Biology (Anatomy/Physiology Emphasis) Instructor (PT)

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

Solano Community College is actively seeking highly qualified applicants for part-time adjunct anatomy and/or physiology teaching positions in the biology department. The successful candidate, meeting the minimum qualifications outlined below, will be responsible for teaching various areas of chemistry. Assignments will be available in the fall, spring, and summer terms. The ideal candidate can demonstrate a wide range of teaching strategies to facilitate effective student learning.

As we actively recruit, we are particularly interested in experienced professionals with expertise in cadaver-based anatomy, lab based human physiology, and related areas. In your cover letter, please highlight your specific areas of expertise and take the time to familiarize yourself with the Biology courses offered in our college catalog.

Welcome

Solano Community College values the diversity of our community and is committed to honoring and empowering all of our students. We are seeking highly-motivated applicants who excel in their chosen fields and are committed to working with the students from our communities. We invite student-oriented applicants who provide culturally responsive teaching, use a strength-based approach centered on students and are committed to continuous improvement of instructional effectiveness.

Solano Community College District is a single college district that serves one of the most ethnically and racially diverse counties in California. Located on the ancestral lands of the Patwin people, Solano Community College’s Fairfield campus is in the heart of Suisun Valley midway between San Francisco and Sacramento. We also serve students at two centers in Vallejo and Vacaville, at Travis Air Force Base, and at three correctional facilities. Our many innovative programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including a brand-new library and learning center.

Students who attend Solano Community College are dedicated, persistent, and remarkable individuals who deserve the best opportunities a community college can provide. Our students come from both urban and rural backgrounds, from the military, and other diverse backgrounds. We serve students who represent the following cultures Asian American (6%), Black/African American (13%), Filipino/a/x (10%), Hispanic/Latino/a/x (33%), Pacific Islanders (1%), and, White Non-Hispanic (24%). We seek candidates who embrace our community, our student population and who have an unwavering commitment to equity, especially the elimination of barriers to college access, success, and completion.

Solano Community College is committed to applying promising practices in support of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). We are cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students.

We invite you to join us on our journey to provide equitable and anti-racist education honoring and empowering the students of Solano Community College.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Biology Department is part of the Mathematics and Science Division of Solano Community College. Become part of a highly-motivated and collaborative biology department whose experienced faculty are eager to help new instructors succeed. Our anatomy and physiology instructors use state-of-the-art human cadaver dissection labs to prepare students for rewarding careers in the health-sciences.

We want instructors who care about students, about pedagogy, and the future of our community. We are looking for an individual willing to take risks to achieve those goals.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position requires the ability to teach human cadaver-based anatomy and/or human physiology. The successful candidate will be able to teach human anatomy (BIO 4) lecture and laboratory courses for pre-professional (mostly pre-nursing) students. The laboratory includes the extensive use and dissection of human cadavers and substantial examination of prepared histology slides. Human physiology (BIO 5) requires the in-depth understanding of human anatomy taught in the BIO 04 course. The successful candidate may teach all related department curriculum over the course of their career depending on their biology knowledge and teaching strengths. The successful candidate will work collegially with other faculty in the department and the district and is expected to develop the use of technology, equitable teaching practices, and active learning strategies in the classroom. The candidate will provide instruction at the Fairfield campus and other District locations, including (but not limited to) the Vacaville Center and the Vallejo Center. Teaching assignments may include evening and weekend hours in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and College and School policies.

In your cover letter, please address any specific areas of expertise.

WORK ENVIROMENT:

The recommended candidate(s) will work in a small office or larger room with multiple people, in a primarily sedentary nature, either sitting or standing. Work with hazardous chemicals, including formaldehyde and phenol, in a manner consistent with the MSDS for these chemicals. Work with blood-borne pathogens, including human bodily fluids. Move around a classroom to deliver lectures and instruct laboratory activities. Lift at least 50 pounds. This role will require significant technology use, including long periods of looking at technology screens and entering information using a keyboard and/or mouse device. Interruptions are likely in large room settings and in small office settings. Frequent use of online meetings technology with webcam on, phone, and email will be required to communicate with all campus communities. The recommended candidate(s) must utilize vision (near) to write and to read printed materials and computer screens; utilize hearing for ordinary and telephonic conversation and to hear sound prompts from equipment; utilize manual and finger dexterity to type/keyboard and/or utilize mouse and otherwise operate a microcomputer and other office equipment.

Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide instruction in anatomy, physiology, and other areas of biology in accordance with established instructional and administrative requirements as outlined in theFaculty Handbook. In addition, Anatomy and Physiology duties include:
   1. Work in collaboration with other faculty and with laboratory technicians of the Biology Department to ensure labs are run in a smooth, safe, and consistent manner which protects our human cadaver collection and maintains compliance with the rules imposed by the UCSF Willed Body Program.
   2. Maintain the current knowledge and skills necessary to teach anatomy and physiology and, in collaboration with other instructors, use this knowledge to keep course content up-to-date.

1. Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of Solano Community College students.
2. Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean of Math and Science.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess:

A commitment to encouragement of learning and an enthusiastic attitude toward student learning; sensitivity to students from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds who may have wide ranges of abilities.

AND

Master’s degree in any biological science OR A bachelor’s degree in biological science and a master’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or marine science.

OR the equivalent

If you do not meet the minimum qualifications exactly as stated above, you must request an equivalency review and submit conclusive supporting documents at the time of application. Equivalency is defined as possessing the general education for the degree and the major coursework for the degree. The equivalency request form can be downloaded here. All degrees must be from accredited institutions.

Desired Qualifications:

1. A well-rounded, hands-on knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
   1. Human cadaver dissection experience is preferred.
   2. Clinical or academic background and work experience that brings new strengths and perspective to our department is encouraged.
2. A solid understanding of:
   1. The skills and knowledge our students need to pursue a career in the health sciences.
   2. The career paths of our students, who primarily aspire to work in the health-care industry and pursue careers such as nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, medicine, dental hygienist, sonography, and radiography.
   3. Cell and molecular biology.
3. Previous work experience and educational background that demonstrates:
   1. Professional excellence.
   2. Enthusiasm for the teaching profession.
   3. A strong commitment to student success.
   4. High moral and ethical standards.
   5. The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
   6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
   7. Initiative to work in environments with little supervision.
4. Demonstrated commitment to the community college objective of providing high quality and high impact instruction for students of diverse abilities, interests, and cultural backgrounds.

• Understanding and practice of addressing student equity through best-practice teaching methodologies;
• Use computers, multimedia, course-management software, and other interactive technologies as teaching and learning tools;
• Demonstrate ability to utilize multiple teaching methods/strategies needed to address the diverse learning styles/need of students including integration of interactive technologies to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving strategies;
• Possess a commitment to teaching and learning, and provide a supportive learning environment to enhance student success and completion;
• Possess a willingness to take initiative in co-curricular activities, outreach and recruitment efforts, special events, and school projects;
• Possess a willingness to participate in shared/participatory governance of the Division and the College;
• Demonstrate an ability to self-evaluate and effect change for personal growth and improvement, as well as an ability to accept constructive feedback and effect change appropriately, and participate in professional growth and development activities and lifelong learning.