Instructor I, Biology

Florida Gulf Coast University
United States, Florida, Fort Myers
10501 FGCU Boulevard South (Show on map)
Nov 14, 2024
Job Summary As Instructor of Biology, your primary responsibility will be teaching lower-level undergraduate biology courses that could include those that support the pre-nursing program (e.g., BSC 1020C: Human Systems and MCB 2010C: Microbiology with Lab). As such, you will be involved in course and/or curriculum development in lower-level undergraduate courses; pursue professional development that support undergraduate teaching; and participate on College and University committees and/or initiatives. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) 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 and success be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning (when applicable) 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 800 undergraduate students and 20 - 30 Master students. Faculty provide a variety of learning opportunities that run the range of Bloom's taxonomy (from recall to creation) and employ different approaches to include integrated lab-lectures, active-learning, and Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). In addition, half of the campus is set aside as conservation areas, which creates a living laboratory for both teaching and scholarly opportunities. Faculty, staff, and students also partner extensively with community members, which supports the university's sustainability and service-learning goals. 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 a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies. Job Description Typical duties may include but are not limited to: Teach assigned courses and adequately perform other duties/responsibilities as articulated on the annual assignment. Teaches 12 credit hours per semester of lower-level undergraduate courses in biology and related subjects. Hold office hours. Attend departmental meetings. Adopt course materials in a timely manner. Adopt the university learning management system. Adopt other campus-wide technology platforms as appropriate to other specified job duties. Complete mandatory/required training in a timely manner. Abide by University Policies and Regulations. Participate in the evaluation process in accordance with the CBA and related documents. Participate in the assessment process as required by your respective department. Timely and professional communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators Engage in essential duties with the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, excellence, and within the accepted practices and norms of your respective field/profession. Prepare syllabi and instructional materials, develop and deliver lectures and tests, and evaluate students. Engages in reflective self-assessment of teaching styles and methods to ensure consistently effective instructional performance. Collaborate with colleagues to develop/revise curriculum. Ensure the timely completion and reporting of student learning assessments. Continued professional development activity is expected at a level commensurate with rank and the mission of the University. Community, institutional and professional service in furtherance of FGCU's mission is expected of all faculty. Actively participate in community, institutional, and professional service in furtherance of FGCU's mission. Actively serves on university committees. Actively participates in institutional meetings Attends faculty and college meetings as required. Be available for scheduled office hours as posted. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor Additional Job Description Required Qualifications: Master's degree in biology or closely-related discipline from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation. Experience teaching undergraduate courses. Preferred Qualifications: PhD degree in biology or closely-related discipline from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation. Experience teaching first-year biology courses, such as BSC 1010C (General Biology 1 with Lab), BSC 1007C (Introduction to Biology), BSC 1020C (Human Systems), and/or MCB 2010C (Microbiology with Lab) Experience with Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) or Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). Experience working with student teaching assistants to improve student learning and success. Experience with management of the lower division biology curriculum, especially in connection with standards and policy implementation. 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. Special Instructions to Applicants: Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment basis available August 2025. Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DONOTsend examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property ofFGCUandCANNOTBERETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property ofFGCU. Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request. Required Application Materials: Unofficial Transcripts Statement of Teaching Philosophy Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Five (5) Professional References Salary commensurate with education and experience. The position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by December 2, 2024 will receive priority consideration.