Academic Specialist-Teaching, Michigan State University

Description:

The College of Natural Science at Michigan State University welcomes applications for a full-time, 9-month, fixed-term Academic Specialist-Teaching position beginning as early as January 1, 2023 (with the expectation of yearly re-appointments based on satisfactory performance and continued funding). The individual selected for this position will teach undergraduate courses in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science (EES) and general-education science courses in the Center for Integrative Studies for General Science (CISGS). The expected teaching load is 3 courses per academic semester. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits and access to opportunities for professional development. The College seeks candidates whose teaching and/or mentoring has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education.

The EES and CISGS units at MSU have a longstanding record of working collaboratively to communicate key topics related to earth and environment to both STEM majors and general science audiences. EES is a vibrant and dynamic unit within the College of Natural Science, consisting of faculty and students studying diverse areas of geoscience ranging from the environment to the solid earth to science education. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in Historical Geology and Sedimentology/Stratigraphy for geoscience majors as well as other courses as assigned. CISGS promotes scientific, quantitative, and information literacy built on a foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion and focused on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to face the challenges of a changing planet. The successful candidate will also teach integrative science courses for non-science majors (e.g., History of Life; Natural Hazards and the Environment; Global Change).

Qualifications:

Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. in earth sciences, environmental sciences or a related field and experience in teaching undergraduate earth and environmental science courses either as a Teaching Assistant or Instructor of Record. The ideal candidate will also have experience and/or commitment to teaching undergraduate students from broadly diverse demographic and social backgrounds. Candidates who employ innovative, evidence-based science teaching practices in their pedagogical approach are especially sought after.

Apply:

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter that discusses your interest in the position, your teaching philosophy and experience, and a description of how issues of diversity and inclusion shape your pedagogy to MSU's Online Portal (posting #819220). Applicants should also provide the contact information for three professional references; letters will be requested during the screening process. Please direct questions regarding the position to Matt Schrenk, Earth & Environmental Sciences and Chair of the Search Committee (schrenkm@msu.edu).