Resources for your Job Search
How to Give an Excellent STEM Job Talk
By Russ E. Carpenter and R. Parrish Waters
For Ph.D.s on the job market in the sciences, no element of the hiring process is more important for making or breaking your prospects than the job talk.
At some point in the 2019-20 hiring season — once you’ve made the long journey from application packet to Skype interview to campus visit — you will have to deliver a job talk. It will play a large part in determining the next decade or more of your career.
6 Tips to Improve Your Cover Letter
Strict conventions govern cover letters for faculty positions, so it’s relatively easy to write a passable one: Just follow the rules. But it’s much harder to write one that really stands out to a search committee.
Archived Job Postings
September 2019
| Date Added | Position | Location | More Info |
| 9/3/19 | Assistant Professor of Teaching in Developmental and Cell Biology | UC Irvine | more info |
| Applications are invited for an Assistant Professor of Teaching, a University of California position that emphasizes teaching, but otherwise parallels the tenure-track faculty series, including membership in the Academic Senate. Advancement in this series requires that, in addition to excellent teaching and service, the candidate make outstanding and recognized contributions to the development of his or her specific discipline and/or pedagogy. The successful candidate will participate in the undergraduate teaching mission of the department, with opportunities to instruct lecture or lab courses such as introductory biology, developmental biology, cell biology, anatomy, and scientific writing. The successful candidate will also play a role in biology education research, working with other faculty to develop, implement and assess innovative pedagogical initiatives. We seek an outstanding applicant with a Ph.D. in a biology discipline, preferably with postdoctoral training in cell biology, developmental biology, or STEM education research. Other preferred qualifications include documented success in some or all of the following areas: teaching large undergraduate classes; use of evidence-based teaching practices; use of modern instructional technology; ability to develop effective teaching strategies for diverse student populations; conducting STEM education research. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. | |||
| 9/12/19 | Assistant Teaching Professor in the Neuroscience and Behavior Undergraduate Major | University of Notre Dame | more info |
| The Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Letters at the University of Notre Dame invites applications for an assistant teaching professor to support the Neuroscience and Behavior undergraduate major. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Psychology or Neuroscience, and will provide evidence of teaching excellence at the college level (i.e., prior teaching experience, use of evidence-based practices). Responsibilities will include teaching a core course in Cognitive Neuroscience; developing upper level elective courses in the candidate’s area of expertise that expands on neuroscience content in some area of Psychology; contributing to the development of a methods course that covers the measurement of electrophysiology; and undergraduate advising.
Questions and informal inquiries regarding this position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Prof. Bradley Gibson (bgibson@nd.edu). |
|||
| 9/12/19 | Department of Biology Teaching and Learning (BTL), is seeking to hire Future Tenure-Track Assistant Colleague through President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. | University of Minnesota | more info |
| We are seeking a candidate who has experience in biology education research and in innovative, evidence-based teaching. The expectation for the successful candidate is that they will develop an active research program in BTL under the mentorship of one or more of our current faculty as a presidential postdoc, before transitioning to a tenure-track assistant professor position in the Department and the College of Biological Sciences. This position will complement the existing strengths of the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning, contributing to our mission of discovering, adapting, applying and disseminating innovative strategies that transform biology education. The successful candidate will be a productive researcher with demonstrated independence in thinking and the ability to work across the biological and biology education disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong, extramurally-funded and collaborative research program that creates, extends, and/or explains the mechanisms of effective approaches to biology education. Applications will be accepted through the University of Minnesota’s PPFP website from until November 1, 2019.
