BIOLOGY INSTRUCTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A Biology Instructor is the person responsible for making science education accessible and measurable for students who may be the first in their families to attend college. Labs do not run themselves, and course outcomes do not assess themselves. This role owns the full instructional relationship - from designing a syllabus that aligns with ACGM and Core Curriculum outcome requirements to evaluating student performance across lecture and laboratory settings. Within a community college department, the Biology Instructor answers to a division dean or department chair and directly determines the academic trajectory of students pursuing healthcare, nursing, and transfer pathways.

As the Biology Instructor, you deliver biology instruction across lecture and laboratory formats, ensuring course content meets institutional learning outcome standards and serves a diverse student population with varied academic backgrounds. You operate within a biology or life sciences department, collaborating with department chairs and curriculum committees to maintain course currency, support student retention, and fulfill the open-access mission of the community college.

Career Impact: Teaching biology at the community college level builds a documented record of learning outcomes assessment and curriculum development, credentials that carry weight in academic hiring across two-year and four-year institutions.

Business Impact: Students in healthcare pathways - nursing, allied health, and pre-medicine - depend on this instruction to meet prerequisite requirements and advance toward clinical programs, making the Biology Instructor's work a direct input to regional workforce development.

Growth Opportunity: Experience across modalities - in-person, hybrid, and online - combined with exposure to diverse student populations, expands your scope toward full-time faculty candidacy, department coordination, or curriculum leadership roles.

• Teach biology lecture and laboratory courses across assigned modalities, including in-person, hybrid, and online formats, to meet enrollment and scheduling needs.
• Design course syllabi, assessments, and lesson plans that align with institutional learning outcome frameworks and program objectives.
• Evaluate student performance through formative and summative assessments and communicate progress to students in a timely manner.
• Maintain laboratory safety and cleanliness standards and prepare supplies and materials before each session.
• Advise students on academic progress, course selection, and goal attainment in individual and group settings.
• Submit grades, attendance records, and course documentation to the appropriate offices by published institutional deadlines.
• Participate in departmental meetings, curriculum planning sessions, and learning outcomes assessment cycles as required.
• Support student recruitment and retention efforts through accessible office hours and responsive electronic communication.

• Master's degree in Biology, Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, or a closely related biological discipline, or equivalent graduate-level preparation with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in biology or an applicable biological field.
• One or more years of teaching experience at the community college or university level, with direct experience in lecture and laboratory instruction.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver instruction across in-person, hybrid, and online course formats.
• Knowledge of learning outcomes assessment practices at the course and program levels.
• Proficiency with a learning management system for course delivery, grade posting, and student communication.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage a diverse, multilingual student population.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of enrollment, attendance, and academic performance and submit institutional reports on schedule.
• Commitment to the open-access mission of the community college and to student success across varied academic backgrounds.

• Experience teaching Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology within a community college curriculum structure.
• Familiarity with ACGM or Core Curriculum outcome frameworks and their application to biology course design.
• Experience working with students from underrepresented backgrounds, dual-enrollment programs, or non-traditional learning environments.
• Knowledge of laboratory interface software or digital lab platforms used in general biology instruction.

• Student learning outcome attainment rate per course section, measured against departmental benchmarks each term.
• Grade submission compliance rate, tracking on-time delivery of rosters and final grades by published deadlines.
• Student retention rate within assigned sections, reflecting early intervention and advising effectiveness.
• Course evaluation scores across instruction, communication, and accessibility dimensions each semester.
• Attendance documentation accuracy rate, measured against weekly reporting requirements.
• Typical tools: Learning management systems (commonly Canvas or Brightspace); lab documentation and grade reporting systems.

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $75,000 annually for full-time; $900 to $1,800 per credit hour for adjunct positions.
• Bonus: typically not applicable for adjunct roles; merit or overload pay may apply for full-time faculty.
• Equity: not typically offered in community college settings.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard for full-time positions; adjunct eligibility varies by institution.
• PTO: typically 10 to 20 days annually plus academic calendar breaks for full-time faculty.
• Common Perks: Professional development funding, tuition waiver programs, and access to campus library and lab resources.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process - contact the hiring department to request support. Final employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Biology Instructor teaches lecture and laboratory biology courses across multiple campuses, preparing course materials, advising students, and evaluating performance to support academic progress. Working within institutional guidelines, the instructor collaborates with departmental and divisional teams to submit reports, develop program assessments, and maintain instructional quality across in-person and online settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach biology courses as assigned, including both lecture and laboratory sessions where appropriate.
• Prepare necessary laboratory supplies and materials in advance of teaching sessions and return unused materials to their appropriate locations.
• Ensure that laboratory safety and cleanliness is maintained at all times.
• Provide instruction for courses at a variety of times and locations.
• Maintain access to students through posted office hours and electronic communication.
• Prepare and utilize a course syllabus and assessments for each course using institutional guidelines.
• Advise students in academic matters and evaluate student performance through a variety of means.
• Inform students of their progress promptly and assist in the development of program assessments.
• Submit timely college reports and attend departmental, division, and institutional meetings as required.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Biology, Biological Sciences, Anatomy/Physiology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Science, Botany, Aquatic Biology, Integrative Biology, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Cellular/Molecular Biology, Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience, Genetics, or Zoology, or a Master's degree or higher in another area with a minimum of 18 graduate hours in an applicable discipline.
• Undergraduate teaching experience in biology or a related field.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems and classroom technology.
• Familiarity with laboratory technology and laboratory interface software.
• Experience teaching online and hybrid courses.
• Knowledge of effective teaching methodologies and a variety of instructional delivery methods.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor of Academics and Institutional Research, the Biology Instructor develops learning strategies and curriculum to support student success across teaching, advising, and community engagement functions. Partnering with institutional committees and community stakeholders, the instructor advances continuous improvement through outcomes assessment and professional development to strengthen the college's learning-centered environment.

