Biotechnology Instructor

Overview

Solano College is hiring a faculty position in the biotechnology department. The biotechnology program at Solano College has a 28-year history of preparing students for careers in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. The department has pioneered programs and offers pathways with multiple entry and exit points, including a Certificate in Cell and Gene Therapy and a Bachelors of Science in Biomanufacturing. The college collaborates with partnerships to provide a complete educational pathway with strong placement into livable-wage professions.

• Teach biotechnology lower- and/or upper-division lecture and laboratory classes, and participate in curriculum development (new courses and certificates).
• Interact with partners and plan for the future of the biotechnology program; assist with expanding course and degree offerings at the Fairfield, Vacaville, and Vallejo campuses and potentially develop online offerings.
• Utilize and expand technology and active learning strategies in the classroom and laboratory. Teaching may occur on campus and/or synchronously and asynchronously online.
• Demonstrate strong teaching strategies, supported by a solid academic background and industry experience.
• Contribute to student success by addressing theory and biotechnology skills, including use of equipment and instrumentation used in the biotech industry.
• Possess expertise in areas such as biotechnology, research & development, grant writing and management, and/or industrial business support systems (desirable).
• Teach a variety of biotechnology courses, including lab instruction with various instruments, equipment, and data analysis; maintain safety in accordance with department rules.
• Instruct in accordance with established course outlines and expectations; prepare and grade assignments and examinations; meet administrative timelines; submit required documents and reports; maintain attendance and scholastic records; keep regular office hours as required.
• Participate in division meetings, college governance, and program- and course-level assessment and planning.
• Teach evening hours and off-campus instruction as needed; participate in student outreach and recruitment as part of division and college services.

• Minimum qualifications:
  
  commitment to student learning and to serving a diverse student population; a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, or engineering, plus two years of related full-time professional experience.
• OR equivalent combination of education and experience; if minimum qualifications are not exactly met, an equivalency review can be requested with supporting documents. Degrees must be from accredited institutions.

• Strong ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; graduate degree is preferred in addition to minimum qualifications.
• Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following: cell culture, basic biotechnology lab techniques, upstream/downstream bioprocesses, biomanufacturing principles, quality assurance and regulatory, supply chain, lean manufacturing, design of experiments, project management, or related areas.
• Experience with student equity through best-practice teaching methodologies; ability to use computers, multimedia, course-management software, and other interactive technologies as teaching tools.
• Ability to employ multiple teaching methods to address diverse learning styles; integrate interactive technologies to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Commitment to teaching and learning and to creating a supportive learning environment; initiative in co-curricular activities, outreach, recruitment, and school projects.
• Willingness to participate in shared governance and college/division activities; ability to self-evaluate and pursue professional growth.

• To be considered, all complete applications and supporting materials must be received by the deadline.
• Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview; the application should be thorough and detailed.
• Travel costs related to the interview are the candidate’s responsibility.
• The college may re-advertise or delay filling the position.
• Candidates should not expect official notification until a final candidate is selected.
• Reference checks for finalists will be conducted.
• Finalists will be invited to a second interview with the Superintendent/President.

The Biotechnology Department is part of the Mathematics and Science Division. It partners with multiple colleges, local governments, workforce organizations, and national consortia. The department has obtained grants from NSF and other biomanufacturing and regenerative medicine organizations and serves on advisory committees for biotechnology programs in multiple states. The department seeks instructors who care about students, pedagogy, and the community, and who are willing to take risks to achieve these goals.