Adjunct - Biology

Northwestern Michigan College•Traverse City, MI

About The Position

This adjunct faculty member teaches one or more Biology courses, including lectures and labs, and maintains laboratory, equipment, and reagent inventories. The position may assist with developing and revising courses and uses suitable strategies to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and encourage active learning. The instructor maintains class-related records, assesses coursework promptly, and informs students of their progress. The role supports the mission of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and its Science/Math discipline, and calls for the ability to relate well to a diverse population of learners and meet Higher Learning Commission (HLC) criteria. Teaching may include night classes, online instruction, or a combination of in-person and online components, depending on the course. Formats may include online, accelerated, livestream, hybrid, and face-to-face instruction. Adjunct faculty are responsible for curriculum, teaching effectiveness, and professional qualities and abilities, and are encouraged to participate in professional development and college and community initiatives. The position may supervise student lab assistants. This role is hired through the third-party staffing agency EduStaff; selected candidates must complete the requirements of both NMC and EduStaff.

Requirements

Master's degree in a science/math area related to the position.
Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field that meets HLC requirements for the course taught.
Ability to relate well to a diverse population of learners and meet HLC criteria.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents; respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints; write speeches and articles; and deliver effective, persuasive speeches and presentations on complex or controversial topics.
Ability to comprehend and apply calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory, including limits, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.
Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; work with nonverbal symbolism in its most difficult phases; and handle abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly standing, walking, sitting, using hands, and talking or hearing; frequently reaching; occasionally climbing or balancing and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; regularly lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds; and possessing the specified vision abilities.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in biology that meets HLC requirements.
Two years of college-level teaching experience in biology.
Teaching experience in a science/math-related area.
Teaching experience in online environments.

Responsibilities

Teach one or more Biology courses, including lectures and labs, in assigned instructional formats.
Maintain laboratory, equipment, and reagent inventories.
Assist with the development and revision of courses as needed.
Use suitable teaching strategies to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and encourage active learning.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations and other learning activities.
Use current and emerging technologies in distance learning and the classroom, and conduct classroom research using classroom assessment techniques.
Listen to students and coach them to participate actively in the learning process.
Use varied assessments, including exams, discussions, debates, presentations, simulations, and debriefings, to promote demonstrations of learning.
Provide students with a course syllabus containing the College Syllabus information outlined in Moodle.
Maintain and regularly update the Moodle gradebook and/or other electronic grading systems.
Engage in learning and scholarship in the area of specialization as time allows.
Meet requirements for the adjunct review and performance review processes.
Attend and comply with required faculty training.
Report grades by college deadlines and maintain accurate student academic records.
Meet classes at scheduled times and for the appropriate duration.
Make reasonable accommodations approved by Disability Support Services and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Follow College policy on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Respond promptly and thoroughly to requests from Academic Chairs, Department Heads, committee chairs, and the Records Office.
Assess student learning outcomes and make improvements based on assessment results.
Develop and distribute course syllabi that follow approved criteria and develop and maintain course outlines for annual review and approval by the faculty supervisor or designee.
Complete required teaching observations and provide class time for student feedback forms when necessary to meet the College's response-rate standard.
Complete college reporting requirements due after the instructional period.
Develop course curriculum in preparation for the coming academic year.
Make a reasonable effort to participate in college and committee meetings and respond to college communications in a timely manner.
May supervise student lab assistants.
Adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend Commencement, Opening Conferences, other NMC employee meetings, and the three NMC Professional Development Days per academic year, and to participate in activities that promote the College's vision and mission.