Assistant Professor - Biochemistry/Molecular Science Educator
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is committed to world-class education and research. Reflecting the institutional commitment to building infrastructure in science literacy and biochemistry education, UNL has released a tenure track position for a nine-month (academic year) tenure-leading Assistant Professor faculty position (70% teaching/extension and 30% research) in the Department of Biochemistry addressing discipline-based education research in biochemistry and the molecular life sciences through critical thinking, experimental-testing, molecular modeling, and inferential logic. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular life science education or closely related field, a minimum of one year of postdoctoral experience, experience in teaching biochemistry and the development of novel pedagogical tools and evidence of scholarship in biochemistry and/or molecular biology through publications and presentations. Preferred qualifications include experience in teaching in biochemistry and/or molecular biology educational programs (lecture and/or laboratory) and working in science outreach, with a particular focus on K-12 students, evidence of engagement in biochemistry, molecular biology and/or cell biology societies at the national level, excellent communication skills, and ability to work cooperatively on multidisciplinary projects in advancing biochemistry and molecular life sciences education. The incumbent is expected to establish a high impact, nationally and internationally recognized research, extension, and teaching program contributing to the discipline-based education research and science literacy programs leading to the development of novel pedagogical strategies deployed in the classroom and laboratory. Through extension and teaching programming, the incumbent will also work collaboratively to develop educational strategies in the molecular life sciences for K-12 schools and non-formal learning environments, resulting in national leadership in youth education in the molecular life sciences. It is expected that these efforts will increase awareness and interest in careers related to science literacy, including online modules, experiential programs (e.g., boot camps to community-driven programs in the molecular life sciences), computational modeling, and strategies to enhance critical thinking through student writing and presentations. The incumbent will contribute to the teaching mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and in particular through instruction in core biochemistry courses that serve the broader life sciences community that include delivery to non-traditional learners (e.g., on-line courses for continuing education), as well as recruiting, advising, and mentoring. The incumbent is expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university levels.
A great and thriving place to live, Lincoln Nebraska is a bustling city of 310,000 with more than 125 parks, including Wilderness Park with miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The Lincoln Trails Network is consistently named as one of the top 10 great public spaces in the US. The city is also known for excellence in the fine arts that includes the Lied Center for the Performing Arts, Sheldon Museum of Art, Pinewood Bowl, Pinnacle Bank Arena and numerous small venues. Lincoln is ranked at the very top as the happiest and healthiest city in America and has a top 10 best downtown.
Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Department of Biochemistry are committed to creating learning, research, extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups.
Review of applications will begin April 17, 2020 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
Required: Ph.D. or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular life science education or closely related field; A minimum of one year of postdoctoral experience or equivalent; Experience in teaching biochemistry and the development of novel pedagogical tools; Evidence of scholarship in biochemistry and/or molecular biology through publications and presentations.
Preferred requirements: Experience in teaching in biochemistry and/or molecular biology educational programs (lecture and/or laboratory); Experience in working in science outreach, with a particular focus on K-12 students; Evidence of engagement in biochemistry, molecular biology and/or cell biology societies at the national level; Excellent communication skills; Ability to work cooperatively on multidisciplinary projects in advancing biochemistry and molecular life sciences education.