This position is part of the University of Minnesota’s recent partnership with the University of California’s highly successful President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Questions about the program, the application process, and the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning can be directed to any of our tunered/tenure-line faculty, including Abdi Warfa, Anita Schuchardt, Sehoya Cotner, Murray Jensen, Rob Brooker, or David Kirkpatrick. |
|||
| 9/17/19 | 4 positions in the Department of Biology | Baylor University – Waco Campus | see contact info below |
Our Biology Department continues to be in the midst of an exciting expansion. In the last three years, we have added eight new positions. The Baylor campus in Waco is also consistently listed with highest honors among The Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work For.” The positions are further described in the attached combined ad. We expect to have additional positions in coming years as well. We seek individuals with a commitment to excellence and innovation in research and teaching in a Christian setting. Importantly, we are seeking diverse individuals who have a visionary approach to research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as collaborative efforts beyond our university at institutions such as Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Contact Dwayne D Simmons, Ph.D. (dwayne_simmons@baylor.edu) Chair, Department of Biology |
|||
| 9/17/19 | Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Biotechnology | California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | more info |
| The Biological Sciences Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) invites applications for a tenure-track, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR position in Biotechnology, beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year. A Ph.D. in Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Genetics, Molecular Biology or related science discipline or a related science discipline is required. In addition, Post-doctoral experience, demonstrated potential to establish an independent and active research program with students and a demonstrated potential to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community are required. Previous teaching experience, experience or familiarity with teaching techniques that promote equitable student learning and evidence of conducting scholarly research activities involving students are preferred. The successful candidate will have the potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching, and for developing an externally-funded research program that will involve undergraduate and Master’s students. Teaching responsibilities will include courses with a focus in innovations in Biotechnology. Other teaching responsibilities may include introductory biology, genetics, cell & molecular biology, microbiology, molecular biology techniques or specialty courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. The successful candidate is expected to develop an extramurally funded research program involving undergraduate and Master’s level students. The candidate’s area of specialty is open to agriculture, bioengineering, biofuels and renewable energy, biomedical applications, genetic engineering, or any other research area within the broad umbrella of biotechnology. The applicant will be expected to assist in curriculum development, advise students, serve on department, college, and university committees, and engage in professional activities.
Inquiries can be made to Chair, Biotechnology Search Committee, Biological Sciences Department, California State Polytechnic University, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768 or to biotech_search@cpp.edu. |
|||
| 9/18/19 | Visiting Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences | Lehigh University | see contact info below |
| The Department of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University is seeking a full-time, non-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor for the spring 2020 semester (January – June, 2020). The position requires a Ph.D. in biological sciences, teaching experience, and expertise in the use of innovative and interactive scientific teaching practices. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching an introductory core course (Cellular/Molecular Biology) and an advanced level laboratory course (Microbiology Laboratory). The College of Arts & Sciences at Lehigh is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.
Applicants, for full consideration, please submit your curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and three letters of recommendation to inbios@lehigh.edu by September 30, 2019. Applications will be reviewed starting that date. For additional information please contact Dr. Michael Kuchka, Visiting Assistant Professor Search Committee Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015. For more information about the department please see: www.lehigh.edu/~inbios. |
|||
| 9/18/19 | Two Lecture-Track Faculty Positions in the Department of Biology | Emory University | more info |
| We seek candidates with a Ph.D. in the biological sciences and a strong commitment to pedagogy and a specific interest in teaching and advising undergraduates. Applicants having prior experience with evidence-based teaching practices are encouraged to apply; postdoctoral experience is preferred. Faculty appointments will be made at the lecture track rank commensurate with current academic standing and achievement as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Professor of Pedagogy
