Assistant Instructor

Assistant Instructor-Fixed Term

Biological Science Program

Location:

East Lansing, Michigan, United States

Area of Interest:
Education/Training

Employment Type:

Full Time (90-100%)

Group:
Fixed Term Academic Staff

Union:
Union

Opening on:
Mar 6 2026

Closing at:
Mar 6 2028 - 23:55 EST

Salary:
Commensurate with Experience

College Of Natural Science

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will serve as an assistant instructor for introductory biology lecture and/or lab courses designed to actively engage life-science majors in three-dimensional learning. Duties included some combination of the following: attending and participating in weekly instructional team meetings, reviewing materials and preparing for class, attending class and assisting students with activities, lead lab sections, grading, help room hours, weekly review sessions, managing D2L, MS Teams, or other electronic course resources, and other items that support student learning in the course as requested by the instructor or curriculum coordinator.

Depending on the needs of the program, the candidate may teach in cellular and molecular or organismal biology courses and is expected to work with all students in Bio Sci courses to support their learning.

Assistant instructors use core ideas taught in introductory biology courses to help students engage in scientific practices such as developing and using models and constructing arguments from evidence. They need strong interpersonal skills so they can interact with students and support their learning and strong organizational skills to ensure tasks are completed with high quality in a timely manner.

Bio Sci's mission is to support undergraduate student learning in introductory biology lecture and laboratory courses. Assistant instructors work with faculty curriculum coordinators and instructors to accomplish this mission and support MSU's strategic plan student success goal by helping students do well in Bio Sci courses and progress towards graduation.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree:
Bachelors
- Biology

Desired Degree:
Other
- Biology or related field

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.

Desired

Qualifications:

Served as an undergraduate learning assistant in a Bio Sci course at MSU or a similar role in similar introductory biology courses.

Required Application Materials: Complete applications must include:
1) a cover letter describing previous experience supporting student learning in introductory biology courses including specific examples of how you have interacted with students and supported their learning and how an assistant instructor position in Bio Sci supports your career goals;
2) a curriculum vitae or resume, and
3) a transcript (an unofficial transcript is sufficient). Complete applications must be received preferably by March 30 to receive full consideration. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the deadline.

Review of Applications Begins On: 03/30/2026

Department Statement: MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees' work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.

MSU Statement:
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.