Senior Lecturer in Biology

SUMMARY: The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) at Cornell University invites applicants for a full-time, 9-month appointment as Lecturer/Senior Lecturer position, de­pending on the experience level of the candidate. The successful applicant will be appointed to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, serving as a co-Lead Instructor for the fall and spring offerings of Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology (BIOMG 1350). Cornell University has a renowned tradition of excellence in the life sciences, including the instructional engagement of an exceptionally talented and intellectually motivated undergraduate student body. Cell and Developmental Biology attracts about 800 students per year as a key element of the biology core curriculum and is a required course for several related majors across the Uni­versity. This course introduces molecular mechanisms that underlie the organization, division, and growth of individual cells; how they organize during embryonic development to form func­tional tissues and organs in multicellular organisms; and how their misbehavior contributes to disease.  The candidate will continually innovate and modify this course to promote student en­gagement and create an inclusive learning environment, by developing and implementing inno­vative student-centered instructional methods and interventions. The candidate will work closely with a highly collaborative group of faculty who alternate in teaching parts of the course, 8 grad­uate teaching assistants each semester, and professional staff who provide extra support via the Learning Strategies Center and Office of Undergraduate Biology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching: 35% of the effort in this position will involve the candidate working with other partici­pating faculty to lead all classroom and instructional activities, including planning the curriculum, updating learning outcomes, lecturing, and overseeing active learning activities. Specific duties will depend on the varied strengths of the candidate and other teaching faculty. The candidate will supervise and provide pedagogical training for eight graduate student Teaching Assistants who lead the weekly small group sections and will contribute to updating and teaching section materials as the needs of the course evolve.  Sections include small group discussions and ac­tivities, with a goal of adding new material that deepens knowledge related to lectures and also enhancing students’ understanding of lecture materials. Furthermore, the candidate will coordi­nate with the instructor of the summer course to implement new developments that have been adopted during the academic year. There is also the possibility of the lecturer being involved in summer teaching, if desired.

Instructional Development: 30% of the effort in this position will be to continually advance the pedagogical practices for the course. Effort will support implementing new and perfecting exist­ing active learning strategies focused on engaging a diverse student population. Responsibilities will include infusing research-based active learning practices such as conducting activity plans, building innovative assessments of learning outcomes, and creating interactive videos for chal­lenging concepts. The candidate will lead further implementation of practices that foster engagement, success, and a sense of belonging for students from diverse backgrounds. The candidate will also collaborate with the co-instructors to continually revise section activities and associated materials so that the sections connect clearly to course learning outcomes by reinforcing the concepts and approaches presented in lecture. The candidate will be responsible for training TAs in the new active learning strategies, supervising, troubleshooting, and ensuring smooth im­plementation of new approaches in the weekly sections classroom settings. The candidate is expected to stay current on improvements in teaching methods, translate innovations to the BIOMG 1350 classroom, and advise the other BIOMG 1350 faculty on how to implement best practices. Thus, the candidate will be encouraged to liaison with Cornell’s wider community of instructional specialists (including other MBG Lecturers, the CALS Office of Curriculum Devel­opment and Instructional Support, Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Biology, and a collaborative group of innovative colleagues who teach across the introductory Biology courses). The candidate will provide leadership continuity across Fall and Spring academic semesters, ensuring that incremental improvements are retained and enhanced, and course policies / processes are based on consistently applied principles.

Course Administration: 25% of the effort in this position will involve collaboration with the other instructors to develop processes to assist undergraduates who have questions and need support related to the administrative aspects of the course. The candidate will oversee populat­ing and maintaining changes in the course syllabus, obtaining and distributing course evalua­tions and assessments, updating the Canvas course website, managing the in-class polling sys­tem, coordinating the administration and proctoring of exams and quizzes, collaborating with Cornell Student Disability Services to proctor extended exam accommodations, managing ex­tensions, creating policies around absences, identifying students of concern, maintaining the course gradebook system that tracks all student scores, updating the course archives of past lecture files, exams, activities, and discussion section materials, answering student emails, and working collaboratively with the other course faculty on additional administrative tasks as they arise. For some of these duties the candidate will serve in an oversight capacity and will receive assistance from the teaching assistants. The candidate will also develop processes to identify students who would benefit from existing support mechanisms available in the Office of Under­graduate Biology, the Learning Strategies Center and other resources across campus.

Service: 5% Responsibilities also include serving on and participating in other departmental, college, university committees, and advising/mentorship for the Office of Undergraduate Biology and related majors.

Professional Development: 5% of the effort in this position will be focused on staying up to date on pedagogical advancements. The candidate will participate in professional development opportunities such as conferences and workshops, with funds provided to attend one national or international conference every other year.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant will hold a PhD in Biology, Biology Education, or a related field, and have excellent organizational, interpersonal communication, team building, and collaboration skills. A track record in undergraduate teaching is required, and previous experience developing active learning curricula, assessing learning outcomes, creating inclusive learning environments, and coaching educators is highly desirable. Sr. Lecturer title will be con­sidered for an applicant with at least 6 years of experience in a comparable role.

SALARY AND TERMS OF APPOINTMENT: 9-month appointment (academic year)

CALS hiring range for this title is:
Lecturer: $49,700 to $86,000
Sr. Lecturer: $58,600 - $100,000

SUPERVISION: The candidate will meet with a mentoring team to review progress and areas for growth at the end of each academic semester, contributing to an annual review process. The team will include senior faculty with curricular oversight in MBG.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The candidate will supervise the teaching contributions of 8 grad­uate student Teaching Assistants each semester.

Anticipated Starting Date: July 1, 2025 (3-year term position)

To apply:

 Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28935).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching state­ment, contact information for three references and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

Cornell University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Support for start-up costs will be available. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

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For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.