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Part-Time Academic posting: Writing in Science Instructor

​PART-TIME ACADEMIC POSTING: Writing in Science Instructor, SCIE 1506 & SCIE 1507

Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP),Faculty of Science

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 30th, 2021, 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, 2021 – April 30, 2022

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 2.5 CUPE PTA units over the fall and winter.

Responsibilities are as follows:
1 – Developing Writing in Science teaching materials for SCIE 1506 (Fall term) and SCIE 1507 (Winter term)
•    Develop instructions and supporting resources and rubrics for a new field trip report on coastal dunes. Align writing assignment instructions with field procedures established by DISP Faculty.
•    Develop Brightspace quizzes to assess student comprehension of an assigned scientific article.  
•    Develop teaching resources for Fall and Winter writing in science workshops. Example topics include: Asking questions, anatomy of a scientific paper, citing the literature, paraphrasing and economy of expression.
 
2 - Instruction of Writing in Science content in SCIE 1506 (Fall term):
•    Teach scientific writing to first year science students by preparing and delivering tutorials and exercises on the parts of a scientific paper and on the term writing assignments (~12 tutorials, Wednesdays 1630-1730) and by assisting teaching a field trip on coastal dunes (Sept 23) which is the basis for written assignments.
•    Consult with Dalhousie Libraries, DISP Faculty and guest workshop hosts to determine content and logistics for workshops of Types of Scientific Articles, Mapping (GIS), and Infographics. Attend and assist teaching these workshops (~5 workshops Tuesdays 835-955 or Friday 1435-1735)
•    Mark and provide extensive and timely written feedback on individual sections of the coastal dune field trip report: intro + methods, results + discussion, full report (for 25-30 students).
•    Hire and oversee field report marking completed by two TAs (marking report sections and field reports for 25 students each)
•    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)

3 – 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 tutorials and workshops on writing assignments (~8 at 1 hour each, Thursdays 1030-1130)
•    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 30th

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 research experience in life sciences. 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.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE ABOVE POSITION, PLEASE APPLY VIA PEOPLE ADMIN AT: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/7140
 
Required documents:
1.    Cover Letter
2.    Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3.    List of referees

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.

Precis: Part-Time Academic Posting: Writing in Scienc Instructor, SCIE1506 & SCIE1507, Integrated Science Program

Author: Jacqueline White (jackie.white@Dal.Ca)