Biology Laboratory Supervisor & Instructor

The Biology Department at Macalester College invites applications for a full-time, benefits eligible Biology Lab Instructor/Supervisor position to begin as early as May 1, 2024. Teaching responsibilities will be focused on the laboratory sections for the department’s introductory Genetics course, and will include the preparation, teaching, and evaluation of labs, as well as the supervision of undergraduate lab teaching assistants. The technical support expectations include training and assisting students (and faculty) in the use of specialized scientific equipment, maintaining equipment, and organizing and maintaining shared and teaching lab spaces, including oversight of common chemical reagent stocks and other lab consumables.

We seek a broadly trained biologist with expertise in cellular and molecular biology and encourage candidates from groups underrepresented in the Biological Sciences to apply. A Master’s degree in biology is preferred, but applicants with a bachelor’s degree and commensurate research and/or teaching experience are also encouraged to apply. 

The successful candidate will be eager to engage undergraduate students in introductory-level laboratory courses, to train and supervise students working with departmental equipment in upper level courses and research projects, and to maintain the Biology Department’s equipment and laboratory spaces for teaching and scholarship needs. Macalester College is committed to student and faculty diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strong candidates will have a record of experience or demonstrated commitment to teaching diverse students. 

This is a full-time, exempt position that requires being onsite Monday-Friday. Hours are 8:00am-4:30pm on days when labs for Genetics are taught, and are more flexible on non-teaching days. 

About the Department: 

We aim to open students’ eyes to the myriad wonders of the natural world: from the strange creatures inhabiting the depths of the oceans and the tops of the earth’s highest mountain peaks, to the plants and pollinators right here on Macalester’s campus, to the diverse array of microbes that thrive inside each one of us, to the ways our remarkable bodies function—and what happens when things go wrong. Our faculty work to help students discover how the history of evolution led to the present moment, how humans are an integral part of this framework, and what climate change might mean for the future of life on our planet.

See more about the Biology Department at Macalester here.

• Collaborate with faculty to develop content/activities for introductory biology labs.  Prepare, teach, and evaluate up to four introductory lab sections each semester.  May sometimes assist faculty with upper level course lab preparations.  
• Supervise, Use, and Maintain the Biology Department's Analytical Equipment, including:
• Maintenance and utilization of major equipment including confocal, scanning electron, and transmitted light microscopes, bacterial and tissue cell culturing equipment, cryostat, PCR equipment, autoclave, -80 freezers, etc.), including equipment-specific computer maintenance.
• Coordination of Maintenance Agreements and scheduling of emergency and routine service.
• Sample preparation for all analytical techniques and maintenance of sample preparation equipment.
• Training and demonstrations for departmental users including faculty and students.
•  Supervision and training of student users.
• Ordering lab supplies and equipment.
• Work with faculty and department coordinator to purchase new and replacement equipment.
• Train and supervise student users of departmental equipment. Work with faculty and students engaged in collaborative research and/or upper level coursework to develop sampling and analytical procedures on departmental equipment.
• Maintain up-to-date inventory of chemicals and equipment. Monitor safety guidelines and department compliance.  Organize and maintain shared teaching and research spaces, including common chemical reagent stocks and lab consumables.

• 3-5 years of relevant lab experience. 
• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree preferred. (If no Master’s Degree, a year of lab work experience is the minimum required.)
• Strong background in cell biology and molecular genetics including post-college education in the broad area of cell biology and molecular genetics (ex: microbiology, biochemistry). Some knowledge/experience in laboratory teaching in the field of cell biology and molecular genetics.
• The ability to interpret data from simple experiments and explain both the interpretation and the chain of reasoning to introductory students are essential for the teaching portion of the position. Experience with analytical equipment and a willingness to learn new techniques and methods.  Proficient in the use of R.  
• Ability to set goals for oneself and others; competence in evaluating work of others (student workers).
• Training in multiple molecular/cellular biology techniques (gel electrophoresis, PCR, microscopy, sterile technique). Must teach data analysis tools such as R as well as selecting, occasionally installing, and operating more specialized data analysis software.
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Suite & Google Business Applications. 
• Be competent with a diverse array of analytical tools (confocal, scanning electron, and transmitted light microscopes, bacterial and tissue cell culturing equipment, cryostat, autoclave, -80 freezers, etc.).  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a teaching lab setting.

Compensation:

The annual salary for this position will be between $60,500-64,000 depending on experience.

Benefits:

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Generous parental leave.
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page. 

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Application Guidelines:

For best consideration, please submit the following directly to the posting on the Macalester Employment Opportunities page: 

• A cover letter that describes your qualifications for the position, including your experience with lab work and your experience with and approach to teaching.
• A resume or CV with two references listed.
• A separate document, no more than 2 pages long, detailing experience and aspirations for addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in teaching, scholarship, and service through discussion of past experiences and/or potential future contributions. 

Review of applications will begin immediately. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by March 10th, however, we will continue to accept applicants after this date. The interview process will begin after this date and the role will be posted until filled. 

Questions about this position can be addressed, with “Biology Lab Instructor” in the subject line, to: 

Prof. Sarah Boyer 

boyer@macalester.edu

Macalester is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from everyone who would add richness to our community, including people of color, individuals with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals. Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.