STEP Instructor - Biology

RFCUNY Research Foundation of the City University of New York; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 87,000; Part time

Job summary

RFCUNY is seeking an engaging, student-focused Biology Instructor for the STEP Program to teach high school students. You will develop interactive lessons that introduce biological concepts, research methods, lab practices, and STEM career pathways, while promoting curiosity, critical thinking, and academic growth in an inclusive learning environment.

The successful candidate will collaborate with STEP coordinators, supervise field activities and college tours, and help empower students toward

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field; graduate degree preferred.
• Experience teaching or mentoring middle/high school students.
• Ability to explain biology concepts clearly and engagingly.
• Experience conducting or supervising laboratory activities.
• Strong classroom-management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging, age-appropriate biology lessons.
• Connect biology concepts to real-world issues, research, and STEM careers.
• Incorporate labs, demonstrations, discussions, and student projects.
• Teach and reinforce proper laboratory procedures and safety practices.
• Adapt instruction to diverse learners and provide feedback and support.
• Mentor students and encourage educational growth.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive classroom and lab environment.
• Collaborate with STEP coordinators, staff, instructors, and partners.
• Supervise students during activities, field trips, and college tours.

Skills

Biology concepts explanation

Classroom management

Laboratory supervision

Inclusive education

Mentoring students

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY). The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries. We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY. Primary Location: BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN C. C.

The STEP Program seeks an engaging, student-focused Biology Instructor to teach high school students. The instructor will develop interactive lessons that introduce students to biological concepts, scientific research methods, laboratory practices, and STEM career pathways. The ideal candidate will create an inclusive learning environment that promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and academic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging, age-appropriate biology lessons.
• Connect biological concepts to real-world issues, scientific research, and STEM careers.
• Incorporate laboratory activities, demonstrations, discussions, and student research projects.
• Teach and reinforce proper laboratory procedures and safety practices.
• Adapt instruction to support students from diverse backgrounds and with varying learning needs.
• Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback and academic support.
• Mentor students and encourage their educational and personal development.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom and laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with STEP coordinators, staff, instructors, and community partners.
• Supervise students during program activities, field trips, college tours, and conferences.
• Support STEP’s mission of student empowerment, college readiness, and academic achievement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biological sciences, science education, or a related field; a graduate degree is preferred.
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or working with middle or high school students.
• Strong knowledge of biology and the ability to explain scientific concepts clearly and engagingly.
• Experience conducting or supervising laboratory activities.
• Effective classroom-management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable education.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a student-support team.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about helping high school students explore biology, develop scientific and laboratory skills, and build confidence in pursuing college and STEM career opportunities.

Pay Range: $55 per hour

RFCUNY Benefits

RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1963 to provide post-award fiscal and administrative support for CUNY’s research and sponsored programs. RFCUNY’s services allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries, on projects and programs that serve our local and global communities, proposing concrete solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. RFCUNY serves as a fiscal agent and works closely with all the CUNY campus Grants Offices to perform the core functions of post-award financial management for CUNY research projects and sponsored programs. These functions include legal assessment and signing of agreements where RFCUNY is named as a fiscal agent; setting up award accounts; preparing sub-awards and assisting PIs in monitoring the work of the recipients of sub-awards; supporting project directors with hiring and managing research project and sponsored program staff; supporting the purchasing and paying for goods and services with grant and program funds; managing financial aspects of projects including accounts receivable, financial reporting, invoicing, budget monitoring, and cost compliance with uniform guidance; ensuring that sponsor financial requirements are met; monitoring compliance with applicable project and financial management rules and laws; supporting the management of independent and external audits and financial reviews; and providing data, information, management expertise, and other supports to CUNY’s research and sponsored programs.