Teaching Associate in Introductory Biology

Position Overview

School / Campus / College: College of Arts and Sciences

Organization: Biology

Title: Teaching Associate in Introductory Biology

Position Details

Position Description

The Department of Biology at the University of Washington invites applications for two 100% FTE Teaching Associate non-tenure positions in Biology, commencing September 16th, 2021. The initial appointment will be for 3 months with a possibility of reappointment for an appropriate time period conditional on performance. Future potential reappointments would be for the nine month academic year conditional on performance and funding. They are non-tenured positions and are not eligible for promotion. The successful candidate will benefit from interactions with faculty in the Department of Biology whose research areas include biology education, ecology, evolution, molecular, cellular, physiological biology.

Teaching Associate will teach a subset of the Introductory series labs (Biology 180 Introductory Evolution and Ecology, Biology 200 Introductory Molecular and Cellular Biology, or Biology 220 Introductory Physiology) which may vary quarter-by-quarter. Recent syllabi for each of these courses are available at this link: https://www.biology.washington.edu/people/profile/ben-wiggins.

Teaching Associates will teach undergraduate biology labs in conjunction with a large lecture course each quarter. Associates teach six 3-hour labs per week and work closely to support the 144 students (generally STEM majors) in those labs each quarter. The overall team of four Associates rotate between these three courses each quarter to best mediate changing enrollments and their own interest areas. Intro Associates work with the large teaching team for their course as well as the greater Instructional Support side of the department. 

The preferred qualifications for this position are a BS in Biology, an MS or PhD in Biology or a Biology-adjacent STEM field, or equivalent experience. In addition, candidates with experience in teaching STEM to diverse populations of students and/or experience teaching STEM at the undergraduate level are sought.

All candidates must address their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity as part of their diversity statement. This statement can discuss your experience(s) as an individual from a traditionally underrepresented group in higher education; your actions on issues related to diversity, inclusion, and equity; or any topics related to these themes.

Essential functions and expectations:

• Teaching weekly labs, including
  • Instructing labs, including initial small lectures and leading lab activities
  • Maintaining safety standards for all students and staff
  • Promoting an inclusive environment for a diverse group of colleagues and students
  • Cleaning and setting up some labs with assistance of departmental staff
• Attending the associated course lecture 4-5 times per week and assisting with exam proctoring
• Coordinating with instructors and coordinators to maintain course cohesion
• Holding office hours, engaging in online platforms, administrating course grades and answering student emails
• Meeting weekly with the teaching team under the direction of the Course Coordinator to learn lab teaching specifics for the week, give feedback, learn upcoming lab exercises, and practice teaching skills.
• Maintaining the highest possible standards of the complicated profession of teaching, including acting as a positive role model for undergraduate students
• Striving to improve to being a better instructor and scientist at the end of the appointment compared to the beginning

Applicants selected for interview will complete a live online teaching demonstration. Interested candidates from backgrounds that are traditionally under-represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a BS or higher in Biology or a Biology-adjacent STEM field (or equivalent experience), or will receive such degree before September of 2021. Experience teaching STEM to diverse populations or teaching STEM at the undergraduate level is preferred.

Instructions

To apply for this position, please submit:

• A current CV
• A cover letter of no more than 2 pages that describes applicable teaching experience and philosophy.
• Diversity Statement that addresses your commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity. 
• Names and contact information of 3 references to Ben Wiggins at benlw@uw.edu by the May 6th deadline.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information,
gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.