Teaching Specialist - Department of Biology Teaching and Learning

About the Job

Summary of Position:
This teaching specialist position will provide classroom teaching for Foundations of Biology lab course sections, either in BIOL 1961 or BIOL 3004, for the spring semester 2026. They will attend weekly in‑person TA training meetings, grade student coursework, and participate in minor course development. They will also grade lecture exams for BIOL 1951 or BIOL 2003.

80% – Teach one BIOL 1961 lab section or two BIOL 3004 sections, grade student work. 20% – Grade exams as assigned, participate in trainings/meetings.

Essential

Qualifications:

B.S. Degree

The University of Minnesota has a national reputation in biology teaching and educational research. To build on existing strengths, the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning was created in July 2014 as a partnership between the College of Biological Sciences and the College of Education and Human Development. The mission of our department is to discover, apply and share research‑based strategies that transform biology education.

With strengths in both biological and pedagogical research, the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning strives to be part of a tradition of excellence. Through our ongoing research, our department members contribute to the growing understanding of how students learn; through their teaching and outreach, we model the implementation of evidence‑based educational research; and through our mentoring of graduate students and colleagues, we will help build a strong community of teaching scholars of national reputation.

Pay Range: $11,058.00 for a 50%-time appointment or $22,116.00 for a 100%-time appointment.

Time Appointment: 50% or 100%.

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

For 50% appointment:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Retirement plans
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

For 100% appointment:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ or call (612) 624‑8647.

This position will remain open until filled, but application review will begin November 19, 2025. We expect to start Zoom interviews by early December. Application materials need to be submitted online in PDF format with the applicant's last name in the PDF title; applications cannot be considered until all of the following materials have been uploaded:

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter describing the applicant's approach to teaching and highlighting qualifications relevant to job requirements, including an explanation of how the applicant meets the required…