Curriculum and Pedagogy Manager

Position Description

The Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (HSCRB) in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Medical School is seeking candidates with a passion for biology teaching and student learning for the role of Curriculum and Pedagogy Manager. This staff member plays an essential role in departmental courses, in particular introductory and foundational courses (most notably SCRB 50, a molecular biology course with a CURE [course-based undergraduate research experience] lab component) taken by undergraduate students in the Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology concentration. The position works closely with faculty course heads to develop and deliver innovative curricula and course materials, and to organize and manage course instructional support. The Curriculum and Pedagogy Manager will report to HSCRB’s Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies and will receive additional mentoring and professional training from faculty course heads.

Curriculum Development:

• Creates, develops, and optimizes material for lecture, section, and/or lab (including course-based undergraduate research experiences [CUREs]).
• Works with Course Head Instructor(s) to create and/or update course syllabus.
• Creates/updates class notes, learning objectives, etc.
• Experiments with and implements new pedagogical approaches.

Assessments, Assignments, Problem Sets:

• Together with the course instructors, develops homework, in-class assignments, and student assessments which can range from weekly quizzes and problem sets to mid-term and final exams and/or final projects (dependent on the course).
• Creates practice exams, answer keys, and grading rubrics.

Student Support:

• Hosts weekly office hours.
• Meets with students one-on-one.
• Organizes and provides extra help to struggling students.
• Coordinates requests from the Disability Access Office: curates and disseminates to teaching staff, makes sure that correct accommodations are in place.
• Evaluates and provides constructive feedback for novel independent student research projects.

Classroom Teaching:

• Creates and delivers review and skill-building lectures or occasional class lectures.
• May lead discussion or lab sections as needed.

Professional Development:

• Opportunity to attend conferences focused on education and pedagogy.
• Opportunity to work with members of the department educational team on educational research projects.

Instructional Support Hiring, Training and Management:

• Updates position descriptions, solicits applications, and interviews candidates for Teaching Assistants (TAs), Teaching Fellows (TFs), Course Assistants (CAs), 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.

Course Management and Coordination:

• Creates, manages, and updates course Canvas site: posts syllabus, assignments, assessments, other course materials.
• Coordinates and oversees lab component with Teaching Lab Staff, (i.e., necessary lab materials, lab run-throughs with teaching staff), and provides hands-on help whenever needed.
• Organizes student sectioning.
• Manages course expenditures.
• Supervises in-class examinations and course recordkeeping.
• Point of contact for classroom technology-related issues.
• Responds to student and teaching staff emails.

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 an advanced degree in the life sciences with experience teaching undergraduates in science because this position may be called upon as a dependent lecturer. The position requires deep understanding of scientific concepts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaborative skills.
• Strong commitment to continuous process improvement.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, intermediate Excel skills.

Additionally:

• Superior organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong initiative, the 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, 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
• This position does not offer hybrid remote/in person work flexibility. There is an expectation that employees be able to work in person in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Information

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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

On-Site 

Sub-Unit

Sciences 

Salary Grade

057

Department

Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary 

Time Status

Full-time 

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

35 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.