Description

TEMPORARY ASSISTANT PROFESSOR in Biology

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

The Department of Biology (www.biology.usu.edu) invites applications for a full-time Temporary Assistant Professor position (90% teaching, and 10% service) in Biology. This position has an anticipated start date of 1 January 2022. Contingent on satisfactory performance, it is anticipated that the position will be a temporary 1.5 academic year non-tenure track appoint with the option of extension subject to funding.

There is no potential for promotion as the position is temporary and limited to assignment for spring terms 2022 and 2023, and fall term 2022 (January 2022 – May 2023).

The major responsibilities of the position include teaching Human Physiology (BIOL 2420; lectures and labs), Cell Biology (BIOL 5210), Introductory Biology I and II (BIOL 1610 and 1620; with a co-instructor, responsible for half of the lectures), and Biology and the Citizen (BIOL 1010). The teaching assignment will be two or three courses (7-10 credits) per term. Core duties include developing curriculum aligned with Biology Department standards; preparing lectures and discussions; designing and overseeing associated lab sections; developing student outcomes and assessments; developing and correcting exams; communicating with and responding to student inquiries; ensuring lecture and lab coordination; supervising teaching assistants, graders, and teaching fellows; participation in undergraduate research scholarship and/or extracurricular activities (examples could include student mentoring, internship supervision, and engagement with the Biology Undergraduate Student Association or other club programs); and service to the department community.

The Department of Biology has over 700 undergraduate students, nearly 60 graduate students, more than 45 faculty at 6 campuses across the State, 11 administrative staff members, and well over 100 hourly employees. Biology instructors serve over 4,380 students each year through our general education courses. The Department of Biology maintains a large research enterprise, and has taken a leadership role in promoting engagement of STEM students from diverse backgrounds in research. Biology and USU fosters innovation and professional development of faculty in their efforts to enhance student learning and engagement by offering support of professional association membership, conference/academy attendance, and an Empowering Teaching Excellence program offered by the Provost’s Office.

Utah State University (USU) was founded in 1888 and is honored to be Utah’s land-grant and space-grant university. USU is a Carnegie RU/H (Research University/High Research Activity) institution with approximately 27,800 students (24,660 undergraduates and over 3,000 graduate students) on the Logan main campus, eight statewide campuses, and 23 centers throughout the state. Extension serves all of Utah’s 29 counties and includes the Ogden Botanical Center, Thanksgiving Point, and the Utah Botanical Center. USU offers 114 undergraduate degrees, 132 graduate degrees, and a variety of innovative associate and certificate credentials. USU students represent all 29 counties in Utah, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories, and more than 66 countries. USU became Utah’s #1 Online university (U.S. News & World Report: January 2020). USU is ranked #2 public university in the nation – 2020 National University Rankings by Washington Monthly, September 2020. As one of the two premier research institutions in Utah, USU is proud to provide a high-quality education at an affordable price. Additional information about Utah State University can be found at: https://www.usu.edu/about/at-a-glance/.

A core characteristic of USU is engagement with communities and people in economic development, improvements to quality of life, and human capital. Through the practical application of knowledge, the University and its faculty engage and share expertise with the state, nation, and world, preserving the historical land-grant tradition of partnering with communities to address critical societal issues in the interest of the public good.

The USU main campus is located on the traditional and unceded homeland of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, a region that was also visited by member of neighboring Native nations.  Present-day Logan, Utah is a city of about 50,000 situated in a picturesque mountain valley about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Outstanding recreational opportunities abound in the nearby mountains and proximate region. Additional information about Logan can be found at: http://www.loganutah.org/visitors/about_logan/index.php.

 USU recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the university’s academic mission of learning, discovery, and engagement (https://www.usu.edu/president/missionstatement/). USU is an AA/EO employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or local, state, or federal law. Learn more at www.aaeo.usu.edu/non-discrimination. USU is sensitive to the needs of dual career couples and provides a Dual Career Assistance program. Additional information can be found at: http://www.usu.edu/provost/faculty-life/dual-career-assistance.cfm.

 Notice of Non-discrimination:

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 Executive Director of the Office of Equity: Alison Adams-Perlac, alison.adams-perlac@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator: Hilary Renshaw, hilary.renshaw@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266

 For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/ or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481 OCR@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov

Requirements

Qualifications:

A MS is required; a PhD is strongly preferred with a degree in Biology or closely related discipline; ability to serve as a mentor, advisor and role model to students and graduate teaching assistants from diverse backgrounds; ability to work productively and cooperatively with colleagues; contribute to undergraduate and graduate education in the Department of Biology; and possessing excellent oral, written, and problem‐solving skills. Evidence of proficiency in teaching is required, including a background in pedagogy. Record of proficiency in teaching Human Physiology at the university level is required.

Implementation of innovative teaching methods and a commitment to promoting diversity in STEM is encouraged. We seek applicants with demonstrated capacity to contribute to USU’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) missions and goals while also contributing to excellence in USU’s education mission.

Applicants must apply electronically, using the online system at https://jobs.usu.edu or HERE.  Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy and goals, a vison statement for career-long engagement and contributions to JEDI goals, and the names and contact information (including email addresses) for three references. For further information or inquiries, please contact Nancy Kay Pierson (NancyKay.Pierson@usu.edu), Search Manager. Review of applications will begin 15 September 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.