Job Title: Director of the Center for Life Sciences Education

Apply to the Careers at Ohio State website at Workday.

Department: Arts and Sciences | Office of the Deans

Tenure faculty (regardless of rank) - persons with the titles of professor, associate professor, assistant professor and instructor who serve on appointments totaling 50% or more service to the university and who are eligible for tenure or who have obtained tenure. Duties and responsibilities are assigned in accordance with the workload guidelines laid out in the pattern of administration of each faculty member’s tenure initiation unit (TIU) and, as appropriate, regional campus; obligations will include research, service and/or teaching or clinical practice.  These faculty will have earned doctorate or other terminal degree in the relevant field of study or possession of equivalent experience.

Position Overview 
The College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University is seeking qualified applicants for the role of Director for the Center for Life Sciences Education (CLSE). The CLSE is a central hub for biology education at Ohio State, housing the biology major (the largest STEM major at Ohio State) and coordinating teaching of foundational biology courses that serve smaller majors in four core departments (Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Chemistry and Biochemistry). The Director of CLSE has unparalleled opportunities to support educational research, to implement evidence-based methods that promote student success, and to work with the core departments, the Divisional Dean, and student services to enhance biology education across Ohio State. 

This is a tenured position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with the Director's tenure home situated in one of the core departments depending on their teaching and research interests, permitting active engagement in collaborative research activities related to life science education or a combination of life science education and laboratory research. The Director of CLSE will join an established team of associate and assistant directors in CLSE, providing the opportunity to enhance undergraduate biology education at Ohio State. Engagement with biology faculty at four regional campuses is pivotal to the land grant mission of Ohio State. CLSE plays a critical role in the professional development of Graduate Teaching Assistants in graduate education. It also has a notable commitment to the career development of non-tenure-track instructional faculty, many of whom occupy long-term positions. 

Additional responsibilities and opportunities include oversight of biology course content and curriculum development, mentorship for a diverse body of undergraduate biology students, and evaluation of student services. Successful candidates will build connections across university units, including the Arts and Sciences Advising and Academic Services, the Arts and Sciences Curriculum Office, the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning, and the University Registrar, reinforcing CLSE's unique role at the center of biology education for the twenty-first century.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: The Director must have an earned PhD in a life science discipline. This dynamic individual will spearhead biology education at Ohio State, while also contributing to ongoing STEM education research initiatives. The role includes overseeing long-term initiatives, team leadership, and budget management. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, in line with OSU’s Shared Values (see below). 

Desired: The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a commitment to advancing a culture of respect and mutual understanding of various areas, such as teaching, administration, research, outreach, and engagement. The individual should bring a proven track record of fostering an environment of respect and mutual understanding among all members of our academic community. 

Performance Objectives 
Applicants should be recognized leaders in the field of life science education with productive and internationally prominent scholarship. Successful candidates will be expected to 

• Continuously evaluate and update curriculum to keep pace with work in the life sciences 
• Foster collaboration between the core departments and across the University 
• Oversee evidence-based teaching methods that elevate student success rates in life science courses 
• Evaluate student services to ensure they are effectively meeting the needs of all students 
• Reinforce the career development of graduate students and non-tenure-track instructional faculty, providing opportunities for growth and academic excellence 

How to Apply
Apply to the Careers at Ohio State website at Workday Link. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, and three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Jim Fowler at fowler.291@osu.edu.

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach up to FIVE documents in the Application Documents section. Please include the following: 

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity 
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications. 
• Attachment 3: Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member. 
• Attachment 4: Teaching Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring. 

You will be asked for names and contact information for three reference letters at a later date.
 

Additional Information:

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Department Information

These four departments in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University are national leaders in life sciences education and research based on their cutting-edge facilities, outstanding faculty and staff.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University.  

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. In addition to its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to Ohio State ATI in Wooster. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.

Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the Equal Employment Identification form.