IFSA Sessional Instructor: Leadership Dev for Biosciences Sector in London

The Institute for Study Abroad is seeking an instructor to teach a course entitled ‘Leadership Development for the Biosciences Sector’ for the IFSA Biosciences Career Accelerator (BCA) over the upcoming Fall semester. The BCA program aims to provide biology, neuroscience, and public health students (majors and minors) 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 biosciences industry while allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of their professional strengths and areas for growth.

Within the BCA, this unique class combines professional skill development with an in-depth look at how this industry operates, delivering thoughtfully designed opportunities to put learning into practice. Lessons come to life with group projects, visits to industry companies and organizations, talks from experts who are driving industry change, and networking events—each enriched by immersion in London’s globally recognized bioscience ecosystem.

Along with teaching the class, the instructor will also be responsible for mentoring a team of students as they undertake an authentic assessment (‘challenge project’) for a third-party ‘client’. This key piece of coursework is developed through collaboration with industry partners and the Academic Programs Manager, and faculty will guide the team as they combine technical know-how with solid communication, teamwork, entrepreneurial problem-solving, and decision-making skills with industry-specific professional competencies. This project will culminate with a viva voce presentation, during which the faculty of record will serve as a panel member.

Additional duties include 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.

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: 2nd September 2026 – 17th December 2026. While contracts will initially be offered for the Fall term only, we fully intend the BCA program 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 15 weeks. Total 45 contact hours. The course will be delivered across two sessions: Monday and Wednesday, 3.30-5.00PM (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. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their CV and a cover letter as soon as possible. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis. For any questions or further information please contact Dr Kate Gafner, Academic Programs Manager.

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