Biology Professor - Gig Harbor Campus - Part-Time

Tacoma Community College; Gig Harbor (WA); Hybrid; USD 1,902,465 - 2,080,176; Part time

Job summary

Tacoma Community College is seeking a part-time faculty member to teach introductory Biology and associated labs at the Gig Harbor Campus. The role involves delivering engaging lectures and hands-on activities aligned with the course outcomes.

The position supports a diverse student body, with flexible scheduling across campus and online components. A Master’s in Biology and prior college teaching experience are preferred, and employment is contingent on background checks.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology or a closely related field.
• Experience teaching college‑level biology courses.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and teach introduction to biological principles including: diversity of life; basic cellular anatomy and biochemical processes; evolution and genetics; ecology and environmental issues; and an overview of human anatomy/physiology.
• Prepare and teach introduction to cell biology for pre‑allied health and pre‑science majors.

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Diversity awareness

Education

Master’s degree in Biology

Job description

Who We Are

Part‑time faculty positions at the college are open continuously and reviewed on a quarter‑by‑quarter basis. Individuals who apply to the applicant pool are considered active for a period of 12 months from the application date and may be contacted when vacancies occur. Submitting an application does not guarantee that a position will be available or offered.

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is the third largest city in Washington State with a thriving and diverse community of over 200,000 residents. Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well‑being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma‑Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black‑owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti‑racist institution.

To grow our workforce, we are seeking creative, collaborative faculty who are reflective of the diverse community we serve. Tacoma Community College is a public Associate‑ and Bachelor’s‑granting institution that serves a student‑body of approximately 12,000 students. Our students are 27% students of color, 60% female, and have a median age of 26. We embrace our identity as a community college. Our faculty are engaged in innovative work to improve student retention and program completion, and community success. According to the Community College Survey of Student Engagement, TCC ranks high on measures of active learning and academic challenge, thanks to our creative and scholarly faculty.

We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African‑American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice‑involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC’s mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Regional Setting

For information on Tacoma and the surrounding area: https://www.tacomacc.edu/tcc-life/life_in_tacoma

Position Highlights

This position is responsible for preparing and teaching introductory Biology courses and corresponding labs in a classroom environment at the Gig Harbor Campus.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and teach introduction to biological principles including: diversity of life; basic cellular anatomy and biochemical processes; evolution and genetics; ecology and environmental issues; and an overview of human anatomy/physiology.
• Prepare and teach introduction to cell biology for pre‑allied health and pre‑science majors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching college‑level biology courses.

Conditions Of Employment

• The finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily prevent employment but will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis by HR staff.
• Tacoma Community College has no responsibility or obligation to sponsor an H‑1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• Effective listening and customer service when working with others.
• Excellent customer service skills, including establishing, building, and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Professional and courteous interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Ethics and integrity.
• Dynamic, non‑traditional delivery methods to teach students of widely varying levels of proficiency and from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
• Experience using computers as an instructional aid in and out of the classroom to enhance learning.

Application Process

Application Material & Procedures

1. Tacoma Community College online application form.
2. Cover letter and resume. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meets the qualifications for this position.
3. UNOFFICIAL copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended.

Terms of Employment

This is a part‑time faculty position contracted on a quarterly basis. Classes assigned to the successful candidate may be on Tacoma or Gig Harbor campus, hybrid online, or fully online with an online learning management system (Canvas) component. Evening hours may be required. Part‑time faculty salary range is per credit hour starting at $1,380.59 to $1,510.48. Salary ranges are subject to any approved COLA’s after initial placement. If applicable, Lab credit hours are paid at 50% the credit hour rate. Professional Services hours are paid at a flat rate of $46.00-$46.00 per hour. Placement on the faculty salary schedule will commensurate with educational background and experience per the Faculty Negotiated Agreement (Article 4.00 Academic Employee Compensation). Part‑time faculty may become eligible for healthcare and retirement benefits at the beginning of the second consecutive quarter of half‑time or more employment at one or more Washington state institutions of higher education. Half time is determined based on each institution’s definition of full time. Members may ’stack’ workloads between other qualifying colleges. A part‑time faculty member must qualify each quarter they teach, to maintain eligibility. Once eligible, part‑time faculty will be notified of their benefit and retirement options. Tacoma Community College offers one personal leave day per academic year if the PTF have been awarded a multi‑quarter appointment. Sick leave is awarded every quarter based on the full‑time equivalent teaching percent. If eligibility requirements are met, a comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long‑term disability insurance plans reduced tuition for the employee; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page and employment benefits: https://www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment/.

Equal Opportunity & Non‑Discrimination

Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies: Patricia McCray‑Roberts, Title VII and Title IX, 253‑566‑5051; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, 253‑566‑5157. Tacoma Community College is a smoke‑free/drug‑free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Human Resources Contact

6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA 98466

www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment