Teaching Postdoctoral Associate Ecology & Environment Office of Undergraduate Biology College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Cornell University Ithaca, New York
The Office of Undergraduate Biology, in collaboration with the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University, invites applicants for a Teaching Postdoctoral Associate with interest in developing skills and experience in university teaching in preparation for an academic career. The postdoc will play a key role in supporting a transition of the course Ecology & Environment (BioEE 1610) from a traditional lecture-course format to one involving more active learning and greater student participation and group problem solving in class. The postdoctoral associate will work closely with the team of faculty who teach BioEE 1610 (seven individuals in all, with two teaching in any given semester on a rotating basis). Currently, the course has one discussion section each week, led by graduate teaching assistants, where students are engaged in active learning, with the intellectual content of the section closely related to the class lectures for that week. We wish to expand this active-learning model further into the larger class lectures. The postdoc will lead the effort to explore and develop a set of interactive classes, working with individual faculty or teams of faculty on discrete topics. We will consider applicants for either a 2-year period at full-time effort or a 4-year period at half time. The successful candidate will collaborate with course faculty towards the following goals: formulate learning goals, develop an active learning-based curriculum that aligns with the learning goals, provide feedback on course teaching practices, and assess learning gains. There are potential opportunities for pedagogical research for motivated candidates. * Qualifications * Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in ecology or a related field and have excellent organizational, interpersonal communication, team building and collaboration skills. Experience in developing active learning curricula and coaching educators is highly desirable. * Terms of Appointment * This appointment can be made either full time for up to two years or half time for up to four years, depending upon discussion between the candidate and the course instructors. The start date for the appointment is negotiable, but no later than August 1, 2015. * Applications * To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 1, 2014. To apply, applicants should send an e-mail to Lisa Sanfilippo ([email protected]) that has the subject line BioEE 1610 postdoc. Attach to this e-mail a single pdf file entitled <last name>.pdf that includes the applicants CV, statement of teaching philosophy/experience, statement of research experience, and the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three individuals who can serve as references. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.
