Adjunct Lab Instructor, Biology

Job Summary

The Department of Biology at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) seeks to hire a student-centered and collaborative faculty member, skilled in the scholarship of teaching and learning, who embraces the distinct mission of community colleges and the needs of students at open-access institutions. The successful candidate will join an active and innovative department whose members engage in evidence-based instructional practices.

The purpose of this adjunct instructor position is to prepare and teach college-level courses in biology, effectively manage the learning environment, including Canvas, and appropriately assess student learning and course outcomes. The instructor may be assigned to any SLCC location and may be assigned alternative work schedules (e.g. evenings) depending on applicants' availability and the needs of the Biology Department. All instructors are expected to teach classes in accordance with established guidelines (e.g. Faculty Handbook) and policies (e.g. Academic Freedom, Professional Responsibility and Tenure Policy - Ref#C4S01.01).

We seek candidates who can:

• Build meaningful connections with students, faculty, and staff across all backgrounds
• Create an engaging learning environment that honors each student's unique perspective and needs.
• Support learners requiring additional accommodations with respect and understanding.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Universal Design Principles for learning and ADA Digital Accessibility requirements.
• Demonstrate deep expertise in college-level biology
• Apply current educational technology and innovative teaching methods effectively
• Foster an environment where all students feel valued and empowered to succeed.

The ideal candidate will understand that effective teaching goes beyond subject expertise to embrace the art of connecting with and supporting students from all paths of life.
Must be dependable and able to respond to student, department and college communications within 24-48 hours.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities & Knowledge Skills & Abilities

1. Teaches courses consistent with department procedures, appropriate Course Curriculum Outline (CCO), and catalog description.
2. Teaches assigned classes at the scheduled time and place and meets during required contact hours. Uses appropriate resources and technology in the delivery of courses.
3. Creates an effective, supportive learning environment for students regardless of the delivery method. Assists in maintaining a safe and mutually respectful instructional environment. Prepares and submits incident reports to the Dean of Student Services for inappropriate student behavior as defined by the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy.
4. Provides each student with an online syllabus (Simple Syllabus) at the first day of the course term.
5. Demonstrates the incorporation of active and applied learning in courses taught (hands-on and engaged activities).
6. Uses a variety of appropriate assessments to evaluate student performance.
7. Provides appropriate feedback on and returns all assignments in a timely fashion per department standards. This includes informing students of progress to date periodically and assigns and submits grades by published deadlines.
8. Promotes the development of critical thinking among students.
9. Maintains student attendance records (for Financial Aid purposes) and grades.
10. Responds to voicemail and email communication promptly within 1-2 contract days, with the expectation to resolve any outstanding student concerns at completion of semester.
11. Collaborates with colleagues for instructional improvement.
12. Maintains professional and collegial behavior including participating in department faculty mentorship program.
13. Maintains professional appearance as defined by the discipline and/or College procedure.
14. Promotes support for the mission, vision, values, and goals of the College.
15. Maintains necessary educational credentials, professional skills, and demonstrated teaching competencies consistent with department standards.
16. Solicits feedback and implements suggestions from students and peers when appropriate.
17. Expands knowledge in discipline and teaching craft on an ongoing basis.
18. Completes required training and participates in professional development when necessary.
19. Knows and enforces FERPA guidelines
20. Provides ADA accommodations as requested
21. Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people, culture, ethnic background, and abilities, to maintain good working relationships across the College
22. Ability to work with all groups in a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic background of community college students, faculty and staff, including those with disabilities

All Faculty will maintain an on-site campus presence to encourage in-person relationships and create engaging, meaningful, and impactful learning experiences.
You are employed as an Adjunct Faculty member/ Instructor on a contract-to-contract basis, with no future expectation or obligation for employment. Your employment may be terminated At Will at any time.

Minimum qualifications

BS in Biology or a closely related field with an emphasis in the area of Biology related to the lab being taught.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience teaching college-level Biology labs