Job Posting

Introductory Biology Laboratory Coordinator and Lecturer

James Madison University

The Department of Biology at James Madison University invites applications for a Lecturer who will teach primarily first year courses and co-coordinate an inquiry-based introductory laboratory that focuses on DNA barcoding.  Responsibilities will include coordination and preparation for introductory laboratories, supervision of undergraduate laboratory and graduate teaching assistants, teaching introductory laboratory and lecture, and departmental service.  The successful applicant will also work closely with other Biology faculty in introductory course development and may have opportunities to engage in other activities such as working with undergraduates in research or team-teaching upper-level courses.  Hiring will be as a renewable-term faculty position at the Lecturer level, for a 9/10-month appointment beginning August 2023 and renewable annually. This is a promotable position.

Applicants will have a Masters or Ph.D. in a biological science or in biological science education.  Broad expertise in organismal biology, natural history, pedagogy, or evolutionary biology is preferred, as is experience with DNA barcoding or molecular techniques.  The successful candidate must show evidence of excellent teaching and collaborative/interpersonal skills, including familiarity with instructional technologies.  Preference will be given to individuals with experience coordinating and/or preparing introductory biology laboratories. 

The Biology Department in the College of Science and Mathematics at James Madison University currently serves over 1,000 undergraduate majors and 19 Master’s students. The 55 full time faculty members are engaged in teaching and research in a broad range of sub-disciplines. The department offers a wide variety of courses for Biology majors, General Education and Pre-Health profession majors, including a 4-semester lab-intensive core curriculum. The introductory Biology lectures cover the basics of cell biology in the first semester and evolution, organismal biology, and population biology in the second. The corresponding laboratory courses utilize a large-scale CURE focused on DNA Barcoding. Students learn basic barcoding techniques in their first semester, then apply the methodology to develop their own research project in the second. The department houses the Center for Genome and Metagenome Studies (CGEMS) that provides resources to support innovative research and training in the methods and principles of genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics for students at all levels. Faculty commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our active HHMI Inclusive Excellence funded initiative to catalyze further advances in faculty development and student support.  Please visit our web site at http://www.jmu.edu/biology/ for more information about the department.

Applications will be submitted electronically, and must include, at a minimum, (1) a CV, (2) the names and contact information for at least three references, (3) a Statement of Inclusive Excellence that documents the applicant’s commitment to, and experience in, building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment that involves undergraduate students, and (4) a cover letter that addresses the applicant’s qualifications for the position, with an emphasis on their experience and abilities in coordination of multi-section laboratories. Additional materials, such as a teaching statement or letters of reference, may be requested at a later date. To apply for the position, go to JMU Joblink (https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/13136 ) and reference posting number F2007. For more information, contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Bruce Wiggins (email: wigginba@jmu.edu). Screening of applicants will begin on Nov. 7, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

About James Madison University

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 900 full-time instructional faculty. 

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research. 

James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Review of applications to begin on 11/07/2022