UMR Job Posting: Teaching & Learning Bioinformatics/Data Science Scholar (Tenure/Tenure-track, open rank) - 353234

The Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), an interdisciplinary department focused on health sciences at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), invites applications for a full-time tenure-line faculty position (open-rank, assistant/associate/full professor; tenured or tenure-track) for Teaching & Learning Bioinformatics/Data Science Scholar beginning fall semester 2023.

We seek an individual to work in a team based, collaborative environment who is focused on Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) and/or Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) as their primary research area. The candidate will be expected to teach appropriate disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses in UMR's Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program. In addition to a regularly offered bioinformatics course, such courses could include introductory computer science for health sciences students; introductory biology; data science; or research methods. Depending on candidate interest and departmental need, additional opportunities for teaching may include teaching in existing courses (e.g. first-year seminar) or developing new courses in the candidate's area of expertise.

Expected teaching workload is equivalent to 15 credits per academic year. The appointment will be 100% time over the nine-month academic year at a rank and tenure status depending on qualifications and experience, and consistent with campus and University policy.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have the following minimum qualifications:

• Have a Ph.D. or equivalent in biological sciences, bioinformatics, data sciences, or related field with a research focus on learning and success in higher education.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in bioinformatics, data science, computer science, learning analytics, or other relevant fields.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to the scholarship of teaching and student learning and/or discipline-based education research.
• Teaching experience and scholarly work appropriate for rank and tenure/tenure-track status as required by Section 7.12 of the Regents Policy on Faculty Tenure.

Successful candidates will also demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to teaching and learning as evidenced by established successes and use of contemporary approaches to teaching, a strong commitment to evidence-based pedagogy, and a desire to support student learning inside and outside of the classroom.
• Experience in or openness to working effectively in interdisciplinary teams, including team teaching.
• Have knowledge, experience, and ongoing commitment to working with historically marginalized and diverse students, including: People of color; new immigrant populations; Native Americans; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; first-generation students; and/or students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

About the University of Minnesota Rochester: 

Our Vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the 21st -century. In this vibrant context, students are at the center of all we do – including faculty research focused on the efficacy of educational innovation. By offering a distinctive health sciences education, UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including patient care; resilience, wellbeing and mental health; health care research and discovery; global health and public policy; emerging health technologies; and the business and leadership of healthcare.

In its second decade of serving students, the campus community currently serves more than 900 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester. Through creative partnerships, this campus continues to grow in size and influence.

At UMR, relationships and research drive student success. Our strategic growth plan has been aligned with the University of Minnesota System strategic plan (MPact 2025) establishing key metrics and aspirations. Learn more about the University of Minnesota Rochester campus (http://r.umn.edu/about-umr).

About the UMR Center for Learning Innovation (https://r.umn.edu/learning-research-and-innovation/cli):
The new Data Science Scholar will join colleagues in the Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), an interdisciplinary department that focuses on undergraduate education in health sciences and engages students as participants in research on learning.

The CLI is a learning-centered faculty community in which ongoing assessment guides practice and is the basis for research on teaching and learning. Faculty take a team-based, collaborative approach to teaching and research. While some engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning across the integrated curriculum, others approach their research from a disciplinary education perspective. The CLI promotes a learner-centered, technology-enhanced, concept-driven, and community-integrated learning environment. Through ongoing assessment of student achievement, the CLI aspires to personalize education and continuously improve the educational experience for our students. As a tenure-line position in the CLI, the successful candidate will contribute to the Center's engagement in scholarship of teaching and learning as their primary area of scholarship.

How to Apply:

Active review of applications will begin January 17, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled, with the expectation of starting Fall 2023. Applications must be submitted online at the University of Minnesota employment site. Search postings for Job Requisition #353234 for application instructions and links. In addition to the Faculty/Academic Application for Employment form, applicants must attach to the online application: (1) a cover letter addressing the candidate's interest in working in an interdisciplinary department focused on health sciences, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of teaching philosophy, (4) summary of research agenda, and (5) a statement of applicant's commitment to supporting diversity with an example of addressing diversity in scholarship and/or teaching. Letters of recommendation may be required should the candidate move forward in the search. For more information, e-mail umrhr@r.umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to either attest that they are fully vaccinated or agree to comply with the University's testing requirements.