Teaching Specialist - Foundations of Biology

This teaching specialist position will provide classroom teaching for Foundations of Biology lab course sections, either in BIOL 1961 or BIOL 3004, for fall semester 2026 (August 31, 2026-January 13, 2027) in the Department of Biology Teaching and Learning. 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

Application Process:

This position will remain open until filled, but application review will begin July 13, 2026. We expect to start Zoom interviews by late July. 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 (and desirable, if appropriate) qualifications of the position

About the Department

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.

B.S. Degree in Biology or related field.

Advanced or master level degree in Biology or related field is preferred.

Pay Range: $28.20 - $29.36/hr depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.