Instructor I, Biology

Florida Gulf Coast University; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University seeks an Instructor of Biology to teach lower-level undergraduate biology courses, including those supporting pre-nursing. The role involves course/curriculum development, professional development for teaching, and participation in College and University committees.

Faculty duties may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within the region. The department offers diverse research opportunities and emphasizes active-learning and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology or closely related area with at least 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline.
• Demonstrated potential for or a record of teaching undergraduate courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach 12 credit hours per semester of lower-level undergraduate biology courses.
• Prepare and deliver course content including syllabi and assessments.
• Maintain office hours and communicate with students and colleagues.
• Participate in departmental and university meetings and curriculum development.
• Utilize the university LMS and campus-wide technologies to support teaching.

Skills

Teaching

Collaboration

Student-centered

Communication

Education

Master's in Biology

18 graduate credit hours

PhD (preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

As an Instructor of Biology, your primary responsibility will be teaching lower-level undergraduate biology courses that could include those that support the pre-nursing program. As such, you will be involved in course and/or curriculum development in lower-level undergraduate courses; pursue professional development that supports undergraduate teaching; and participate on College and University committees and/or initiatives.

Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning, and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.

The Department of Biological Sciences and FGCU provide unique opportunities for candidates interested in this position. On an average year, we support 900 undergraduate students and 15 to 25 Master’s students. Departmental faculty possess wide range of scholarly interests to include molecular, genetic, and organismal pursuits as well as community-engaged research and SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning). Faculty also provide variety of learning opportunities that run the range of Bloom’s taxonomy (from recall to creation) and, therefore, employ different approaches to include integrated lab-lectures, active-learning, and Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). Faculty, staff, and students also partner extensively with the community members, which support the university’s sustainability and service-learning goals. In addition, half of the campus is set aside as conservation areas, which creates a living laboratory for both teaching and research opportunities for the field and lab. This is a special place for people who want to connect their teaching, research, and service.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong interest in introductory biology instruction, utilizing different approaches that complement departmental strengths. They should demonstrate a genuine commitment to student-centered education, prioritizing the growth and development of their students. This candidate should have a proven ability to foster collaboration that could include partnerships within or outside the discipline. Moreover, they should display a capacity for innovative thinking and actively contributing to creative endeavors that enhance student learning experiences.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Teaches 12 credithours per semesterof lower-levelundergraduate courses in biology and relatedsubjects, as assignedin the annualteaching assignment.
• Participate in disciplinary research, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), and/or community-engaged service activities aligned with professional interests and institutional priorities.
• Prepare and deliver course content, including syllabi, lectures, instructional materials, assessments, and timely evaluation of student performance.
• Maintain scheduled office hours and ensure timely, professional communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university meetings, as well as faculty evaluations, assessments, and curriculum development/revision efforts.
• Utilize the university’s learning management system and other required campus-wide technologies to support teaching and related responsibilities.
• Complete all mandatory university trainings and comply with all institutional policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Engage in ongoing self-assessment and professional development to maintain effective instructional practices and remain current in the field.
• Contribute to service at the departmental, institutional, community, and professional levels in alignment with the University’s mission.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology, or a closely-related area from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation with a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline.
• Demonstrated potential for, or a record of, achievement in teaching undergraduate courses.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in biology or closely-related discipline from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• Experience with management of the lower division Biology curriculum, especially in connection with standards, scheduling, staffing, and policy implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to teach first-year biology courses, such as BSC 1010C (General Biology 1 with Lab), BSC 1007C (Introduction to Biology, and/or MCB 2010C (Microbiology with Lab), effectively.
• Demonstrated experience to implement impactful and successful active-learning experiences, such as Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) or Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs).
• Demonstrated experience to work with student teaching assistants to improve student learning and success.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
• Understands how to use digital and interactive technologies to efficiently and effectively achieve specific learning goals.
• Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high-level questioning skills.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
• Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g., Face-to-face, synchronous online, or asynchronous online).
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in developing and delivering instruction, resulting in improved student learning.
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.