At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach Microbiology to health sciences students and design engaging co-curricular activities.
- Company: Join the Institute for Study Abroad, a leader in international education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and flexible part-time hours.
- Other info: Great opportunity for faculty, postdocs, and PhD students looking to inspire future health professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning experiences while exploring microbiology.
- Qualifications: Must be at least two years into a PhD with teaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Institute for Study Abroad is seeking an instructor to teach a course entitled ‘Microbiology’ for the IFSA Health Sciences Career Accelerator (HSCA) programme over the upcoming Fall semester. The HSCA programme aims to provide medicine, nursing, public health, and health care administration students with an opportunity to continue progress toward their degree and gain valuable international and practical experience. It also aims to provide these students with structured exposure to the broader health sciences industry while allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of their professional strengths and areas for growth.
Within the HSCA, the Microbiology class seeks to introduce students to the fundamentals of microbiology, including microbial diversity, cellular structure and function, microbial systems, and the impact of microbes. It also incorporates advanced topics that may not have obvious clinical relevance, such as environmental and applied microbiology. The course leverages examples and research from the UK context to encourage students to contextualize their study abroad experience.
Along with teaching the class, the instructor will also be responsible for assessment and marking as well as the design of at least two co-curricular activities such as guest speakers, site visits or other appropriate events designed to expose students to new perspectives and help them integrate, apply, and synthesise key learning. The syllabus for the course has been approved by our School of Record; however, minor modifications can be made in agreement with the Academic Programs Manager. Additionally, an optional 1-credit laboratory module is offered alongside this course. Interested candidates can also apply to facilitate these practical sessions for an additional fee. This is a great opportunity for faculty, postdocs, and PhD students.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of a master’s degree in a related subject and be at least two years into a PhD. The successful candidate will have experience of teaching and assessment in a UK and/or US higher education setting. Prior experience of working with study abroad students is a plus. IFSA is committed to the professional development of its faculty, and opportunities for professional development will be made available to the successful candidate.
Semester dates: 2 September 2026 – 17 December 2026. While contracts will initially be offered for the Fall term only, we fully intend for the course to run in both Fall and Spring semesters. Contract renewal will be subject to student demand and instructor performance. Teaching hours: 3 hours teaching per week over 16 weeks (a fall break is provided). Total 45 contact hours. The course will be delivered across two sessions: Monday and Wednesday 9.00-10.30 (the timetable is set, so candidates should be available at these times). Our instructors also provide one office hour per week where they are available to meet students. Candidates will need to have the right to work as self-employed in the UK, as this post is not eligible for visa sponsorship or PAYE.
Essential Criteria:
- At least 2 years of work towards a PhD in a relevant subject area
- Experience of teaching at university level
- Understanding of teaching principles in a diverse classroom environment
- Commitment to and experience of fostering active learning
- Familiarity with using Virtual Learning Environments
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Desirable Criteria:
- Recognised teaching qualification, e.g. Fellowship of Advance HE or similar
- Experience delivering teaching to US study abroad students
- Familiarity with US assessment and degree program structures
IFSA Sessional Instructor: Microbiology, Fall 2026 employer: IFSA
The Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) is an exceptional employer that values the professional development of its faculty, offering opportunities for growth and engagement in a dynamic teaching environment. Located in London, IFSA fosters a collaborative work culture where instructors can inspire students while integrating practical experiences into their curriculum. With competitive pay and a commitment to innovative teaching practices, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of health sciences education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IFSA Sessional Instructor: Microbiology, Fall 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution and its programmes. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role and how you can contribute to the students’ learning experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace IFSA Sessional Instructor: Microbiology, Fall 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Microbiology instructor role. Highlight your relevant teaching experience and any work with study abroad students, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for microbiology and teaching shine through in your application. We want to see how you can inspire students and make the subject engaging, so share any innovative ideas you have for the course!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at IFSA
✨Know Your Microbiology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of microbiology, especially topics like microbial diversity and cellular structure. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply in real-world scenarios, particularly in a UK context, as this will show your depth of understanding and relevance to the course.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous teaching experiences, especially in higher education settings. Highlight any innovative teaching methods you've used to foster active learning, and be ready to share examples of how you've engaged diverse classrooms.
✨Engage with Co-Curricular Ideas
Think about potential co-curricular activities you could design for the course. Whether it's guest speakers or site visits, having a few ideas ready will demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the students' learning experience and integrating practical exposure.
✨Be Ready for Questions on Assessment
Since you'll be responsible for assessment and marking, prepare to discuss your approach to evaluating student performance. Familiarise yourself with UK assessment standards and be ready to explain how you would ensure fairness and clarity in your grading.
