Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor – Biology Teaching and Learning

About the Job

The Department of Biology Teaching and Learning (BTL) in the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities seeks to recruit two new outstanding faculty members. 

• One will join the department as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. Current postdoctoral fellows or senior graduate students are encouraged to apply. 
• The second will be a tenured faculty member to join the Department as a senior Associate (with 3 or more years of experience at this rank at time of application) or Full Professor. 

These individuals will bring their research and teaching skills to an interdisciplinary department focused on excellence in undergraduate biology education and biology education research.

Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) at time of appointment; appropriate areas include (but are not restricted to) biological sciences, learning sciences, science education and biology education research
• Developing record of scholarship or experience in education research, as measured by success in presenting and publishing peer-reviewed papers and potential to secure external funding
• Capacity to teach biology topics utilizing evidence-based teaching methods in the classroom and with a commitment to the success of undergraduates from different life

experiences, cultures, and communities

• Evidence of ability to work, mentor, and/or collaborate effectively with individuals of diverse life experiences, cultures, and communities
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse communities and cultures in written and oral formats

Duties/Responsibilities:

The successful candidate for this tenure-track position will establish a vibrant research program focused on undergraduate biology education research. As a department member, the candidate will be expected to make scholarly contributions to the discipline, contribute to the academic and instructional mission of the Department, and provide service to BTL, CBS, and the University where appropriate. The candidate will be appointed at the Assistant Professor rank. Teaching duties will be based on the area of biology expertise of the candidate and needs of the Department and College. 

Associate or Full Tenured Professor

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent); appropriate areas include (but are not restricted to) biological sciences, learning sciences, science education and biology education research.
• Rank of tenured Associate (with at least 3 years of experience at this rank) or Full Professor at time of hire.
• Established record of excellence in:
• Undergraduate biology education research, as measured by success in publishing peer-reviewed papers and obtaining external funding
• National and/or international leadership in biology education research/biology education
• Teaching biology topics at undergraduate level utilizing a variety of evidence-based teaching methods in the classroom and with a commitment to the success of students from different life experiences, cultures, and communities
• Working effectively with individuals of diverse life experiences, cultures, and communities, including individuals in different positions and career stages, such as faculty, academic/professional staff, graduate students, undergraduate students or post-doctoral fellows
• Effective mentoring at multiple levels (undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, and junior colleagues)
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse communities and cultures in written and oral formats

Duties/Responsibilities:

The successful candidate for this senior-level position is expected to bring an outstanding, vibrant research program focused on an area of biology education research to BTL. The candidate will be expected to continue their scholarly contribution to the discipline, to contribute to the academic and instructional mission of the unit, and to provide service to BTL, CBS, and the University where appropriate. The candidate will be appointed at either Associate or Full Professor rank as determined by their prior rank and level of accomplishment. Teaching duties will be based on the area of biology expertise of the candidate and needs of the Department and College.

About the Department

Program/Unit Description: Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota, with its five campuses and over 68,000 students, is one of the largest, most comprehensive universities in the United States, and ranks among the most prestigious research universities in the world. It is both a major research institution, with scholars of national and international reputation, and a land-grant university, with a strong tradition of education and public engagement. The Twin Cities campuses are located in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, which is rich in cultural and natural attractions.

The College of Biological Sciences (CBS): Founded in 1965, CBS at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is one of only a few colleges nationwide that focuses exclusively on biological

sciences. CBS includes roughly 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 over 2,300 undergraduate students and 280 graduate students across eight undergraduate majors and six graduate programs. Additionally, the College has over 200 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 Biology Teaching and Learning (BTL): BTL is a unique department – no other institution has brought together a group of researchers and educators as a department with the explicit goal of fostering biology education research and teaching excellence. To that end, BTL has become a nationally recognized leader in designing and implementing innovative student-centered approaches to biology teaching, in both classroom and laboratory settings. The Department currently includes 7 tenured and tenure-track faculty, 16 teaching-focused faculty, 7 education specialists and staff, and 5 faculty with joint appointments with other departments.

Undergraduate Biology Education: The Department manages all introductory biology courses within the College of Biological Sciences. These courses cover the areas of molecular biology,

evolution, ecology, and physiology, serving both non-science majors and CBS students in the eight majors available within the College. In this capacity, the BTL faculty and staff participate in both design and delivery of highly innovative, student-centered courses that are typically taught in the University’s active learning classrooms. The 10 introductory biology courses currently offered in CBS serve approximately 6,500 students annually. BTL also houses the Nature of Life program, a unique, comprehensive, orientation program for all CBS first- and second-year students. 

Scholarly Teaching and Biology Education Research: The successful candidate will join a thriving and collaborative department. BTL members are active in educational research, including student learning, instructional strategies, and inclusive teaching and mentoring. 

Faculty Tenure Code: Information on the University Tenure process is available on the University Policy website.

Benefits

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
• 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

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

How To Apply

Application Process:

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Review of applications will begin October 28, 2024, and will

continue until the positions are filled. A complete application for review will include the materials outlined below. Each part of the application should be saved as a PDF with the title

starting with the applicant’s last name. Please use single-spaced, Arial 11 pt font and 1-inch margins.

• Cover letter stating the position being applied for (Assistant or tenured Associate/Full Professor) and highlighting qualifications relevant to research, teaching, and outreach, including an explanation of how the applicant meets the required qualifications of the position (up to two pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching interests and philosophy (up to two pages)
• Statement of research interests (up to two pages)
• Diversity statement summarizing how the candidate will foster and support University of Minnesota’s mission to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion through their research, teaching, and/or outreach (up to two pages)

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Administrative questions can be sent to Becky Hippert ([email protected]).

Diversity

Diversity Statement: BTL values diversity, equity, and inclusion along all axes of identity (e.g., race, gender, orientation, disability,). We seek colleagues who share this value and can add to our expertise in these areas to join us and the work we are doing. The Department’s full DEI statement is available at Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in BTL.

Employment Requirements

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. All international candidates are eligible and encouraged to apply. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

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).

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