Assistant/Associate Professor, Integrated Science and Technology (Biotechnology)
Assistant/Associate Professor, Integrated Science and Technology (Biotechnology)
The School of Integrated Sciences (SIS) at James Madison University (JMU) seeks a new full-time tenure-track colleague at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor. This person will join the Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) faculty in August 2023 to support the Applied Biotechnology concentration within the major. Affiliate status with the JMU Biotechnology Program will provide concrete opportunities for collaboration with colleagues across units and colleges.
The ISAT Program is a unique ABET-accredited, multidisciplinary, applied science program with roughly 300 undergraduate majors. ISAT prepares graduates with modern problem-solving skills through the strategic integration of technology, natural and social sciences, humanities, and systems thinking. ISAT emphasizes a holistic approach to define and address complex problems using science, technology, and social systems.
Students in the ISAT program declare a concentration in one of six areas: Applied Biotechnology, Applied Computing, Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems, and Public Interest Technology & Science. This novel curricular framework makes for an exciting, supportive, and interdisciplinary academic culture, enabling faculty and students from a variety of backgrounds to grow into new areas of expertise and flourish within our inclusive community. Faculty come together around a shared passion for impactful and socially-engaged STEM education and scholarship. The meaningful integration of industry experience, relationships, and sensibilities is another strength of the program.
Together with the Departments of Biology and Chemistry & Biochemistry, the School of Integrated Sciences (SIS) offers a unique interdisciplinary Biotechnology Program as a collaboration between the College of Integrated Science and Engineering (CISE) and the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). Roughly 30 affiliate faculty from the supporting units work together to teach courses, engage undergraduates in research, and steer/administer the shared undergraduate program with approximately 125 majors.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Our new colleague will teach a range of Applied Biotechnology laboratory and lecture undergraduate courses in ISAT, many of which also serve the Biotechnology Program. Areas of specialization that could support and enhance our current curriculum include biomanufacturing, industrial or agricultural biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, synthetic biology, or automated analyses of biological data. Rich teaching opportunities may also exist in STEM foundation and graduate level MS-ISAT in Environmental Management and Sustainability courses. Course and program-level curricular design and development is supported and encouraged. A typical teaching load is three courses per semester.
In addition to excellence in undergraduate teaching, the position requires an active scholarly program (research and/or application) with high potential for external funding. The expectation is that our new colleague’s biotechnology subfield will enrich and engage faculty and students in one or more of ISAT’s concentration areas (as detailed above). Working together is encouraged and recognized within our reward structure. ISAT faculty engage a wide range of students in multi-year undergraduate capstone projects, independent research for credit, and Honors College Theses. These projects provide opportunities for diverse teams of students and faculty to explore, develop, and expand scholarly interests. Excellence in research involves steady external funding, engaged student mentoring, and scholarly products that contribute to one’s field of expertise.
All faculty participate in service activities to support the school, college, and university. If interested, opportunities to move into leadership positions within the shared Biotechnology Program are available. Community engagement is also highly encouraged.
Qualifications:
A terminal degree in a relevant academic discipline and demonstrated expertise is required for a tenure-track appointment; ABD candidates are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a graduate degree and substantial experience in the field are welcomed and would be eligible for a renewable term appointment.
Our new colleague will embrace the interdisciplinary nature of the school by actively seeking opportunities to collaborate across program and/or concentration boundaries, and by leading the school into innovative applications of biotechnology and pedagogy. In their teaching, they will emphasize a holistic approach to define and address complex problems using science, technology, and social systems. An interest in and understanding of first year authentic research experiences, such as SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science), would support our long-standing commitment to accessible and transformative applied learning.
Candidates must demonstrate a strong potential for teaching undergraduates, an ability to contribute to the ISAT-Applied Biotechnology and Biotech Program curricula, and commitment to securing external funding to support a research/scholarship program involving undergraduate students. Strong candidates will also demonstrate an eagerness to develop their expertise by working across disciplines and a commitment to collegiality, equity, and inclusivity. These qualities support ISAT and University goals of integrating diverse perspectives and removing barriers to participation.
To learn more and to apply, go to joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting F2048 or go to https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/13345. Review of applications begins 12/09/2022. Salary is commensurate with experience.
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
