Science Writing Instructor

UC San Diego Extension is looking for qualified instructors to teach their Science Writing II course, which is part of the Specialized Certificate in Science Communication program. This course is 9 weeks long and is conducted in-class at one of our two classroom locations in the La Jolla/University City area of San Diego.

Specific Duties

• Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students.
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in field of practice.
• Design syllabus and curriculum as assigned.
• Communicate expectations to students.
• Prepare and deliver course materials.
• Evaluate student learning and assign grades.
• Design interactive and motivational activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning.
• Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum.
• Respond to student needs and questions.
• Create a high-performance environment in which students of diverse backgrounds are motivated to succeed.
• Apply technology and leverage resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (e.g. use Blackboard or make arrangements for guest speakers).
• Handle mechanics of position with Academic Department according to their deadlines (teaching agreements, textbooks, grade submission, etc.).
• Communicate with Academic Department's Program Manager and Instructor Services Team on a timely basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area.
• Recognized leadership or authority on subject matter.
• Highly effective oral & written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills.
• Experience teaching adults is strongly preferred.
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance is preferred.

Special Conditions of Employment

As an academic department within UC San Diego, all Extension Program 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" on a quarterly basis. The instructor's Letter of Agreement (LoA) outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and compensation terms, and is subject to department policies and procedures. UC San Diego Extension makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed instructor Letter of Agreement. Should the course section an instructor plans to teach be cancelled 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 include a resume/cover letter to provide further information relating to your professional and teaching backgrounds. Even if you upload a resume, you must answer 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 on an ongoing basis. If we do not currently have teaching opportunities available, we may keep your application on file and contact you if an opportunity that matches your specific skills becomes available. UC San Diego Extension operates on a quarterly schedule and course planning typically takes place six weeks to five months in advance of the start of any quarter.

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