review.

Due to the percentage of effort focused upon instructional duties, all incumbents are expected to hold a PhD or terminal degree in the academic discipline, possess outstanding teaching skills and typically teach two regularly scheduled classes per semester.  Specific course assignments and locations are at the discretion of the Director and/or the co-Director(s) of Undergraduate Biology. Additional job duties include research and service activities as indicated below.

The University of Kansas is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. KU is a major educational and research institution located in Lawrence, a vibrant, thriving community of more than 90,000 and close to Kansas City and the KU Medical Center.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are an important part of our culture and university strategic plan. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged, noting the value that differences bring to our organization, students, staff, faculty, and community. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Job Description

Teaching – 65%

Teach 2 courses per semester (fall and spring sessions) with consideration of course enrollment. One or more courses per year may include team teaching with other faculty members as part of a course transformation project. Participate in curriculum development efforts.

Develop and update syllabi, study guides, instructor’s guides, test questions, tests, and web-based material.  Participate in regular meetings with instructors and staff as needed. Assist in the development and implementation of technology and student-centered pedagogies in biology courses.

Hold regular office hours for students involved in classes taught.

Supervise Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) that assist in their classes.

Adhere to department, College, and university policies and procedures.

Research – 20%

Research efforts will contribute to the mission of Undergraduate Biology, Department of Molecular Biosciences, or Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, primarily in the areas of pedagogy and student retention.

Conduct and assist research efforts that contribute to the mission of the Undergraduate Biology, Department of Molecular Biosciences, or Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, primarily in the areas of pedagogy and student retention. Research efforts are contributed through publications and presentations at professional conferences and formal communication of scholarly efforts to peers and colleagues at local, regional, and/or national/international venues.  Areas of focus for publications and/or presentations may include but are not limited to the scholarship of assessment and curriculum design, development of new undergraduate laboratories/research opportunities and/or new teaching methods, supervision and evaluation of undergraduate research in the professor’s area of research expertise, methods to enhance online course resources outside of class time and use of active learning activities to maximize concept mastery during face-to-face class and laboratory/discussion time, development of programs, workshops, and training guidelines that feature research-based instructional practices (including but not limited to inquiry and discovery based instruction, student centered instruction, peer-mentoring, and the integration of technology into the classroom).

Collaborate with the program’s administration and participating faculty to develop and implement curriculum changes. This includes partnering with faculty members to implement and assess creative and effective mechanisms for improving student learning, engagement, and retention, especially in large introductory courses.

Service – 15%

Member of appropriate unit-level undergraduate committees, and other committees as appropriate.

Contribute to the advising of mid-career undergraduate biology majors in professional development and career preparation/opportunities.

Support the development of teaching excellence in other faculty and GTAs.

Participate in appropriate professional activities, such as coordinating and leading undergraduate biology faculty development sessions and participating in campus-level faculty learning communities.

Meet with prospective students and families to contribute to the recruitment of a strong and diverse student pool.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Biology or related discipline

Evidence of effective teaching in Biology

Training and/or experience in incorporating and embedding research into courses and/or departmental curriculum

Evidence of commitment to inclusive teaching and diversity in STEM.

Preferred Qualifications

Research-based publication record in the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Research experience in Biochemistry research.

Familiarity and experience with the KU undergraduate biology major requirements.

Experience leading teaching skills workshops or in faculty development

Training and/or experience in course design and/or course transformation

Extensive training and/or experience in embedding research into courses and/or departmental curriculum

Contact Information to Applicants

Dr. Scott Hefty
Co-Director of Undergraduate Biology
pshefty@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

For more information and to apply online for the position, go to https://employment.ku.edu/academic/23775BR .  Complete online application will include the following items:  1)  Cover Letter; 2)Curriculum Vitae; and 3) List of 3 profession references (names, titles, and contact information).  In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant’s contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU’s mission.  As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application:

• Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Initial review of applications will begin December 2, 2022 and will continue as long as needed to identify a qualified applicant pool.

Application Review Begins

02-Dec-2022

Anticipated Start Date

18-Aug-2022

Conditions of Employment

Limited Term

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience and education

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).