Biology Instructor (Tenure Track)

Southwestern Oregon Community College • Coos Bay, OR

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

Primary Purpose To teach classes in biology and related disciplines as assigned. This position is for the 2026-2027 Academic Year (Sept 2026). Description of Essential Functions Teaching (80% of Time) Teach a range of biology classes: from introductory Biology to Microbiology, as well as Anatomy and Physiology. Teach course information to students in groups and individually using instructional methodology appropriate to the audience and to the subject (e.g. lecture, demonstration, group discussion, technology-enhanced delivery, computer assisted delivery, and distance delivery). Must be able to explain and deliver materials in a variety of ways to meet the needs of a broad range of learning abilities. Curriculum development and modification by working with the Instructional Dean and other department faculty members in developing or modifying course content, course objectives, standards and instructional methods, degree and certificate programs Other Institutional Duties (20% of Time) Demonstrate continued professional growth by staying current in and expanding knowledge of subject area(s) and teaching techniques through a plan of professional development. Attend conferences and professional meetings. Participate in committees and other institutional duties as described in the faculty collective bargaining agreement. This position may advise students as assigned. In this case, the faculty will meet with advisees at least once each term to assist students in determining goals, inform students of program and degree requirements, review student schedules and progress, and refer students to needed services. The faculty will maintain records of advising sessions to include dates of meetings, student major or goals, student progress, and other pertinent information. All faculty are expected to participate in and provide information necessary for the recruitment and retention of students into their programs, the marketing of courses, programs, and the college. This may include travel and working with students and faculty in high schools, colleges and other institutions, and public and private agencies. Support College leadership in developing departmental goals and objectives as part of the institution’s continuous improvement cycle; this includes participating in the college wide accreditation process by preforming departmental planning, assessment, and improvement to meet core theme objectives and contribute to mission fulfillment. Attend student convocation ceremony at the end of each academic year. Performs Other Duties and Special Projects as Required/Assigned

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in biology or related field. Only degrees received from an accredited institution will be accepted: accreditation must be recognized by the office of degree authorization, US Department of Education, as required by ORS 348.609.
• Final candidate will be required to provide official transcripts for required degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years of teaching experience.
• Mastery of the subject area at a sufficient level to instruct and coach students in the knowledge, skills and attitudes requisite for success in the courses and programs at Southwestern.
• Ability to evaluate student programs both empirically and holistically and to prescribe and develop curriculum materials for individuals and classes.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn teaching methods to instruct students of a variety of ages, backgrounds and learning abilities.
• Ability to adapt to various audiences, to find various explanations and to facilitate various learning styles.
• Ability to work with and cooperate with college faculty and staff at all levels, as a team member with the Vice President of Instruction, Instructional Dean, other faculty, staff, and related industry/businesses in developing course content, objectives, standards, program curriculum, grading and instructional methods.
• The ability to communicate effectively in writing using the English language with or without the use of auxiliary aids of services.
• Willingness to teach/coach at various hours as required.
• Ability to plan, organize, and carry out activities independently.
• Possess strong time management skills to support efficient work production and meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform data entry and access various files in college-wide information system, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
• Exhibit a high level of computer literacy, sufficient to use software such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases to produce correspondence, document, and reports as required by the position and the ability to access student information for the purpose of advising and keeping student records.
• Must reside in the State of Oregon.
• Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the employment process.

Nice To Haves

• A comfort level with advising using video and online technology a plus.
• Teaching experience at the college level or the equivalent.
• Demonstrated learning and success in adult instruction.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and professionally in areas of instruction, course and curriculum development.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students with a wide range of ages, backgrounds and academic preparedness.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring students.

Responsibilities

• Teach a range of biology classes: from introductory Biology to Microbiology, as well as Anatomy and Physiology.
• Teach course information to students in groups and individually using instructional methodology appropriate to the audience and to the subject (e.g. lecture, demonstration, group discussion, technology-enhanced delivery, computer assisted delivery, and distance delivery).
• Must be able to explain and deliver materials in a variety of ways to meet the needs of a broad range of learning abilities.
• Develop or modify course content, course objectives, standards and instructional methods, degree and certificate programs by working with the Instructional Dean and other department faculty members.
• Demonstrate continued professional growth by staying current in and expanding knowledge of subject area(s) and teaching techniques through a plan of professional development.
• Attend conferences and professional meetings.
• Participate in committees and other institutional duties as described in the faculty collective bargaining agreement.
• Advise students as assigned, meeting with advisees at least once each term to assist students in determining goals, inform students of program and degree requirements, review student schedules and progress, and refer students to needed services.
• Maintain records of advising sessions to include dates of meetings, student major or goals, student progress, and other pertinent information.
• Participate in and provide information necessary for the recruitment and retention of students into their programs, the marketing of courses, programs, and the college.
• Support College leadership in developing departmental goals and objectives as part of the institution’s continuous improvement cycle.
• Participate in the college wide accreditation process by preforming departmental planning, assessment, and improvement to meet core theme objectives and contribute to mission fulfillment.
• Attend student convocation ceremony at the end of each academic year.
• Performs Other Duties and Special Projects as Required/Assigned

Benefits

• Salary placement will be based on guidelines in administrative policies and procedures or collective bargaining agreements (as applicable).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level