Assistant Professor of Practice in Biotechnology and Plant and Microbial Sciences

The University of Arizona School of Plant Sciences seeks to hire an Assistant Professor of Practice to strengthen undergraduate education in the broad areas of biotechnology and plant and microbial sciences, including from the perspectives of genetics and genomics. The Assistant Professor of Practice will assume a 90% Instruction and 10% Service, non-tenure eligible, 9-month position in the School of Plant Sciences. The rank of Assistant Professor of Practice for the position is contingent on years of practice and training completed in the biotechnology, plant sciences, and microbial sciences fields. Biotechnology is at the forefront of advances in agriculture, industry, and innovations in sustainability. Together, plant- and microbial biotechnology are evolving rapidly with the advent of new tools, technologies, and innovations that support the food, fiber, fuel, and pharmaceutical supplies vital to earth's growing population. The successful applicant will have expertise in recent scientific and technological advances in biotechnology and plant and microbial sciences from diverse perspectives, and will be engaged in a robust partnership with one or more international partners for student education and career preparation.

For this position the successful applicant is anticipated to be engaged in annual or twice-annual international travel, including to a partner institution in the Republic of Kazakhstan, where a shared degree in Biotechnology at North Kazakhstan State University is supporting student education both there and on the University of Arizona campus.

As a Land Grant University, The University of Arizona is committed to training students for emerging and dynamic jobs and enhancing opportunities in Arizona. The School of Plant Sciences, which has a record of excellence in cutting edge biotechnology and plant and microbial sciences, will train a generation of leaders prepared to enhance agricultural productivity, improve human and environmental health, and develop innovative solutions that expedite progress in these areas. We seek candidates who will enhance undergraduate education in biotechnology and related fields, and who recognize the opportunity to leverage international opportunities and partnerships, faculty research excellence, and instructional innovation, support curriculum development and academic partnerships, and facilitate practical and laboratory training in an array of applications.

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• The primary responsibility of this position will be to teach existing undergraduate courses in biotechnology, plant sciences, and microbial sciences, including in genetics and genomics, with an anticipated opportunity to design new courses at the undergraduate (primarily) and graduate levels in related areas.
• A 90% instructional position equates to teaching ca. 18 credits per academic year. Courses may be offered in person and/or online, may include laboratory courses, and will contribute to undergraduate majors in Biotechnology and Applied Biotechnology, Plant Science, Sustainable Plant Systems, Microbiology, and others.
• The faculty member will be expected to develop, investigate, and lead the implementation of innovative and inclusive teaching approaches that promote a learner-centered instructional environment, enhance student engagement, and increase diversity; and to expand collaborations with community partners to enhance undergraduate student training.
• In their service component, the Assistant Professor of Practice will be expected to serve as a voting member of the faculty in the unit and serve on unit committees.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion,
  and skills related to international engagement.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with relevant industry or agricultural
  regulations and documentation, and technology-based approaches to problem
  solving.
• Desire to work as part of a team on an emerging
  international partnership and related global-scale interactions.
• A
  high level of organization.

• A graduate degree (Ph.D.) from a nationally accredited college or university in biotechnology, plant sciences, plant microbiology, and/or a related field, by December 15, 2024.
• College or University teaching experience.
• Experience in online instruction.

• Experience with evidence-based pedagogical approaches, classroom teaching excellence, online course management programs, online education, and student engagement.
  
• Experience with biotechnology innovations and/or applications as supported by laboratory methods, both wet-lab and computational, and ability to cultivate core skills in student development in these areas.