UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies (DES) is looking for instructors to teach within the Life Science Department.  Applicants should have advanced communication skills and extensive professional experience. DES offers a wide range of courses and certificate programs to meet the continuing education needs of the life sciences community, support high-level skills development for industry professionals, and aid career transition for those entering the biotechnology field. We seek professionals with in-depth knowledge and expertise to teach online in the areas of regulatory affairs, drug discovery and development, medical device and diagnostic development, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and basic sciences, such as undergraduate-level biology, biochemistry, physiology, and organic chemistry.

A reasonable estimate of compensation for teaching one section of this course is $1,000.00-$10,000.00.  The amount determined within the compensation range is dependent upon course modality, units of instruction, and number of enrollments.  Instructional agreements are made on a section-by-section basis at the discretion of the University with no guarantee to teach future sections of this course or any other courses.

 
SPECIFIC DUTIES

Candidates should have extensive knowledge and skills in the life sciences and should be committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. They should be able to teach detailed information online in a creative and engaging manner to a large number of participants who are adult learners while providing a perspective on how that knowledge is applied in the industry.

As an instructor, your responsibilities will include:

• Utilizing your subject-matter expertise to teach students
• Staying up to date with the latest developments in your field of practice
• Designing curriculum and effectively communicating expectations to students
• Creating interactive and engaging activities to enhance student learning and motivation
• Preparing and delivering course materials in face-to-face, online, or hybrid formats
• Periodically updating course materials and making adjustments based on student feedback
• Incorporating appropriate technology and resources to enhance the curriculum, such as utilizing Canvas or inviting guest speakers
• Managing administrative tasks according to deadlines (student inquiries, audio/video materials, grade submission)
• Maintaining regular and timely communication with DES administrative staff
• Applying cultural competencies to engage with international students

By joining our team, you will benefit from flexible teaching opportunities, allowing you to work remotely. You can share your expertise with a vibrant community of learners, contributing to their professional growth and success.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of an advanced degree from an accredited institution in a life sciences discipline (equivalent combinations of education and work experience may be considered in exceptional cases)
• Current and demonstrated expertise in the subject area
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas and information effectively
• Comfort interacting with national and international professionals and students.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Previous experience teaching at the university level or in a corporate setting
• Experience in curriculum design and/or assessing student performance
• Proficiency or familiarity with online teaching tools such as Canvas, Blackboard, learning management systems (LMS), webcasting, and audio/video recording

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

As a Division of UC San Diego, all instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are “by agreement.” The instructor’s Letter of Agreement outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and compensation terms and is subject to department policies and procedures. UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies (DES) makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed instructor Letter of Agreement. Should the section an instructor plans to teach be canceled for any reason, the instructor agreement, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided. Remuneration is for classroom hours only and does not include time spent for course preparation or other events.
 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please complete all relevant fields in the application and (optionally) include a resume and cover letter to provide further information about your professional and teaching backgrounds. Even if you upload a resume, you MUST answer ALL of the questions in the application when applicable. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your application.

Please note: We receive and review applications for instructors continuously. If we do not currently have teaching opportunities, we may keep your application on file and contact you if an opportunity that matches your specific skills becomes available. Extended Studies operates quarterly, and course planning typically takes place six weeks to six months before the start of any quarter.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.

The University of California, San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, covered veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.