Inst/Ast Professor - Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Inst/Ast Professor - Fixed Term

Position Summary

Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications to establish a pool of qualified candidates for fixed-term Instructor or Assistant Professor positions to teach introductory biology courses. Appointment at the Instructor or Assistant Professor rank is determined by the candidate's highest degree and qualifications. Applicants with a master's degree are eligible for appointment at the instructor rank, while applicants with a PhD are eligible for appointment at the Assistant Professor rank. Positions may be part-time or full-time, and because this is a pool posting, the availability of positions and specific course assignments will vary from semester to semester based on instructional needs.

Founded in 1967, Lyman Briggs College (LBC) is a residential STEM college with an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the study of science in its social, historical, and humanistic contexts. Our educational approach combines evidence-based, student-centered teaching with interdisciplinary learning to help students develop both scientific knowledge and an understanding of science in society.

Successful candidates will teach introductory biology courses that include lecture and laboratory instruction. Our introductory biology curriculum spans organismal biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. We value evidence-based teaching practices that actively engage students in learning through approaches such as active learning, interactive engagement, and peer learning. Laboratory courses are investigation-oriented, providing students with opportunities to participate in the process of scientific discovery whenever possible. Depending on instructional needs, instructors may teach both lectures and laboratories and may supervise graduate teaching assistants who support laboratory instruction.

Michigan State University and Lyman Briggs College foster a dynamic research and learning environment where scholars and students from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives pursue academic inquiry with mutual respect and a shared commitment to learning.

We welcome applicants who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, evidence-based instructional practices, effective mentoring, and creating learning environments that foster participation, learning, and a sense of belonging among students with varied backgrounds, experiences, and prior preparation.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -relevant field of study

Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements differ depending on rank:

For appointment at the Instructor rank, applicants must have a master’s degree in relevant field of study and prior teaching experience.

For appointment at the Assistant Professor rank, applicants must have a PhD in relevant field of study.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience teaching biology in higher education settings
• PhD in relevant field

Required Application Materials

• CV including education background and qualifications, a list of publications, teaching and mentoring roles, leadership positions, contributions to the academic community, and efforts in public outreach;
• A statement of teaching philosophy describing (1) the applicant’s approach to evidence-based teaching, (2) how they create learning environments that foster participation and learning among students with varied backgrounds, experiences, and prior preparation, (3) their approach to course and syllabus design, and (4) their philosophy of mentoring undergraduate students;
• One sample syllabus;
• The names and contact information for 3 professional references.

Special Instructions

Applications will be reviewed as needed.

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.

Professional Misconduct Review

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.

Applications will be reviewed as needed.

Website

https://lbc.msu.edu

Department Statement

The LBC curriculum integrates the natural sciences and mathematics with the history, philosophy, sociology, and communication of the sciences. LBC enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students. Faculty work closely with students through small classes, laboratory instruction, mentoring, and collaborative learning experiences. LBC is also a leader in research on teaching and learning and in interdisciplinary scholarship. The college is home to a collaborative community of students, staff, and faculty committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and interdisciplinary scholarship.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.