Pre-College Instructor, Introduction to Neuroscience

Columbia University'sPre-College Programsfor High School Students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer '25.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College Instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude. For more information on the program-including course sessions and times-please seehere.

Course Description

Introduction to Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain

This course is designed for students interested in the science of the brain, including its evolutionary origins, early development, and role in generating behavior. We explore theories of the brain as the seat of the self from ancient Greece to modern times, and investigate systems that make up the brain from the individual neuron to the entire central nervous system. We also look into how sensation, perception, and decision making work at the physiological level. The course blends historical trends in neuroscience with modern experiments and findings, and touches on major areas of research including animal studies, recording and imaging techniques, computational neuroscience, and neuropharmacology.

In-class small-group exercises, in addition to lectures, allow students to tangibly explore the ideas presented in class. Participants construct various models of the brain, critique professionalneuroscientificpapers as "peer-reviewers," and visualize actual neural data with instructor guidance. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

In this course, students learn about how the laws of neurons and neurotransmitters direct brain processes. Classes include interactive lectures, discussions, and assignments designed to help students understand the neuroscience of addiction, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Outside of class, students explore case studies of neuropsychiatric disorders so as to fully understand the extent of debilitation and possibilities for recovery.

Course Schedules

Introduction to Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain

Summer A:June 30th to July 18th(no class July 4th)

• 9:10am - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm EST-OR-
• 11:10am-1:00pm & 3:10pm- 5:00pm EST

Summer B:July 22nd to August 8th

• 9:10am - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm EST-OR-
• 11:10am-1:00pm & 3:10pm- 5:00pm EST

Please Note: Course(s) and course availability is subject to change. Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations
• Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips
• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population
• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends
• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (you will have around 20-24 students)
• Attend and complete all required online trainings

Qualifications

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Additional Information

Compensation

• Summer A & B (On-Campus): $7,000 - $9,000
• An additional one-time course development fee will be paid to first time instructors. Development fee rates are $1,500 for 3-week courses.

Other Requirements

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)
• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching. Employment eligibility is contingent upon valid work authorization. Individuals on STEM OPT or holders of the following visa types are ineligible to teach Pre-College: B-1, E-3, H-1B, J-1, and O-1.
• Applicants may not hold a concurrent appointment with Columbia for the duration of their appointment
• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

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