Visiting Assistant Professor of Biotechnology

Hawaii Pacific University; Waimanalo (HI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawaii Pacific University seeks an entrepreneurial marine scientist with microalgae expertise to lead a funded research initiative and develop sustainable biotechnology for algae-derived edible oils and commercial products.

The candidate will mentor undergraduate and graduate students, develop and deliver academic courses, and contribute to the Oceanic Institute campus in Waimanalo. Submit required application materials for consideration.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in Marine Science or closely related field.
• Expertise in microalgae culture.
• Experience teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability to teach marine science, biology, or related courses.
• Experience with algae cultivation and lipid production.
• Experience managing laboratory projects.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• One or more years teaching marine science courses.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, execution, and optimization of the microalgae research program.
• Maintain scientific rigor, reproducibility, and quality control throughout the project.
• Recruit, train, and supervise undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, conference presentations, and invited talks.
• Teach twelve contact hours per academic year across courses.
• Plan and deliver courses aligned with program requirements.
• Advise students and hold office hours.
• Contribute to department, college, and university service.

Skills

Microalgae culture

Marine science

Teaching experience

Biotechnology

Education

Ph.D. in Marine Science or related field

Job description

Job Summary:

Hawaii Pacific University is seeking an entrepreneurial marine scientist with expertise in microalgae to lead a funded research initiative developing sustainable biotechnology to produce algae-derived edible oils and other commercial products. The successful candidate will plan, oversee and provide the expertise for the research initiative, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and develop and deliver academic courses in service to and on behalf of the University. Please submit cover letter, vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and professional references with application.

Location

This full-time, one-year faculty appointment will be based at HPU's Oceanic Institute campus in Waimanalo.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or other terminal degree in Marine Science, Biotechnology, Biological Engineering, Aquaculture, Biology, Environmental Science, or closely related field.
• Expertise and experience in microalgae culture
• Experience and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
• Demonstrated expertise in marine science, biotechnology engineering, and/or aquaculture, and ability to teach entry level or advanced courses in marine science, biology, and/or related courses.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with algae cultivation, microbial fermentation, industrial biotechnology, or related biological production systems.
• Strong understanding of lipid production, fermentation optimization, or microbial process development.
• Experience managing laboratory research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students and lead collaborative research teams.
• Strong record of scholarly research output.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• One or more years of experience teaching courses in marine science or related courses

Other Qualifications

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship and relocation allowance are not available for this position.
• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU’s winter break, if necessary.
• This position may be considered an essential position with report to work obligations depending on the type of emergency, campus closure, or evacuation.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.
• This position may also require driving responsibility for an HPU vehicle. Due to driving responsibilities, you must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with HPU’s Vehicle Driving policy.
• Able to teach classes scheduled during days, evenings, and weekends.
• Able to teach classes at multiple locations on Oahu.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment requiring excellent time and stress management skills.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions:

1. Research and Project Management (60%)

• Lead the design, execution, and optimization of the microalgae research program
• Maintain scientific rigor, reproducibility, and quality control throughout the project
• Recruit, train, and supervise undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Assign laboratory responsibilities and oversee daily research activities.
• Disseminate research findings through publication, conference presentations, and invited talks.
• Foster a collaborative, educational, and innovative laboratory environment

2. Teaching (30%)

• The teaching expectation will be twelve contact hours per academic year (2 conventional courses per semester).
• Develop a syllabus of course activities that meets the requirements of the course description and of the program, establishes appropriate student learning outcomes, and provides for appropriate class activities throughout the semester.
• Plan and deliver individual courses that conform to the syllabus and other requirements of the University.
• Maintain accurate and complete records on student participation and performance, evaluate student performance on the basis of established student learning outcomes, and assign grades.
• Submit required documents (including grades) in a timely manner.
• Hold office hours to advise students regarding their course work

3. Service to Department, College and University (5%)

• Assist as required in program assessments.
• Advise students, assisting students in understanding the curriculum within the major
• Meet deadlines following directions of the department chair, associate dean, or dean of the college.

4. Performs other related duties as assigned (5%)

• Actively participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.