Job Posting

Academic Professional Associate (BIOL Lab Coordinator)

University of Georgia

The Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Georgia invites applications for a non-tenure track Academic Professional Associate position to begin August 1, 2025. The position is a 12-month, full-time appointment with responsibilities in teaching and administration (33%-67% split, respectively). The successful candidate will be expected to coordinate UGA’s introductory biology laboratory program for science and non-science majors (BIOL 1103L, BIOL 1104L, 1107L, 1108L), which is designed according to best teaching and learning practices outlined in the AAAS’s Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education Initiative. This includes the continued development of a writing-intensive lab curriculum. The success of the position is highly dependent upon developing new and continuing existing collaborations with multiple stakeholders to create opportunities for students to engage in course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE), which provide authentic research experiences to students in a classroom setting. The successful candidate will oversee lab program operations including providing teaching preparation and professional development to Graduate Student Laboratory instructors, supervising instructional support personnel, managing budgets, and acting as a liaison between the Division Director and UGA faculty, staff, and students. Teaching responsibilities will include courses that support the instructional mission of the Division.

Candidates should hold a Ph.D/Ed.D in biology, science education, or a related field. Two semesters of teaching experience as the instructor of record of post-secondary biology (or related) laboratory courses is required. 

Competitive candidates should exhibit a clear and creative vision for developing and executing the introductory biology instructional laboratory program following current teaching laboratory pedagogy that aligns with AAAS’s Vision and Change. They should also communicate a vision for CURE experiences that is appropriate for large numbers of science and/or non-science majors. They should show evidence of student-centered teaching that considers students with highly varied backgrounds and a wide range of prior experience as reflected by the UGA student body. Candidates should also demonstrate the leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills needed to manage lab course operations, including the ability to solve problems and manage laboratory instructional budgets. They should exhibit engaging and clear communication skills, both oral and written. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a knowledge of pedagogy, especially in support of the teaching development of graduate student instructors. 

To apply, visit https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/402855. 

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1) Cover letter indicating suitability for the position

2) Resume/CV

3) 1- to 2-page Teaching Statement that addresses how the applicant incorporates the National Academy/AAAS “Vision and Change” core concepts and competencies in their teaching to students with highly varied backgrounds and a wide range of prior experience as reflected by the UGA student body

4) List of References with Contact Information who are prepared to submit letters of recommendation. Please provide three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2024 and continue until filled. All applications received by January 2, 2025 will receive full consideration, but the position is open until filled. Questions may be addressed to the search committee Chair, Dr. Holly Gallagher (hmgalla@uga.edu).

The successful candidate will join a vibrant, dynamic, and forward-thinking group of faculty engaged in undergraduate biology instruction across life science departments, including several faculty who specialize in biology education research. The University of Georgia is also home to the SEER Center (Scientists Engaged in Education Research), which supports collaborations among scientists and educators across campus to improve undergraduate STEM instruction. Opportunities for professional development are available.

The Division of Biological Sciences and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences are committed to multidisciplinary research, collaboration, and academic innovation and to sustaining a work and learning environment that is inclusive.

The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens. 

Review of applications to begin on 12/01/24