Lab Coordinator in Biology

The Department of Biology at Carleton College invites applications for a full-time continuing lecturer on a two-year renewable appointment to begin September 1, 2024. We seek a candidate to serve as an introductory Biology lab coordinator for BIOL126, a course on Energy Flow in Biological systems. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching undergraduate students in a liberal arts environment. We seek applicants with an engaged, dynamic, and communicative teaching style as well as a strong interest in emerging pedagogical fields in biology. Participation in teaching-related professional activities such as workshops, seminars, and conferences is preferred.

The position is open to candidates in all areas of biology. We are particularly interested in candidates who can help further our community goals in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, including through a commitment to inclusive excellence in their teaching. We seek applicants who are committed to furthering the College’s goals of closing equity gaps and providing a safe learning environment for all students. A Masters or Ph.D. in biology or a related field, completed by or before September 2024, is required.

The introductory biology sequence at Carleton College includes two courses: BIOL125 and BIOL126. Each course has a classroom component and associated labs. Because of the coordinated nature of the introductory biology sequence, there is a team of tenured and tenure-track faculty, faculty on continuing appointment (FOCA), visiting faculty, staff, and student Lab TAs who are involved in teaching the course. These team members perform different jobs, although it is often the case that one person holds several of these jobs in a given term. While the course instructors are ultimately responsible for the content and approach of BIOL125 and 126, all team members (both within and across teams) work collaboratively on the design and development of the course. 

The primary responsibilities of this position will be in the role of Lab coordinator, Lab instructor , and Problem solving facilitator for BIOL 126. However, the faculty member will also occasionally teach labs in BIOL 125 and/or a course in their area of expertise.

The roles of the BIOL125 and BIOL126 team are as follows:  

Course instructors : faculty (most commonly tenured/tenure-track) who are primarily  responsible for the course as a whole and the development and assessment of the in-class  component of the course. 

Problem solving facilitators : faculty (most commonly FOCA) who attend each class session and support student learning in the problem-solving format of 125 and 126. Problem solving facilitators can also assist course instructors with the development of in class exercises. 

Lab instructors : faculty (most commonly FOCA) who are the lead instructor for one of the three lab sections offered with each course. 

Lab coordinators : FOCA faculty who coordinate and lead the design and development of the labs for BIOL125 and BIOL126. Details of the lab coordinator position are described in detail below. 

Lab Coordinators have a number of responsibilities that include: 

• Collaborating with BIOL125 or BIOL126 course instructors in order to establish learning objectives for the lab components of BIOL125 or BIOL126, coordinate the scheduling of lab sessions to integrate with the course curriculum, and develop lab syllabi, ensuring alignment with course learning objectives and pedagogical strategies. 

• Collaborating with another lab coordinator in order to: 

• ensure consistency of teaching goals amongst labs taught in different terms and consider best practices for lab instruction both within and between the two  courses. 

• develop assessment plans and rubrics for grading lab assignments 

• ensure uniform assessment and feedback across lab sections by lab instructors. 

• design, develop, and regularly update lab activities and assignments that facilitate  the learning objectives for the lab. 

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• Communicating with the Biology Department Lab Manager to arrange for the ordering of laboratory supplies and equipment, and ensuring that resources are available for planned activities. 

• Supervising 1-2 students to set up the introductory biology labs. 

• Managing enrollments in lab sections. 

• Training and supporting lab TAs and lab instructors on laboratory protocols, procedures, safety guidelines, effective teaching methodologies, and grading protocols. 

• Confirming appropriate setup and organization of lab spaces, and ensuring that  equipment and materials are properly prepared for each week.  

• Contributing to the continuous improvement of lab content, incorporating feedback from  instructors, students, and emerging educational practices. 

• Staying current with developments in biology education and laboratory techniques to ensure the incorporation of best practices into lab design and teaching methodologies. 

A full-time appointment for Lab Coordinator is 6 courses per year. Teaching responsibilities include lab coordination and instruction as well as supporting in-class problem solving. One course per year of credit is also given for time devoted to lab development. The position does not include expectations for research or college service.

Lecturers at Carleton are continuing members of the faculty and central to the life of their respective departments and programs and of the College as a whole. Compensation includes full faculty benefits, including professional development support. For more detailed information on benefits, consult: https://apps.carleton.edu/handbook/employment/?a=faculty

Carleton is a highly selective liberal arts college with a curious and enthusiastic student body of approximately 2,000 undergraduates. We are committed to cultivating a welcoming, supportive, and diverse community, including meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, with 58% of students receiving need-based grants and scholarships. Of our domestic students, 32% identify as people of color; an additional 11% of students come from outside the United States. Located in the thriving two-college town of Northfield, Minnesota, Carleton College is forty-five miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, within easy reach of a vibrant metropolitan area that is home to three million people and rich cultural resources.

The Biology Department is composed of 11 tenured and tenure-track faculty representing a variety of areas of research and teaching expertise, three FOCA senior lecturers who develop the introductory biology labs and offer courses in the department, two technical staff supporting laboratory teaching and research, and an administrative assistant. We teach an engaged group of students, with approximately 55 Biology majors graduating each year, many of whom work for the department in a variety of teaching support roles. Our department offers many opportunities for student engagement through mentored research, a weekly seminar series, and a PEER mentorship program that works closely with faculty and staff to coordinate department events and efforts toward creating a more inclusive community. Department members contribute to FOCUS , a curriculum-based cohort program for students interested in science and math who come from groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields. We are housed in Hulings Hall which is part of Carleton’s Integrated Science Center, with state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories and equipment.

To apply, please complete the online application at go.carleton.edu/carletonjobs . Your application should include: 1) a cover letter that describes your interest in the position and previous experience; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement about teaching in an undergraduate liberal arts environment and how you would contribute to a college community that embraces a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values (2-4 pages); and 4) After passing through an initial screening process, applicants may receive a request for the contact information for three references. We will contact your letter-writers directly to request their electronic submissions. Additional guidance in applying for this position can be found at https://www.carleton.edu/biology/information-for-applicants/ . Questions about the position or the application process may be directed to [email protected]. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 22, 2024. 

Carleton College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing our faculty to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age in providing employment or access to its educational facilities and activities. Women, gender-diverse individuals, disabled individuals and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.