Today@Dal

POSTING DATE: July 6^th, 2020

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 30th, 2020, or until the position is filled

POSITION: Part-Time Academic DISP Writing in Science Instructor.

DEPARTMENT/LOCATION: Dalhousie Integrated Science Program, Life Sciences Centre

PAY RATE: In accordance with CUPE Collective Agreement

PERIOD OF WORK: September 1, 2020 – April 30, 2021

WORK ASSIGNMENT:

The part-time academic will be responsible for the continued development and teaching of the Writing in Science component of the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP) (see https://www.dal.ca/faculty/science/integrated-science-program.html), in collaboration with other DISP faculty. The position is valued at the equivalent of 6 credit hours over the fall and winter, although the duties are more heavily weighted in the winter term.

Responsibilities are as follows:

1 - Instruction of Writing in Science content in SCIE 1506 (Fall term):

• Teach scientific writing to first year science students by preparing and delivering online tutorials and Brightspace exercises on the parts of a scientific paper and on the term writing assignments (~8 tutorials, 0.5 hours each) and by assisting teaching a virtual field trip on animal behavior (Sept, date TBD) which is the basis for written assignments.
• Mark and provide extensive and timely written feedback on individual sections of a field trip report on the ethogram (animal behavior): intro, methods, results, discussion, full report (for 60 students).
• Develop, deliver and mark an infographics assignment on study design
• Meet with students to discuss writing during weekly office hours (1-2 hours per week) and by email.
• Fulfill administrative duties associated with the Writing in Science component (e.g., update rubrics, upload learning resources to Brightspace, upload grades)
  
   

2 – Instruction of Writing in Science content in SCIE 1507 (Winter term)

Students in Integrated Science complete research projects in Dalhousie and affiliated host labs in the winter term, and complete writing assignments related to their research projects (research proposal, annotated bibliography, topic sentence outline and first and final research paper drafts). In April students present their projects in a conference-style event.

 The Writing in Science Instructor will:

• Update and teach online and/or in person tutorials and workshops on writing assignments (~8 at 0.5-1.5 hours each)
• Provide extensive and timely written feedback to 30-40 students on the following: topic sentence outline, first draft research paper, final research paper. Consider input from host labs when providing written feedback to students
• Meet with research supervisors as needed for clarification on research topics
• Meet with students to discuss writing during weekly office hours (1-2 hours per week) and by email.
• Coordinate marking with two teaching assistants who will each mark for 20 students
• Fulfill administrative duties associated with the writing in science component (e.g., update rubrics, upload learning resources to Brightspace, upload grades)
• Assist with research proposal and presentation marking
  
  
  SCIE 1506 and 1507:

• Attend weekly meetings with other Integrated Science faculty (fall and winter)
• Support integrated aspects of DISP by invigilating, marking, and Brightspace work
• Provide year end feedback on and suggestions for the writing in science curriculum by April 30^th
   

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

Preference will be given to applicants with a background/degree(s) in life sciences and a working knowledge of core concepts in physical sciences. Graduate degree in progress or completed. Strong interest in teaching writing and critical thinking, outstanding writing skills, and experience preparing scientific manuscripts. Demonstrated potential for teaching excellence and previous experience reviewing scientific writing or teaching writing to undergraduates is an asset. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold values of equity, diversity, and inclusion within DISP.

Applications should include the following: cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact details for three references, teaching evaluations (where applicable). Applicants may also be requested to submit a sample of scientific writing at a later date. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE ABOVE POSITION, PLEASE APPLY VIA EMAIL, BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE TO:

Dr. Gabrielle Tompkins

Director, Integrated Science Program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, N.S. Canada

B3H 4R2

e-mail: gabrielle.tompkins@dal.ca

All offers of employment as a Part-Time Academic are conditional upon sufficient student enrolment in the course and approval by the University. Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The University encourages applications from Aboriginal people, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of minority sexual orientations  and gender identities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.