Teaching Specialist

Job Responsibilities:

75% Laboratory Course Instruction and Support

• Teach and/or co-teach Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering undergraduate engineering lab courses. Classes include topics such as fluid mechanics, instrumentation and process control, biomass conversion processes, properties of materials, process engineering, and etc.
• Work with the course instructors on the design, development, and implementation of lab exercises
• Update lab manuals and equipment operation instruction
• Work closely with faculty and instructors to assure safe and responsible use of facilities and equipment, and to assure proper preparation for lab classes and clean-up after each class
• Assist students with data analysis during class; assist with evaluating student work and assignment grading
• Evaluate equipment use, procedures, and supplies for improvement and efficiency of labs, suggest alternative teaching methods and materials in consultation with instructors
• Keep lab/class manuals and lab setup instructions up-to-date and available in close collaboration with instructors
• Keep inventories of equipment and supplies to assure uninterrupted availability of general class materials
• Maintain records of all expenditures for each laboratory class, including supplies, student support, and equipment maintenance and repair
• Coordinate with accounting team for payments, billing and financial reporting
• Ensure that all lab equipment is functioning properly and ready for use prior to the start of each semester
• Work with vendors and University's facilities management (FM) in repairing, troubleshooting, and maintaining the safe operation of lab equipment; order parts, supplies, and new equipment as necessary
• Ensure safe operation of the lab equipment and conduct of lab exercises; coordinate with the University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) if necessary
• Identify opportunities for the continuous improvement of laboratory and general safety in the BBE Department

15% Assist faculty with research related equipment needs and support

10% Departmental Support

• Assist with departmental events
• Identify and respond to technical and facility issues in the departmental labs and buildings
  

Required

• Master's degree in the area of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field
• Demonstrated competence teaching at the undergraduate level
• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, students, and staff
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating multiple projects or work tasks
• Proven ability to pay attention to detail

Preferred

• Experience teaching subjects related to bioproducts and biosystems engineering
  

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (bbe.umn.edu) is an internationally renowned academic unit with the core mission of sustainable use of renewable agricultural and natural resources, and protection and enhancement of the environment.

Pay Range: $68,000 - $72,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).