Job DetailsLevel ExperiencedJob Location Oglethorpe University - Atlanta, GAEducation Level Graduate DegreeJob Category EducationDescription The Oglethorpe University Biology Department is searching for a part-time instructor for spring 2021 to teach one section of our new lab-focused introductory biology course, Biological Inquiry (BIO110). Each section includes both a lab (2 teaching credits) and an associated lecture (4 teaching credits) for 6 teaching credits in spring 2021.

Founded in 1835, Oglethorpe is Atlanta’s leading liberal arts and sciences university, located with the limits of this diverse and dynamic city. Our student body of approximately 1400 students represents about 30 states and over 20 countries, and over half identify as non-white. Approximately one-third of Oglethorpe students are first-generation college educated. Oglethorpe is ranked in the top 15% of many polls and rankings of US colleges for diversity in metrics such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, disabilities, and geographic origin. Oglethorpe accepts and embraces the diversity our students bring to our community. Assured in the belief that diversity and equity are key to Oglethorpe’s success, both the strategic plan and EEOC statement state an institutional desire for our employees to reflect the diversity of our student body and wider Atlanta community we serve.

Biological Inquiry (BIO 110) is a new offering as of fall 2016 that resulted from a biology curriculum rework aimed at re-focusing classroom pedagogy on problem solving, curiosity-building and collaboration. This single-semester course replaces our traditional year-long BIO 101/BIO 102 series (which was largely concept-/vocabulary-based) with a single course in which laboratory work drives student engagement and course content. Biological Inquiry uses an active learning approach to introduce students to the broad and rapidly advancing study of living things. In this course, we use the scientific method to explore biological principles operating at scales ranging from molecules to communities. Specific topics will include biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, micro- and macro-evolution, physiology and anatomy of plants and animals, organismal diversity, and ecology. Each class section will meet for 6 hrs. per week in 3 sessions, allowing ample time for student-designed research, structured-but participatory-lectures, demonstrations, collaborative exercises, and observation of live organisms in the lab or their habitat. The course uses Campbell Biology by Reece et al. (Pearson) as a reference text but will also introduce students to the primary literature. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the course will be delivered remotely and the instructor will not need to be on campus.

Faculty at Oglethorpe implement innovative teaching methods (e.g., active learning and service learning); in the sciences we also emphasize utilization of the scientific method to explore biological principles. The section taught by the instructor enrolls no more than 20 students, a small enough size to allow for meaningful and intimate one-on-one interactions in support of student learning and personal development. Given remote delivery, we are looking for individuals who are particularly creative with their teaching methodologies and are comfortable working with a variety of software platforms, such as Zoom and VoiceThread. The instructor, once hired, can expect to coordinate with a team consisting of student peer-instructors and three full-time professors in course development and implementation. Lab and lecture days and times are set for spring 2021: M 1:30-4:30 PM for lab and TTH 10:30 AM-1 PM for lecture.

Qualifications

Qualifications

M.S., Ph.D., or ABD in Biological Science; preferably in an area relevant to course objectives. A record of prior successful experience as a teacher and laboratory instructor is desirable.

Compensation

$750. /credit (or $4,500 total) for Master’s degree; $785. /credit (or $4,710 total) for Ph.D.

Starting and Ending Dates

The first class day of the Spring 2021 is Monday February 8^th but applicants should be prepared to work in the week prior to the start of school to work on course development with the rest of the BIO 290A team. The last day of spring semester classes is Monday May 10^th. Final grades are due by Thursday May 20^th.

To Apply

Applicants are asked to submit a brief letter of interest, C.V. (including contact information), and the name and contact information of two references, one of whom must be able to speak to the applicant’s teaching skills (no letter necessary at this point) as soon as possible. Interviews will begin immediately upon receipt of materials from qualified applicants. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until an instructor is hired.

Oglethorpe University has a strong commitment to diversity and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.