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Biology Instructor, 10 month Limited Term

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Biology Instructor, 10 month Limited Term
Posting Number F487P
Type of position Limited Term
Department/Unit Biology
Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
About the opportunity
The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a 10-month, limited term appointment (100% FTE) at the rank of instructor commencing July 1, 2023.

During the Fall term the Instructor hired for this position will be responsible for the laboratory instruction of the Genetics and Molecular Biology course (BIOL 2030), delivery of the Unit Two lectures on DNA, RNA, genetic code and translation, and the regulation of the gene expression, and will act as course coordinator of that course during the term. During the Winter term this position will be responsible for the Unit One and Unit Two lectures in The Genetics and Molecular Biology course (BIOL 2030) and the development of online versions of two core Biology courses.

As the Laboratory Instructor this position will:
  • teach students the theory, concepts, techniques, and skills necessary to complete the laboratory and tutorial component of the course;
  • assist students individually to enhance their understanding of the lecture, laboratory, and tutorial material;
  • give direction of teaching assistants who instruct tutorials and laboratories;
  • ensure, with technical support, that lab materials are prepared, and laboratory facilities and laboratory equipment are properly maintained;
  • determine the objectives, content, and organization of the course in consultation with other course faculty;
  • develop marking keys for reports and assignments to be used by teaching assistants;
  • assist the course professors with developing examination questions.

As course coordinator this position will administer the course using an online teaching portal; maintain records of all marks; invigilate tests and exams; and select, supervise, train and evaluate graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants, markers, and other students.

During the Fall and Winter Terms this position will also deliver three units of the Genetics and Molecular Biology course. During the Fall and Winter terms they will deliver the Unit 2 lectures on DNA, RNA and replication, transcription, genetic code and translation, and the regulation of gene expression. During the Winter term they will also deliver the Unit 1 lectures covering topics such as genes, chromosomes, the copying of genetic information, heredity, binomial expansion, sex determination, quantitative and population genetics.

Additionally, during the Winter term this position will work with course teaching teams and the department’s curriculum committee to develop online versions of two core courses: Genetics and Molecular Biology (BIOL 2030) and Cellular Biology (BIOL 2020). The key responsibilities will be

  • development and/or modification of existing course learning outcomes, specifications, content (lectures and laboratories), assessments, guidelines, syllabi and other documentation for an online/hybrid course that may be offered in the summer;
  • development of course websites;
  • working with others to record some or all lectures for one or both courses.

This Instructor will liaise with other departments that may consider the course for program prerequisites, learn the university’s procedure for introducing new courses, and complete the process for course approval. The developed courses and all related content will remain the property of the department.

Candidates should have a Masters degree or higher in Biology or a related field and previous laboratory and lecture teaching experience; in particular, previous work with undergraduate university students will be an asset. Broad knowledge of biology across the range of introductory genetic, molecular and cell biology topics, as well as engagement with the science education literature, will be beneficial in this position, as will previous experience with the Brightspace learning management system. Candidates must have demonstrated strong teaching ability, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Salary will be according to qualifications and experience, as determined by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Faculty Association. Applications must include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a teaching statement, a teaching dossier, and contact information for three referees who can provide confidential letters of reference. All application materials must be submitted online via PeopleAdmin.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, and persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.


Posting Detail Information

Open Date 01/05/2022
Close Date 06/09/2023
Open Until Filled No
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
  1. Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Teaching Statement
  3. Teaching Dossier
  4. List of referees
  5. Cover Letter
Optional Documents