Curriculum and Pedagogy Manager

17-May-2023

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

62534BR

Position Description

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences has an opening for a Curriculum and Pedagogy Manager. This staff member plays an essential role in large and logistically complex introductory and foundational courses taken by freshmen and sophomores; working closely with faculty course heads to develop and deliver innovative curricula and course materials, and to organize and manage a staff of teaching fellows. The Curriculum and Pedagogy Manager will report to MCB’s Scientific Director and will receive additional mentoring and professional training from faculty course heads.  

Job Specific Responsibilities: 

Teaching Staff Hiring, Training and Management 

• Updates position descriptions, solicits applications, and interviews candidates for Teaching Assistants (TAs), Teaching Fellows (TFs), Course Assistants (CAs), Peer Study Leaders, and Graders; 

• Runs training sessions for TAs/TFs and CAs; coordinates with BOK Center for any additional teaching training and feedback; 

• Schedules, plans and runs weekly staff meetings; 

• Schedules and coordinates staff office hours; 

• Addresses and resolves teaching staff concerns/conflicts/performance issues 

Assessments, Assignments, Problem Sets: 

• Together with the course instructors, develops homework and in-class assignments, student assessments ranging from weekly quizzes to mid-term and final exams; 

• Creates practice exams; 

• Creates answer keys and grading rubrics  

Course Management and Coordination: 

• Creates, manages and updates course Canvas site: posts syllabus, assignments, assessments, other course materials; 

• Manages course budgets; 

• Coordinates Lab component with Teaching Lab Staff: requests necessary lab materials, organizes lab run-throughs with teaching staff, provides hands-on help whenever needed; 

• Organizes student sectioning; 

• Interfaces with the media team for any technology-related needs; 

• Answers student and teaching staff emails 

Curriculum Development: 

• Works with Course Head Instructor(s) to create Course Syllabus; 

• Creates/updates pre-class notes, learning objectives, etc; 

• Creates/updates group projects; updates labs and optimizes experiments; 

• Creates section materials to be used by Teaching Staff; 

• Creates and develops new modules; 

• Experiments with and implements new pedagogical approaches 

Student Support: 

• Hosts weekly office hours; 

• Meets with students 1:1; 

• Organizes and provides extra help to struggling students; 

• Coordinates AEO requests: curates and disseminates to Teaching Staff, makes sure that correct accommodations are in place 

Classroom Teaching: 

Creates and delivers occasional class lectures as a guest lecturer. 

Professional Development: 

Opportunity to attend conferences focused on education and pedagogy. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Strongly preferred candidates will hold a PhD in Life or Physical Sciences with experience in teaching undergraduates in science because this position may be called upon as a dependent lecturer; or Master's Degree in Life Sciences with extensive experience teaching undergraduates in science.

Superior organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to lead and train teaching fellows and to manage relationships with undergraduate students. Proven engagement with learning about and implementing new pedagogical approaches in education. The position requires deep understanding of scientific concepts, exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, an ability to quickly adapt to new situations and to navigate difficult challenges, and a demonstrated interest in improving best practices in education.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship 

This is a one year term position with the possibility for renewal.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

S0557P FSS Academic Affairs Oficr III

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

17.5 hours per week

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.