Demonstrated ability to teach introductory biology is most important, but we also seek teaching and scientific expertise in upper level lecture and laboratory courses, especially in cellular, molecular, and/or organismal biology. In addition to teaching, commonly four courses per year, successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the academic life and governance of the Department, College of Arts and Sciences, and the University. Review of applications will start November 1, 2019; to ensure full consideration, all materials should be received by December 1. Preliminary interviews will begin in December. |
|||
August 2019
| Date Added | Position | Location | More Info |
| 8/12/19 | Open Temporary Lecturer Positions | UCLA | more info |
| The UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry seeks applications for temporary lecturer positions to teach lower division Organic Chemistry courses during the Fall 2019 and Winter 2020 Quarters. Interested candidates may apply here: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF04649 | |||
| 8/12/19 | Introductory laboratory (2 positions) | Harvey Mudd College | send email |
| The Department of Biology at Harvey Mudd College seeks adjunct faculty to teach in our introductory biology laboratory in the spring of 2020. The laboratory is taken by first year non-major students and involves the application of molecular biology techniques to problems in human genetics, bioengineering, and environmental sensing. Teaching in this course would involve coming to campus several afternoons per week. Successful applicants will have a strong background in molecular biology and interest in teaching. If interested, please contact Eliot Bush, chair of the Biology Department (Eliot_Bush@hmc.edu). Harvey Mudd College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the recruitment of candidates historically underrepresented on college faculties. | |||
| 8/12/19 | Upper level molecular elective (1 position) | Harvey Mudd College | send email |
| The Department of Biology at Harvey Mudd College seeks adjunct faculty to teach an upper level elective in an area of molecular and cellular biology. Possible topics include immunology, developmental biology, and cancer, among others. The course would be taught in the spring of 2020 and students would consist of junior and senior biology majors. A successful applicant will have a strong background in the area of focus and interest in teaching. If interested, please contact Eliot Bush, chair of the Biology Department (Eliot_Bush@hmc.edu). Harvey Mudd College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the recruitment of candidates historically underrepresented on college faculties. | |||
| 8/12/19 | Ecology (1 position) | Harvey Mudd College | send email |
| The Department of Biology at Harvey Mudd College seeks adjunct faculty to teach introductory ecology in the spring of 2020. The course is typically taken by sophomore, junior, and senior biology majors. A successful applicant will have a strong background in ecology and interest in teaching. If interested, please contact Eliot Bush, chair of the Biology Department (Eliot_Bush@hmc.edu). Harvey Mudd College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the recruitment of candidates historically underrepresented on college faculties. | |||
July 2019
| Date Added | Position | Location | More Info |
| 7/29/19 | POD Network Communications Coordinator | Pod Network | more info |
|
Position Description: The POD Network is the oldest and one of the largest educational development professional associations, with over 1,400 members worldwide. Educational development is a growing and dynamic field, which focuses on improving postsecondary teaching and learning through faculty/instructor development, course/curriculum development, and organizational development.
The full-time position of Communications Coordinator will administer the POD Network’s social media marketing and advertising, as well as scheduled communications between committees and special interest groups (SIGs) and the organization’s membership. See full posting here
|
|||
| 7/29/19 | Instructional designer in the eLearning Team | Cal Poly Pamona | more info |
|
The full announcement and application portal can be found here see the External Applicants link and look for posting #60687.
You are also welcome to contact Victoria Bhavsar (vbhavsar@cpp.edu) directly for questions and more information.
Victoria Bhavsar, Ph.D.
Director, Faculty Center for Professional Development and the eLearning team
|
|||
| 7/29/19 | Biochemistry Instructor | Cal State University Channel Islands | send email |
| The Department of Biology at Harvey Mudd College seeks adjunct faculty to teach introductory ecology in the spring of 2020. The course is typically taken by sophomore, junior, and senior biology majors. A successful applicant will have a strong background in ecology and interest in teaching. If interested, please contact Eliot Bush, chair of the Biology Department (Eliot_Bush@hmc.edu). Harvey Mudd College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the recruitment of candidates historically underrepresented on college faculties. | |||
October 2019
| Date Added | Position Information |
| 10/25/2019 | Harvard Medical School Curriculum Fellows Program
The Harvard Medical School Curriculum Fellows Program is seeking applications from early career scientist-educators looking to join our team of 12 fellows distributed across the basic science departments and PhD programs at HMS. The 3 year term of the fellowship is spent in a combination of academic service, scholarship, and professional development. Specific responsibilities vary with the hiring department’s needs and the fellow’s particular interests. The current openings are for one fellow to support the Therapeutics PhD Program and one to work within HMX to create high quality online genetics courses. Full details for both positions, including application instructions, can be found here.
