Microbiology Instructor

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 5,000 - 5,200; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Extension is seeking an instructor to teach a microbiology course in the Pre-Medical and General Sciences certificate. The instructor will design and update the syllabus, deliver hands-on lab skills, and assess student learning using Canvas LMS.

Qualified applicants have a master's or doctoral degree in microbiology, strong teaching experience, and proficiency with online learning tools. The role is based in Los Angeles with per-course compensation and a focus on high academic standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a master's or doctoral degree in microbiology or a related field.
• College-level teaching experience required.
• Must be committed to maintaining the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) instructional technology and online learning management systems including Canvas.

Responsibilities

• Update course syllabus in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director using an approved syllabus template.
• Prepare and deliver course materials and learning assessments in assigned format.
• Communicate Teaching Objectives and Specific Learning Outcomes to students and review grading policies.
• Provide timely feedback on outcome of all learning assessments and post scores on Canvas LMS.
• Evaluate student achievement of Specific Learning Outcomes and assign grades.
• Post final student grades to the transcript system within 2 weeks after the last class.
• Respond to student inquiries and learning needs promptly.
• Utilize Canvas LMS as the platform for this online course.
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.
• Keep final exams/papers for up to 13 weeks following the last class period.

Skills

Teaching experience

Curriculum development

Communication skills

Canvas LMS proficiency

Education

Master's or doctoral degree in microbiology or related field

College-level teaching experience

Job description

Instructor

Los Angeles, CA

$5,000-$5,200 per course, quartely

Application Window

Open date: September 8, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Oct 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

Course / Program Description

This course provides students with hands-on laboratory experience in fundamental techniques and concepts in microbiology. Designed for students preparing for professional school, the course emphasizes laboratory skills, aseptic technique, microbial cultivation and identification, microscopy, staining, biochemical testing, and interpretation of experimental results. Students develop practical skills in experimental design, data collection and analysis, scientific reasoning, and laboratory safety while applying core microbiological principles to clinically and biologically relevant problems.

Job Description

The Department of Health Sciences and Sciences at UCLA Extension offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses including transfer-credit (XL) and post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (X-400 level). UCLA Extension courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who hold advanced degrees, are passionate about teaching and impart knowledge within their field of expertise. All courses are offered using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool. A current opening is available for an instructor to teach a microbiology course in the Pre-Medical and General Sciences certificate. Qualified applicants possessing a minimum of a master's degree in microbiology or a related field, with teaching experience are encouraged to apply.

Instructor Duties

• Update course syllabus in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director using an approved syllabus template.
• Prepare and deliver course materials and learning assessments in assigned format.
• As clearly outlined in the syllabus, communicate the Teaching Objectives and Specific Learning Outcomes to students and review the grading policies of the course.
• Throughout the quarter, provide timely feedback on outcome of all learning assessments. Post individual student scores on secure Canvas LMS no later than one week from the date of exam/assignment.
• Evaluate student achievement of Specific Learning Outcomes and assign grades.
• Post final student grades to the transcript system in a timely manner no later than 2 weeks after the last date of course meeting.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
• Communicate about administrative matters with Program Director and Program Representative in a timely manner.
• Utilize the Canvas LMS as the platform for this course which is offered in the online learning format.
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed.
• Keep final exams/papers for up to 13 weeks following the last class session of each course and allow students to access them during that time period.
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: complete all hiring paperwork; submit updated quarterly syllabus; post bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website; review and sign quarterly contract; order required texts.
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field.
• Employ cultural humility and competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of a diverse domestic and international student population.

General Employment Information

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies.

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges.

Division

https://www.uclaextension.edu/sciences-math

Instructor Resources

https://instructor.uclaextension.edu/

Basic qualifications

• Minimum of a master's or doctoral degree in microbiology or a related field.
• College-level teaching experience required.
• Must be committed to maintaining the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) the use of instructional technology and online learning management systems including but not limited to the Canvas Learning Management System.

Preferred qualifications

• Laboratory teaching experience.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae/Resume - Your most recently updated Curriculum Vitae/Resume.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

References are requested from candidates after the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists via SkillSurvey system.

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Assertive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Los Angeles, CA