Teaching Postdoctoral Associate – Instructor Neurobiology and Behavior

[sue_bertram]

The Office of Undergraduate Biology, in collaboration with the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University, invites applicants with interest in developing skills and experience in university teaching in preparation for an academic career for a Teaching Postdoctoral Associate-Instructor position. The postdoc will play a key role in supporting a transition of the courses “Introduction to Neuroscience” (BioNB 2220) and “Introduction to Behavior” (BioNB 2210) 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 two different teams of faculty who teach BioNB 2220 and BioNB 2210. Currently, the courses have 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 into our larger class lectures. The postdoc will lead the effort to explore and develop a set of tools to use in interactive classes, working with individual faculty or teams of faculty on discrete topics for each course.

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; research methods that enhance active participation in large classes; provide feedback on course teaching practices; and develop tools to assess learning gains. There are potential opportunities for pedagogical research for motivated candidates.

Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related field, and possess knowledge ofevolutionary studies of behavior. They should have excellent organizational, interpersonal communication. team building, and collaboration skills. Prior experience in developing active learning tools for interactive teaching is desirable.

This appointment will be a full time appointment for one year with the possibility of an extension for an additional year. The start date for the appointment is negotiable, but no later than August 1, 2015.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by April 15, 2015.

 
To apply, applicants should send an e-mail to Lisa Sanfilippo (ls...@cornell.edu) that has the subject line ‘BioNB Teaching Postdoc’. Attach to this e-mail a single pdf file entitled <last name>.pdf that includes the applicant’s 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's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.