|
| 10/25/2019 | University of California Davis Positions
Assistant Professor of Teaching Department of Chemistry The UC Davis Department of Chemistry invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Teaching (also termed Lecturer with Potential for Security of Employment, LPSOE) position with a starting date of July 1, 2020. The primary focus of this position is teaching chemistry courses within the undergraduate curriculum including both lectures and laboratory courses, with a preference for Organic Chemistry series. More information here. |
| 10/25/2019 | Assistant Professor of Teaching, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology College of Agriculture and Environmental
The Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor of Teaching (Lecturer with Potential for Security of Employment (LPSOE)). Questions please contact the search committee chair, Professor John Eadie, at jmeadie@ucdavis.edu or (530) 754-0145. More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Assistant Professor of Biology – Alfred University
The Division of Biology at Alfred University invites applications for a tenure track assistant professor of Biology beginning August 2020. Questions should be sent to Dr. Jean A. Cardinale, Chair, Search Committee, cardinale@alfred.edu More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Instructor of Biology – Grand View University (Des Moines, IA)
Successful candidates are individuals with expertise in Genetics and/or Molecular Biology. Candidates should be laboratory-oriented and student-focused, and have demonstrated excellent teaching skills at the college level. More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Biological Sciences (Anatomy/Physiology) Instructor – Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College is looking for a highly motivated and dynamic instructor to teach Anatomy and Physiology. Please submit your application and required documents by 4PM November 1, 2019. All materials submitted will become property of LATTC. More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Chapman University Positions
1) Instructional Assistant Professor in Biology The first is for instructional assistant professor in biology with broad training in ecology, evolution, and physiology to develop and teach introductory biology lecture and labs. Review commences on October 15. More information here 2) Instructional Assistant Professor, Program Director for the Grand Challenge Initiative The second is for an instructional assistant professor to serve as Assistant Program Director for the Grand Challenges Initiative, our innovative project-based learning course for STEM education. Review commences October 28. More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences Department – California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
The Biological Sciences Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) is inviting applications for a tenure-track, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR position in Cellular Neuroscience, beginning August 2020 More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological – St. Edwards University
Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled, with full consideration given to those received by November 1, 2019. Applicants should submit application and all requested documentation online. More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Assistant Director Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning – Harvard University
University seeks a creative and collaborative Assistant Director who will support the evidence-based work of the Center. The Assistant Director, Assessment, will:
More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | San Jose State University Positions
1) Assistant Professor, Microbial Physiologist in Biological Sciences The Department of Biological Sciences at San José State University invites applications for a tenure-track position in the area of microbial physiology with expertise in industrial microbiology (e.g. Fermentation, Food Microbiology, Biofuels). Please direct questions to: Dr. Shelley Cargill, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences at shelley.cargill@sjsu.edu More information here 2) Assistant Professor, Cellular Physiology in Biological Sciences The Department of Biological Sciences at San José State University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Cellular Physiology. Please direct questions to: Dr. Shelley Cargill, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences at shelley.cargill@sjsu.edu More information here 3) Biology Educator San Jose State’s College of Science is seeking applicants to apply to a new Assistant Professor position in the field of biology education split between the Department of Biological Sciences and the Science Education Program. More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Part-Time Instructor – MiraCosta College
MiraCosta College in north San Diego County is currently looking for qualified part-time physics and astronomy instructors for this spring. Classes begin January 21, 2020. We have openings for several courses in our calculus-based physics series and in out astronomy program. Contact Erika Peters (epeters@miracosta.edu) with any questions, and feel free to pass this message on to anyone who might be interested. More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Assistant Professor of Practice, Physiology – University Nebraska, Lincoln
This is a non-tenure track position with a renewable three-year contract. The position has a primary instructional role and includes a small research/scholarship component. The successful candidate is expected to establish a strong instructional record by contributing to the undergraduate teaching mission of the School of Biological Sciences. More information here |
| 10/25/2019 | Faculty Position in the Department of Engineering and Science Education – Clemson University
The Department of Engineering and Science Education at Clemson University invites applicants for a Tenure-track faculty position for an assistant or associate professor of STEM education research. Candidates who engage in STEM education research in any STEM discipline are encouraged to apply. Full details for both positions, including application instructions, can be found here |