Teaching Assistant Professor

Teaching Assistant Professors
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics &
Department of Biology Teaching and Learning
College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota

Institution: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Type: Full-time, 9-month appointment, Non-tenure track; Annually renewable

Summary of Position
The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics and the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities invites applications for two full-time, 9-month Teaching Assistant or Teaching Associate Professor positions to begin August 26, 2024. We seek one candidate with interest in developing and teaching a biochemistry lab for biochemistry majors and other experiential learning courses and one candidate with interest in teaching large-enrollment biochemistry courses to a variety of student demographics (biochemistry majors, other CBS majors, and related majors from other colleges). Interest in laboratory coordination, innovation, and development is strongly desired for the position dedicated to the biochemistry teaching lab course. BMBB and BTL are intentionally expanding our faculty with dedicated, innovative individuals who will promote student engagement and work collaboratively with our faculty to promote best teaching practices.
Teaching responsibilities to include 3 courses per semester. During the academic year responsibilities would focus on delivery of in-person large enrollment biochemistry courses and/or labs for majors or non-majors. General expectations involve development and delivery of course content, assessment of students, use of the University's Learning Management System, assisting students during office hours, and working collaboratively with colleagues to improve the biochemistry teaching lab and experience for students. There will be future opportunities to teach in Foundations of Biology or other introductory biology courses administered through BTL. In the summer, there are opportunities to teach through our unique Nature of Life program at Itasca Biological Station, on-campus or online biochemistry courses, or learning abroad. Successful candidates will have a desire to join fully in the varied activities in the two departments and to take on service responsibilities as they progress.
The departments support faculty development at all ranks and tracks. Promotion may be achieved through three levels of teaching professor positions (assistant, associate and full) for these renewable, non-tenure track positions. Salary level will be commensurate with education and experience, and a benefits package is included.

College and Department Descriptions
The College of Biological Sciences (CBS) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities includes ~ 150 faculty with expertise across all areas of biology - from molecules to ecosystems - who work to advance the University's discovery mission and to provide strong educational programs to undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students. CBS enrolls ~ 2,300 undergraduate students and 280 graduate students across eight undergraduate majors and six graduate programs. Additionally, the College has ~ 210 staff and 60 postdocs. CBS promotes collaborative research within and beyond the University to advance knowledge and find solutions that improve human health and the environment locally, nationally, and globally.
The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics (BMBB) is home to ~40 full-time faculty. The Department's student population includes over 400 undergraduate students in the Biochemistry B.S. degree program, as well as students in the other seven undergraduate majors in CBS. BMBB also has ~75 graduate students in the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics Ph.D. program. The Department supports three main Core facilities, a high field NMR Core with associated 800 MHz and 600 MHz spectrometers, an X-ray crystallography facility with high throughput capability and a Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core with MALDI-TOF and Electrospray capability. These Core facilities interface with university-wide initiatives in genomics and allow for unequaled research exploration from DNA microarrays and gene expression to proteomics and structural biology. For more information about BMBB, please visit the department's website: https://cbs.umn.edu/bmbb
The Department of Biology Teaching and Learning (BTL) has 24 full-time faculty, including 16 teaching-focused faculty, and 7 staff. The Department of Biology Teaching and Learning is a nexus for evidence-based teaching, research on effective pedagogies, and public engagement in biology. Current areas of research focus on improving learning outcomes for underserved STEM students, examining faculty/student discourse, and analyzing student engagement with quantitative modeling in biology. The department's student population includes over 1,000 undergraduates in the Biology B.S. and the Cellular and Organismal Physiology B.S. The department is also home to the CBS signature Nature of Life program and Foundations of Biology course series. For more information about BTL, please visit the department's website: https://cbs.umn.edu/btl

Qualifications
Successful candidates should hold a Ph.D. in biochemistry, biological sciences, or a related discipline at the time of appointment; have at least one semester of significant teaching experience as an instructor of record that defined clear expectations for students and achieved successful learning outcomes for students; and have a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for historically underrepresented groups and marginalized communities in teaching and learning. Ideal candidates will have taught biochemistry and have interest and/or expertise in digital technology and simulation.

BMBB:
The department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics is committed to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and cancer; developing novel strategies in biocatalysis and biotechnology; and advancing knowledge through structural biology and molecular biophysics. We organize ourselves into research divisions with emphases on Chemical and Structural Biology, Metabolic and Systems Biology, Molecular Biology and Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. We are housed in new buildings with state-of-the-art research and support facilities. 2023 national ranking of 6th by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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

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.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position requires that you attach LIST ATTACHMENT TYPES SUCH AS: a sample of scholarly work, a diversity statement, and a list of references.

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).