Teaching Assistant Professor, Futures – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for two non-tenure-track Teaching Assistant Professor positions supporting our new “Futures” course. Futures examines the broad contexts of science, technology, and engineering from diverse perspectives related to “culture and society” and will be a required component of our core curriculum for undergraduate students at Mines.

The course integrates disciplinary perspectives on broad themes related to science and technology and of salience to humanity’s future, such as energy, water, climate, minerals, artificial intelligence, natural disasters, etc. We are particularly interested in scholars from the humanities and social sciences, whose work intersects substantively with STEM fields or topics. 

Relevant disciplinary backgrounds include environmental studies, futures studies, geography, ethics, international relations, political science, science and technology studies, sociology, psychology, and urban studies, among others. We welcome candidates with strong interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary interests. Regardless of disciplinary background, candidates must demonstrate sustained interest in STEM-related themes and a commitment to undergraduate instruction. Preferred candidates will be able to demonstrate the use of impactful pedagogies and productive collaborations with scholars across disciplines, including those in STEM fields.

The Futures course is administratively housed in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Department (HASS) at Mines, in collaboration with the Engineering, Design, and Society Department (EDS) as well as the Economics and Business Department (EB). We are targeting hires within HASS; however, joint appointments are also possible, including within the key collaborating departments or other STEM programs on campus. Teaching faculty at Mines participate fully in department and university governance and have the opportunity for promotion.

Mines is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we seek candidates who share this commitment. We welcome applications from candidates with varied life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. Candidates from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in delivery of the new “Futures” course
• Collaborate with other faculty and the Futures leadership team to innovate and continuously refine the course
• Engage in service to Mines, including membership on department and university committees

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: 

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree) in humanities, social sciences, or closely related field
• Experience teaching at the university level
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with Canvas (or some other online platform)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Experience:

• Demonstrated record of effective teaching
• Experience teaching in the context of STEM education
• Research or instructional collaboration with scholars in STEM disciplines

About Mines & Golden, CO 

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. 

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). 

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds. 

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. 

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience? 

Look to Mines. 

Equal Opportunity 

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce. 

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety. 

Annual Rate 

$62,679 – $69,336

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. 

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes: 

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. 

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before November 30, 2024. The search committee will start reviewing applications on December 1, 2024. If you submit your application after November 30, 2024, it may or may not be considered.

Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter detailing their qualifications for the position, 2) a C.V., 3) a teaching statement, including examples of teaching effectiveness (not to exceed 2 double-spaced pages), and 4) a diversity statement (not to exceed 2 double-spaced pages). 

Teaching Statement: Mines is committed to high-quality, hands-on, and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education.

Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Candidates should submit a statement on Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion. Mines is committed to access, inclusion, and diversity and is actively developing a strategic plan to advance Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (for more information visit https://www.mines.edu/about/diversity-and-inclusion/). The diversity and inclusion statement should describe your past experience and should propose concrete research, teaching, and/or service activities that will advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines and beyond.

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity. 

Background Investigation Required Prior to Start

Accommodations – It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance. 

Colorado’s premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting

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