Visiting Assistant Professor, Biology

Augsburg University • Minneapolis, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Augsburg University, serving approximately 3,400 students, offers over 50 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate degrees. The university is characterized by its emphasis on direct, personal experience, civic engagement, robust undergraduate research, and the integration of liberal arts with professional studies. It is deeply committed to intentional diversity, with 50% of its student body identifying as Black, Indigenous, and persons of color, and supports this through initiatives like the emerging interdisciplinary Department of Critical Race and Ethnicity Studies. The Department of Biology at Augsburg University invites applications for a 1-year renewable, non-tenure track, Visiting Assistant Professor position. This role is primarily focused on teaching molecular biology courses within the major, which may include Introductory Biology I lecture and lab, Cell Biology lecture and lab, Genetics lecture and lab, and Biochemistry lecture and lab. The specific courses offered will vary by term, with most classes held during the day, 2-3 days per week. All teaching activities, including classes and labs, are conducted in-person on the Minneapolis campus. Instructors are expected to manage their courses comprehensively, which involves teaching, conducting labs, grading student work, responding to student inquiries via email, holding regular office hours, providing students with course progress updates, and maintaining consistent communication with colleagues. A significant aspect of the role is active involvement in curricular development, encompassing syllabus creation, content for both lectures and labs, selection of textbooks and homework, design of class activities, examinations, and assessment strategies. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a high level of intercultural competency and a strong commitment to inclusive practices and authentic representation within the academic community.

Requirements

• Hold a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Genetics, or a similar field
• Possess a high level of intercultural competency
• Commitment to inclusive practice and authentic representation
• Committed to student engagement and student success with a diverse group of learners

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience teaching undergraduate biology courses with labs

Responsibilities

• Teach molecular biology courses in the major, including BIO151 and BIO151L: Introductory Biology I lecture and lab, BIO354 and BIO354L: Cell Biology lecture and lab, BIO355 and BIO355L: Genetics lecture and lab, BIO369 and BIO369L: Biochemistry lecture and lab (available courses will vary by term)
• Conduct labs
• Grade student work
• Respond to student questions through email
• Hold regularly scheduled office hours
• Reach out to students with course progress information
• Communicate regularly with colleagues or adjuncts teaching additional sections
• Be deeply involved in curricular development, including the syllabus, lab and lecture content, textbook and homework selection, class activities, exams, and assessment activities

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Medical plans include Kavira direct care, which provides free or low-cost virtual and in-home primary care appointments and labs
• A generous 403(b) retirement program with an employer contribution of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents
• Participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
• Paid parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees