Co-Director of Life Sciences Undergraduate Learning Center

Co-Director of Life Sciences Undergraduate Learning Center

The Life Sciences Core Education Department at UCLA invites highly qualified applicants for the Co-Director of Life Sciences Undergraduate Learning Center (ULC), starting immediately. Launched in 1995, the Life Sciences Core Education Department is composed of non-tenure track faculty that teach ~3,000 students each year the introductory courses of biological sciences and mathematics for life scientists. The ULC develops and administers problem-solving sessions that help students master conceptual material and practice the skills outlined in the learning objectives for their courses. Students rate these problem-solving sessions among the most helpful resources provided by the courses. Additionally, the ULC provides training and professional development for undergraduate learning assistants and graduate teaching assistants that work with students during the problem-solving sessions. There are two co-directors of the ULC, one for biology courses and one for the life science mathematics courses. This position will work with the biology courses, the instructors of these courses, and reports directly to the chair of the Life Sciences Core Education Department. Professsional development options are available at UCLA and through programs such as SABER. This co-directorship is a full-time, two-year contract position (with possibility to extend). A reasonable estimate for this position is $64,228 to $80,258, commensurate with experience. Full benefits included.

Responsibilities: Creating, assessing, and providing logistical coordination for instructional programs that support students taking the introductory biology series at UCLA. This series includes Life Science 7A: Cell and Molecular Biology, Life Science 7B: Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology, and Life Science 7C: Physiology and Human Biology. Manage and assist with the recruitment, selection, on-boarding, and pedagogical training of undergraduate learning assistants (LAs), undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs), and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). Schedule, administer, and prepare materials necessary for weekly TA and LA meetings for all three courses, in partnership with course Academic Administrators. Schedule, coordinate, revise, and train TAs and LAs for weekly supplemental problem-solving sessions which are unique to each course in the LS7 series. Maintain, manage, and update Canvas sites with all necessary instructional materials for teaching and learning assistants for each course in the LS7 series. Make data-driven improvements to programs run by the ULC.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates must have excellent communication skills, experience working in teams, strong facilitation, coaching and mentoring skills, and be able to generate creative approaches to a wide variety of problems. The candidates should have a strong background in biology and be able to show a demonstrated commitment to working with a diverse population of students.

The successful candidate must have at least a Masters or Ph.D. in a biological sciences discipline, experience in undergraduate education, and demonstrated ability to engage students and facilitate active and collaborative learning, equitably. To apply, submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references.

Application Requirements

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Reference check authorization release form – Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
• UCLA Mission Statement – As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
• The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows: Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles Expand our reach as a global university Enhance our research and creative activities Elevate how we teach Become a more effective institution
• Prompt for candidates for recruitment: Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service

Reference requirements:

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Please provide the full name, contact number and email address for the three professional references.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.