Adjunct Faculty - Biology

grcc; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 4,000 - 6,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness Program

Continuous Learning

Retirement Plans

Job summary

Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking adjunct faculty to teach Plant Biology and Animal Biology for the Winter 2026 semester at our downtown campus. Courses GRCC offers include Biology 153 and Biology 154, combining lab and lecture components.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and a commitment to student success, with a Master’s degree in biological sciences (or related field with 18 biology credits), and prior community college teaching preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biological sciences or related field with 18 biology credits.
• Teaching experience at a community college preferred.
• Experience teaching Plant Biology and Animal Biology to diverse student populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach GRCC course offerings in Biology (Plant and Animal Biology).
• Follow the required syllabus template and use the department textbook.
• Meet classes as scheduled and maintain accurate student records.
• Record grades by the contractual deadline and provide accessible communication.

Skills

Subject matter expertise

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Instructional technology

Written and verbal communication

Education

Master’s degree in biological sciences

18 credits in biology (related field)

Tools

Gmail

Canvas

Blackboard

Job description

The College is interested in seeking candidates to teach Plant Biology and Animal Biology in the Winter 2026 semester at our downtown campus. Biology 153 is a combination laboratory/lecture course focusing on the Plant Kingdom. Biology 154 is also a combination laboratory/lecture course focusing on the Animal Kingdom.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and a commitment to student success, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for all students.

Adjunct needs are determined on a semester by semester basis, as are the number of sections offered each semester. GRCC classes are held at a variety of times, Monday through Saturday in different modalities such as Hybrid, Online & Virtual. For semester start and end dates, see GRCC’s Academic Calendar.

Requisition ID: 1045
Employee Group: Adjunct Faculty
Schedule: Winter Semester
Compensation: Adjunct Faculty
Reports to: Associate Dean - School of Liberal Arts
Posting Opens: 11/6/2025

Posting Closes: Open until filled

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Teach GRCC course offering(s) in Biology (Plant and Animal Biology).
• Perform tasks normally expected of adjunct faculty members:
• Follow the required syllabus template.
• Use the required textbook as determined by the department.
• Meet classes during the time scheduled and for the appropriate length of time required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• State course outcomes clearly at the beginning of the course and state the criteria and procedures for evaluating student attainment of these objectives.
• Promote an intellectually stimulating atmosphere in the classroom which is conducive to the attainment of high academic achievement and stated course outcomes.
• Keep accurate student academic records.
• Report grades by contractual deadline.
• Make reasonable accommodations as approved by the Disability Support Services to meet students’ needs and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Make all reasonable efforts to respond to communication in a timely manner and provide reasonable means for student access to course information.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• The instructor must possess a minimum of a Master’s Degree in the biological sciences or a Master’s Degree in a related field with at least 18 semester credit hours in the biological sciences.
• Teaching experience at a community college preferred.
• Experience working with adults from diverse backgrounds and with varying academic skills preferred.
• Participation in professional development and/or continuous improvement activities in order to remain current in the field preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in the subject area and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population and faculty team.
• Proficiency in using instructional technology and learning management systems (e.g.,Gmail, Canvas, Blackboard).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Some evening work (grading, preparing for class, responding to email questions) will be needed.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Mental Demands

• An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.

• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin, and ability.
• A commitment to serve the Kent County community.
• Demonstrated responsiveness, initiative, and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.
• A willingness and an ability to learn college systems.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and an interest in helping and supporting students and colleagues.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.

Benefits

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan.

Application / Hiring Process

• Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Only adjunct faculty living in the state of Michigan can teach classes for GRCC.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.