Adjunct - Biology

Summary

This adjunct faculty member is responsible for teaching one or more Biology courses, including lectures and labs. This person will also be expected to maintain lab, equipment and reagent inventories and to assist in the development and revision of courses as needed. This adjunct faculty member will employ a range of suitable strategies to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions and encourage active learning in all students while maintaining proper class-related records, promptly assessing student coursework and apprising students of their progress. The adjunct faculty member is a member of the professional teaching staff that is responsible for effectively implementing the mission of NMC and the Science/Math discipline. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to relate well to a diverse population of learners and meet the criteria of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Responsibilities may include teaching nights and/or online instruction. There may be a combination of both in-person and online teaching components depending on the course taught. The start date for this position is August 2026 for the Fall 2026 semester.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in a science/math area related to the position required, with a bachelor's degree in biology or related field that meets the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the respective course taught.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in biology (meeting HLC requirements)
• Two years of college-level teaching experience in biology
• Teaching experience in a science/math-related area
• Teaching experience in online environments

(Visit our website to see the NMC Adjunct Resource Guide for further details.)

Specifically, adjunct faculty have these responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.

Teaching Responsibilities

When teaching any courses including but not limited to online, accelerated, livestream, hybrid and face-to-face formats, the adjunct instructor will meet the responsibilities of adjunct faculty in the areas of Curriculum, Teaching Effectiveness, and Professional Qualities and Abilities. Adjunct faculty are encouraged to participate in Professional Development and in areas that Support of College and Community Initiatives.

Teaching Effectiveness

• Compiles, administers, and grades examinations and other learning activities
• Uses current and emerging technologies in distance learning and in the classroom; conducts classroom research with classroom assessment techniques
• Listens to students and coaches them to actively participate in the learning process
• Uses a variety of assessments to promotes student demonstration of learning through exams, discussions, debates, presentations, simulations, and/or debriefings
• Provides a course syllabus to the students that includes the College Syllabus information outlined in Moodle
• Maintains and regularly updates Moodle gradebook and/or other electronic grading systems

Faculty Professional Development

• Continually engages in learning and scholarship in the area of specialization as time allows

Support of College, Community Initiatives

• Meets requirements for the adjunct review process
• Is fully committed to the mission and values of Northwestern Michigan College

Supervisory Responsibilities

May supervise student lab assistants.

Adjunct Faculty General Responsibilities

• Attend and comply with all HR required Faculty member training
• Report grades by college deadlines
• Keep accurate student academic records
• Meet classes during the time scheduled and for the appropriate length of time
• Make reasonable accommodations as approved by Disability Support Services to meet students' needs in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Respond to requests including, but not limited to Academic Chairs, Department Heads, committee chairs, and the Records Office in a timely and thorough manner
• Meet requirements of the Adjunct Performance Review Processs in a timely manner and with the intention of maintaining teaching effectiveness, professional development, and support of College/ community initiatives
• Assess student learning outcomes and make improvements based on the assessment results
• Develop and distribute course syllabi for each course taught to each student that follows the approved course syllabus criteria template
• Develop and maintain course outlines which are reviewed and approved annually by the faculty supervisor or her/his designee.
  • Timely completion of all Teaching Observations (see earlier explanations of requirements). A-1st year only)
  • Provide class time for the college's student feedback forms via Evaluation Kit or similar software forms if necessary to meet the colllege’s student response rate standard

Adjunct Faculty are encouraged to:

• Attend Commencement
• Attend Opening Conferences and other NMC employee meetings
• Attend the three NMC Professional Development Days per academic year
• Participate in activities designed to promote attainment of the College vision and its mission

Non-Teaching Responsibilities

• Complete college reporting requirements that are due after the conclusion of the instructional period
• Develop curriculum for their courses in preparation for the coming academic year
• Make a reasonable effort to participate in college and committee meetings
• Monitor and respond to college communications in a timely manner

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or the Board of Trustees.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to comprehend and apply principles of calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands; and talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions due to travel between buildings, and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.