Core Functions

• Develop learning strategies and curriculum that promote successful teaching and learning in a learning-centered environment.
• Facilitate learning through classroom activities, distance learning experiences, and out-of-classroom activities.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement planning through the assessment of learning outcomes at the course and department levels.
• Select and use appropriate learning materials and resources, including textbooks, Open Educational Resources, library resources, equipment, and supplies.
• Stay current with developments in the field of technology and learning theory.
• Participate in institutional and program committees, campus activities, and community representation.
• Develop strong partnerships with community stakeholders in support of department and college improvement.
• Conduct research and surveys and prepare updates, reports, and plans as part of department reviews.
• Participate in student recruitment, retention, advising, and registration activities.
• Maintain current licensure, certification, or other professional credentials required for the position.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree or above in biology or a related field, or a master's degree or above with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in biology.
• Minimum of one academic year of full-time teaching experience at the community college level or above.
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications.
• Familiarity with a course management system such as Canvas.
• Knowledge and experience with learning outcomes assessment.
• Demonstrated innovation within the field of education and technology.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Strong work ethic with a proven track record of project completion, multitasking, and the ability to handle high-pressure environments.

Biology Instructor delivers quality and innovative biology instruction across day, evening, summer, and online formats at the Port Arthur campus, dual-enrollment sites, Early College High Schools, and correctional facilities. The work directly supports student access to biology education in diverse community settings by ensuring curriculum-based ACGM and Core Curriculum outcomes are consistently implemented and evaluated.

Work Activities

• Provide quality and innovative instruction while working independently in the classroom.
• Maintain current knowledge and expertise in the subject area of teaching responsibility.
• Commit to the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum-based ACGM outcomes and Core Curriculum outcomes.
• Attend faculty meetings and professional development as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair or college administration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biology, or a master's degree with 18 hours of graduate work in biology.
• Teaching experience at a two-year college or university.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and manage projects and assignments effectively.
• Ability to work with students, faculty, and staff members in a professional manner.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, speak, listen, and see regularly and to occasionally sit, lift, pull, and carry objects.

Embedded within the Biology Department, the Biology Instructor teaches laboratory-based general biology courses and designs learning experiences that engage students in critical thinking and discipline-specific problem-solving. Working closely with departmental colleagues, the instructor leads curriculum planning, integrates technology through Brightspace, and fosters an inclusive environment that helps students attain course learning outcomes.

Primary Duties

• Teach various laboratory-based general biology courses and maintain highest possible standards of classroom instruction and laboratory safety.
• Design courses to meet learning outcomes and promote students' active participation in their own learning.
• Create an effective learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and helps students problem-solve using discipline-specific thinking strategies.
• Utilize technology and active learning strategies in the classroom, including integration via Brightspace.
• Employ a variety of formative and summative assessments to ensure classroom instruction leads to the attainment of student learning outcomes.
• Help students reach their academic, personal, and career goals and foster a safe environment that respects the diversity of individuals and ideas.
• Participate in departmental meetings as well as curriculum, program planning, and assessment work.
• Contribute to and provide leadership in academic and professional communities and promote collaboration and teamwork.

Skills and Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biology or a related discipline.
• Minimum one year of community college and university teaching experience, with community college teaching experience preferred.
• Demonstrated teaching competence in a variety of biology courses, including laboratory-based general biology courses.
• Knowledge of a Learning Management System.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate with a diverse and multilingual student population.
• Commitment to the open access mission of the community college.

As the Biology Instructor, this role supports part-time and temporary instructional needs at Nevada State College by designing course materials, mentoring students, and maintaining communication with the adjunct coordinator and department chair. The Biology Department relies on this work to deliver in-person, online, and hybrid biology instruction that fosters an inclusive campus culture and supports students who are historically underrepresented in higher education.

