At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach an engaging Ecology course and design co-curricular activities for students.
- Company: Join the Institute for Study Abroad, a leader in international education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a chance to inspire future bioscientists.
- Other info: Flexible contract with potential for renewal based on demand and performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning while exploring London’s vibrant ecology.
- Qualifications: Master's degree and at least two years into a PhD; teaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Institute for Study Abroad is seeking an instructor to teach a course entitled ‘Ecology’ for the IFSA Biosciences Career Accelerator (BCA) programme over the upcoming Fall semester. The BCA programme 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, the Ecology class seeks to give students an overview of population biology, evolutionary ecology, and community structure, with an emphasis on species interactions, including competition, predation, and symbiosis. The course makes use of statistical methods to analyse real-world case studies about the UK context. 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
- At least two years into a PhD
- 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. 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 (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 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.
Requirements:
- 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
- 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
Ecology Instructor – Study Abroad Biosciences employer: Study Abroad
The Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where you can inspire and educate students from diverse backgrounds. With a strong commitment to professional development, IFSA provides opportunities for growth and collaboration, ensuring that instructors can enhance their teaching skills while engaging with the vibrant biosciences community. The supportive culture and focus on meaningful educational experiences make IFSA a rewarding place to work for those passionate about ecology and higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecology Instructor – Study Abroad Biosciences
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biosciences field, especially those who have experience with study abroad programmes. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in ecology and teaching methods. We want you to impress with your knowledge of population biology and community structure, so brush up on those stats and case studies!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teaching style! If you get the chance, share a mini-lesson or discuss your approach to fostering active learning. This will help us see how you engage students and make the subject come alive.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and enthusiastic about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Ecology Instructor – Study Abroad Biosciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in teaching and ecology. We want to see how your background aligns with the course content and the needs of our students.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about teaching ecology and how you can contribute to the BCA programme. We love hearing your personal story!
Showcase Your Teaching Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your teaching philosophy and methods. We’re keen on active learning, so share examples of how you engage students in diverse classroom settings.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Study Abroad
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Brush up on key concepts in ecology, especially population biology and species interactions. Be ready to discuss how you would engage students with real-world case studies, particularly in the UK context.
✨Show Off Your Teaching Experience
Prepare examples of your teaching methods and assessment strategies. Highlight any experience you've had with diverse classrooms or study abroad students, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Get Creative with Co-Curricular Activities
Think about innovative co-curricular activities you could design. Whether it's guest speakers or site visits, be ready to pitch a couple of ideas that would enhance the learning experience for students.
✨Be Ready for Questions on Professional Development
Since IFSA values professional growth, come prepared to discuss how you plan to develop as an instructor. Mention any relevant workshops or training you've attended, and express your enthusiasm for ongoing learning.
