Preceptor in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Details

Title Preceptor in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Position Description

The Harvard Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology ( OEB ) focuses on understanding the natural world in all its dimensions. Through the unifying lens of evolution, OEB explores lifes diversity at many different levels including molecular, cellular, genetic, developmental, anatomical, physiological, ecological, phylogenetic. Our research areas include genetics, physiology, development, behavior, local to global ecosystems, and the use of empirical and theoretical frameworks. Pedagogically, the curriculum emphasis inquiry-based learning via hands-on laboratory and field experiences.

OEB is seeking a Preceptor in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology ( OEB ). The Preceptor will work closely with Harvard faculty and students to develop and implement innovative curricula and course materials. Preceptors are expected to launch a successful teaching career by developing superior teaching and administrative skills as part of team of educators.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Works as a preceptor for undergraduate courses in OEB , with responsibility for OEB 10 (Foundations of Biological Diversity), a lecture and laboratory course with field trips that emphasizes how chemical, physical, genetic, ecological and geologic processes contribute to the origin and maintenance of biological diversity. Additionally, will have responsibility for two other OEB courses. The Preceptor in OEB is expected to develop substantial new pedagogical approaches and is responsible for designing and supervising all aspects of the laboratory, discussion, and field work components of two Introductory undergraduate courses. assist with redesign of lectures, lab, and/or field trip experiences.

Reports to the head instructor of OEB 10 and Director of Undergraduate Studies of OEB and works in close collaboration with the faculty instructors of the courses. This position is for one year, with reappointment possible on a yearly basis for up to eight years (within the eligibility guidelines of the FAS ), contingent on performance, curricular need, position availability, and divisional dean authorization. The Department cannot sponsor a visa for this position.

Course responsibilities include:

Works with faculty members to prepare lecture materials, teaching resources, assignments, and examination questions. Designs and supervises discussion sections. Prepares and holds review lectures. Supervises in-class examinations and administrative recordkeeping.

Helps to develop and oversee the laboratory components. This includes ordering reagents, assisting with laboratory setup and animal husbandry where appropriate, and overseeing regulatory compliance. Acts as primary liaison between instructional staff and laboratory support group.

Helps to design, organize and oversee class-related field trips.

Additional duties include:

Hires, trains, and supervises teaching fellows; runs weekly teaching fellow meetings.

Supervises course website content.

Holds office hours for student questions and faculty consultation.

Other duties as necessary.

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D. in biological sciences awarded or expected, with experience teaching undergraduate or graduate students in biological science.

Additional Qualifications

Excellent organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills are key. Ability to lead and train teaching fellows and to manage relationships with large numbers of students. A strong commitment and background in undergraduate science education using modern pedagogical approaches is essential. Experience with both bench-based and field-based scientific research. Experience in designing problem sets, exams, and laboratory exercises strongly preferred. Strong background in evolutionary and ecological principles, and a familiarity with plant, prokaryotic, and invertebrate and vertebrate biology and diversity.

Special Instructions

Please submit the following materials through the Harvard application portal, ARIeS. Applications will be reviewed from May 1, 2022, until the position is filled.

Cover letter, including a description of teaching/advising experience and philosophy and comments on any efforts to encourage diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Curriculum Vitae

Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Names and contact information of three to five referees, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidates application has been submitted. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when at least three letters have been received.

Contact Information

Sarine Der Kaloustian

Assistant Director of Administration

Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Harvard University

Contact Email sarine_derkaloustian@fas,harvard.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed 5

Keywords

faculty, instructor, lecturer

Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, Northeast, New England

Supplemental Questions