Role Responsibilities

• Design course materials including syllabi, lectures, assignments, and exams.
• Master the use of Canvas, NSC's learning management system, through available training sessions and materials.
• Maintain regular communication with students, the adjunct coordinator, and the department chair.
• Teach, mentor, and advise students in biology coursework.
• Collaborate with other faculty on instructional and departmental initiatives as opportunities arise.

Professional Experience

• Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Evidence of a strong commitment to teaching, educational excellence, and mentoring undergraduate students.
• Effective interpersonal, communication, and technology skills.
• Fluency in English and knowledge of other languages.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Sitting at the intersection of content expertise and student-centered pedagogy, the Biology Instructor teaches assigned biology courses, prepares syllabi, and delivers engaging lessons that connect concepts to real-world applications. Operating across enrollment management, curriculum development, and student advising functions, the instructor maintains accurate academic records and collaborates with the Dean or Program Chair to support ongoing course improvement.

Duties

• Teach assigned courses as specified in the schedule and course contract and prepare course materials and lesson plans.
• Provide students an approved syllabus that includes course objectives and learning outcomes, teaching methodology, attendance policies, texts and readings, assignments and deliverables, timelines, and evaluation criteria.
• Use the College's learning management system to post syllabi, assignments, and other materials and to communicate with students.
• Deliver course content using a variety of teaching styles and provide engaging assignments that demonstrate real-world applications of concepts covered.
• Observe and evaluate student performance in meeting course objectives and provide timely feedback on student progress.
• Be available for student consultation through office hours, scheduled appointments, phone, or email.
• Maintain records of enrollment, attendance, assessments, and grades and submit class rosters and grade sheets by established deadlines.
• Revise and update course content as needed and meet with the Dean or Program Chair to discuss student progress and curriculum development.

Experience and Qualifications

• Master's degree in the teaching field or a master's degree with eighteen graduate semester hours in the teaching field.
• Teaching experience in biology or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of relevant discipline content and demonstrated effectiveness in teaching adult learners.
• Ability to use technology effectively in teaching, including learning management systems.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with timeliness in responding to student inquiries.
• Ability to respond to the needs of learners from a variety of educational backgrounds in a multicultural environment.

A key member of the Cerritos College Biology Department, the Biology Instructor teaches assigned biology and anatomy and physiology courses, maintains accurate student records, and submits grades and attendance reports by published deadlines. Collaborating across academic affairs and division offices, the instructor supports students pursuing healthcare careers by delivering instruction that meets course outlines of record and upholds institutional standards.

Functions

• Teach all assigned classes in accordance with the course outlines of record and for all scheduled minutes.
• Maintain currency with current information, concepts, laws, and ideas in the discipline and with best practices in teaching and learning.
• Provide opportunities for students to be aware of their progress throughout the course.
• Keep accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and academic progress and submit them to appropriate offices by published deadlines.
• Submit end-of-session grades, including supporting documentation and attendance reports, by published deadlines.
• Submit required information about first-day, no-show students by published deadlines.
• In cases of necessary absence, notify the appropriate administrator in advance and prepare plans so that a substitute can maintain continuity of course content.
• Submit a copy of the syllabus for each class to the Division Office.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in any biological science, or a Bachelor's degree in any biological science and a Master's degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or marine science, or the equivalent.
• Experience teaching general biology and microbiology lectures and labs.
• Community college teaching experience.
• Online teaching experience.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to meeting the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic student population.

Consistent student learning outcomes depend on the Biology Instructor, who teaches Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Fundamentals of Biology courses across in-person, blended, and online modalities at McHenry County College. Based within a collaborative departmental structure, the instructor develops syllabi, conducts regular assessments, maintains accurate attendance records, and applies varied teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of a diverse community college student body.

Accountabilities

• Teach courses via in-person, blended, or online modalities and be available to teach daytime, evening, or weekend classes as needed.
• Develop a syllabus using the MCC syllabus template and utilize a variety of teaching styles to satisfy different student learning styles.
• Conduct regular assessment of student learning and provide timely feedback on student progress.
• Maintain and submit accurate student and course-related paperwork and data in a timely fashion.
• Document and report attendance daily and maintain and submit accurate attendance records weekly.
• Submit grade reports electronically by the required date.
• Utilize computer-based instruction and databases when necessary and work cooperatively within the department and throughout the College.

Background and Experience

• Master's degree in the discipline or a master's degree with 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline.
• Experience teaching Intro to Human Biology, Fundamentals of Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology.
• Willingness to use educational technology, including course management platforms such as Canvas.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and contemporary expertise specific to assigned teaching content.
• Commitment to the mission of the community college and to teaching students from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
• Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.