Teaching Specialist

About the Job

Job Responsibilities:

75% Laboratory Course Instruction and Support

• Teach and/or co-teach Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering undergraduate engineering lab courses. Classes include topics such as fluid mechanics, instrumentation and process control, biomass conversion processes, properties of materials, process engineering, and etc.
• Work with the course instructors on the design, development, and implementation of lab exercises
• Update lab manuals and equipment operation instruction
• Work closely with faculty and instructors to assure safe and responsible use of facilities and equipment, and to assure proper preparation for lab classes and clean-up after each class
• Assist students with data analysis during class; assist with evaluating student work and assignment grading
• Evaluate equipment use, procedures, and supplies for improvement and efficiency of labs, suggest alternative teaching methods and materials in consultation with instructors
• Keep lab/class manuals and lab setup instructions up-to-date and available in close collaboration with instructors
• Keep inventories of equipment and supplies to assure uninterrupted availability of general class materials
• Maintain records of all expenditures for each laboratory class, including supplies, student support, and equipment maintenance and repair
• Coordinate with accounting team for payments, billing and financial reporting
• Ensure that all lab equipment is functioning properly and ready for use prior to the start of each semester
• Work with vendors and University’s facilities management (FM) in repairing, troubleshooting, and maintaining the safe operation of lab equipment; order parts, supplies, and new equipment as necessary
• Ensure safe operation of the lab equipment and conduct of lab exercises; coordinate with the University’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) if necessary
• Identify opportunities for the continuous improvement of laboratory and general safety in the BBE Department

15% Assist faculty with research related equipment needs and support

10% Departmental Support

• Assist with departmental events
• Identify and respond to technical and facility issues in the departmental labs and buildings
  

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in the area of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field
• Demonstrated competence teaching at the undergraduate level
• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver’s License or equivalent out-of-state driver’s license
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, students, and staff
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating multiple projects or work tasks
• Proven ability to pay attention to detail

Preferred

• Experience teaching subjects related to bioproducts and biosystems engineering
  

About the Department

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (bbe.umn.edu) is an internationally renowned academic unit with the core mission of sustainable use of renewable agricultural and natural resources, and protection and enhancement of the environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $68,000 - $72,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff