Assistant​/Associate​/Full Professor Practice - Biotechnology

Position Overview

The University of Kansas, Edwards Campus, School of Professional Studies, Biotechnology program located in Overland Park seeks an outstanding individual for a non‑tenure track twelve‑month faculty position as an Assistant Professor of the Practice for our growing Biotechnology program. Exceptionally qualified candidates will be considered at advanced levels. The successful candidate will have a professional record in biochemistry, forensic science, and teaching as well as exceptional communication skills, and a strong commitment to educating and developing future scientists.

The ideal candidate will have a developed teaching philosophy and a demonstrated desire to inspire students and encourage lifelong learning in biotechnology. The candidate will be expected to teach eight undergraduate courses per academic year in the areas of research methods, quantitative and separation science, and forensic science. As a Professor of Practice, the successful candidate has an obligation to maintain a consistent record of distinction through professional activities within the department and community.

This position reports to the Director of the Biotechnology Program.

This faculty position is expected to teach undergraduate courses supporting the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology degree and its associated minors of Pre‑health Professions, Discovery and Innovation in Biotechnology, and Forensic Science. The candidate will be expected to teach in various formats such as in‑person, hybrid, and online. Classes that this position may teach include: BSCI 300 Research Methods in Biotechnology, BTEC 475 Applied Separation Science & Quantitative Analysis, BTEC 430 Evidence Handling and Testimony in the Courts, BTEC 520 Forensic Techniques I, and BTEC 530 Forensic Techniques II.

The appointment is a Fiscal Year (12‑month) appointment with an initial term of 3 years, with a course load of 3 classes each fall and spring semester and 2 courses each summer semester. Subsequent appointments may be offered, contingent upon a satisfactory comprehensive performance evaluation during the final year of this appointment and approval of the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.

• Teaching three courses in the Fall and Spring semesters and two courses in the Summer semester in the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program.
• Curriculum development, instructional design, virtual and in‑person classroom management, evaluation of student performance, and responding to assessment results to foster student growth and success.
• Keeping curricula up to date and engaging with the current state of the field and external organizations to ensure relevance to a variety of workplace needs.
• Adhering to School of Professional Studies, Edwards Campus, and university policies and procedures.

• Providing academic and curricular leadership advice to the department.
• Professional development in the areas of teaching, leadership, and field specialty.
• Academic and professional student advising and support monitoring student progression and well‑being.
• Promoting initiatives related to student recruitment and retention.
• Contributing to decisions and efforts related to the educational, quality assurance, and marketing aspects of the Biotechnology program.
• Contributing to decisions and efforts related to the overall student, faculty, and staff well‑being at all levels of the organization.
• Serving as a liaison between the Biotechnology program and regional biotechnology companies, regional educational institutions, professional societies, and advisory boards.

• Ph.D. in Biology or a related discipline.
• Practical experience as a professional scientist/analyst/technician or a similar role in a biotechnology‑related company and/or forensic science‑related agency.
• Years of related professional experience required for each rank:
  Assistant Professor of the Practice: 3‑5 years;
  Associate Professor of the Practice: 6‑15 years;
  Professor of the Practice: 16+ years.
• Evidence of effective teaching in the biological sciences at a college or university level.
• A formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position.