Assistant Professor, Human Biology

Florida Gulf Coast University
United States, Florida, Fort Myers
10501 FGCU Boulevard South (Show on map)
Nov 15, 2024
Job Summary As Assistant Professor of Human Biology, your primary responsibilities will be those of a ranked faculty to include teaching, research, and service. You will teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels, as applicable be involved in course and/or curriculum development conduct research/scholarship participate on College and University committees and/or initiatives and perform other duties as assigned. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning and success be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning (when applicable) produce peer-reviewed scholarship and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region. The Department of Biological Sciences and FGCU provide unique opportunities for candidates interested in this position. On an average year, we support 800 undergraduate students and 20 - 30 Master students. Departmental faculty possess various scholarly interests such as molecular, genetic, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary pursuits as well as community-engaged research and SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning). Faculty also provide various learning opportunities that run the range of Bloom's taxonomy (from recall to creation) and employ different approaches to include integrated lab-lectures, active-learning, and Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). In addition, half of the campus is set aside as conservation areas, which creates a living laboratory for both teaching and research opportunities. Faculty, staff, and students also partner extensively with community members, which supports the university's sustainability and service-learning goals. This is a special place for people who want to connect their teaching, research, and service. The ideal candidate possesses a strong interest in human biology and utilize some combination of molecular, genetic, molecular, microbiological, and/or cellular approaches. They should demonstrate a genuine commitment to student-centered education, prioritizing the growth and development of their students. This candidate should have a proven ability to foster collaboration that could include partnerships within or outside of the discipline. Moreover, they should display a capacity for innovative thinking, actively contributing to creative endeavors that enhance student learning experiences and elevate the research profile of the department. This individual will embody a multifaceted approach to human biology, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge research, effective teaching, and collaborative engagement to enrich the academic environment at FGCU. FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies. Job Description Typical duties may include but are not limited to: Teach 9 credit hours per semester of core and upper level, and/or graduate courses in biology and related subjects as assigned and adequately perform other duties/responsibilities as articulated on the annual assignment. Hold office hours. Attend departmental meetings. Adopt course materials in a timely manner. Adopt the university learning management system. Adopt other campus-wide technology platforms as appropriate to other specified job duties. Complete mandatory/required training in a timely manner. Abide by University Policies and Regulations. Participate in the evaluation process in accordance with the CBA and related documents. Participate in the assessment process as required by your respective department. Timely and professional communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators Engage in essential duties with the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, excellence, and within the accepted practices and norms of your respective field/profession. Prepare syllabi and instructional materials, develop and deliver lectures, tests, and evaluate students. Engages in reflective self-assessment of teaching styles and methods to ensure consistently effective instructional performance. Ensure the timely completion and reporting of student learning assessments. Continued professional development activity is expected at a level commensurate with rank and the mission of the University. Actively participate in community, institutional, and professional service in furtherance of FGCU's mission. Attends faculty and college meetings as required. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor Participate in curriculum development and advancement of the respective program. Prepare and deliver consistent, interactive lectures that align with curriculum goals. Work collaboratively with departmental faculty to ensure curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met. Advise students and provide individual assistance to students during weekly office hours. Perform regular scholarly research and publication. Additional Job Description Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Biology, or related area from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation. ABD will be considered if degree is conferred by August 7, 2025. If successful candidate is ABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract. Preferred Qualifications Research and/or teaching experience in human biology that includes any combination of molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, and/or microbiology approaches. Experience teaching courses in human biology and other courses in the discipline. Experience with multidisciplinary research and/or teaching and a willingness to cultivate interdisciplinary perspectives. Demonstrated ability to implement impactful teaching approaches that could include active-learning approaches, such as Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) or Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL). Peer-reviewed publications in any area of human biology Experience or commitment to mentor undergraduate and/or graduate research students. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s). Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning goals. Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills. Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies. Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online). Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning. Special Instructions to Applicants Appointment will be made on a 9-month continuous multi-year appointment basis available August 2025. Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request. Required Application Materials: Unofficial Transcripts Statement of Teaching Philosophy Statement of Research Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter List of five (5) Professional References Salary commensurate with education and experience. The position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by November 13, 2024 will receive priority consideration.