Description

Position Overview

The University of Kansas, Edwards Campus, School of Professional Studies, Biotechnology program located in Overland Park seeks an outstanding individual for a non-tenure track twelve-month faculty position as an Assistant Professor of the Practice for our growing Biotechnology program. Exceptionally qualified candidates will be considered at advanced levels. The successful candidate will have a professional record in biochemistry, forensic science, and teaching as well as exceptional communication skills, and a strong commitment to educating and developing future scientists.

The ideal candidate will have a developed teaching philosophy and a demonstrated desire to inspire students and encourage lifelong learning in biotechnology. The candidate will be expected to teach eight undergraduate courses per academic year in the areas of research methods, quantitative and separation science, and forensic science. As a Professor of Practice, the successful candidate has an obligation to maintain a consistent record of distinction through professional activities within the department and community. This position reports to the Director of the Biotechnology Program.

This faculty position is expected to teach undergraduate courses supporting the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology degree and its associated minors of Pre-health Professions, Discovery and Innovation in Biotechnology, and Forensic Science. The candidate will be expected to teach in various formats such as in-person, hybrid, and online. Classes that this position may teach include: BSCI 300 Research Methods in Biotechnology, BTEC 475 Applied Separation Science & Quantitative Analysis, BTEC 430 Evidence Handling and Testimony in the Courts, BTEC 520 Forensic Techniques I, and BTEC 530 Forensic Techniques II.

Learn more about the Biotechnology programs at https://sps.ku.edu/programs/biotech.

The appointment is a Fiscal Year (12-month) appointment with an initial term of 3 years, with a course load of 3 classes each fall and spring semester and 2 courses each summer semester. Subsequent appointments may be offered, contingent upon a satisfactory comprehensive performance evaluation during the final year of this appointment and approval of the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Special consideration will be given to applicants committed to excellence who can contribute to the University's innovative, collaborative, and multidisciplinary initiatives to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that will change the world.

This position serves the education needs of a Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT) program. Specific percentages of effort for JCERT are determined each year. The KU Edwards Campus is in Overland Park, Kansas.

KU Benefits: KU offers an array of benefits to assist employees with their health, life, retirement, and other needs. Details regarding benefits offered to employees can be found here: https://humanresources.ku.edu/benefits

Job Description

Teaching (80%)

• Teaching three courses in Fall and Spring semesters and two courses in Summer semesters in the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program.
• Teaching responsibilities include curriculum development, instructional design, virtual and in-person classroom management, providing adequate means to evaluate student performance (including but not limited to exams, quizzes, assignments, papers, projects, presentations, etc.), and responding to the results of these assessments to foster student growth and success.
• Faculty are responsible for keeping curricula up-to-date and engaging with the current state of the field and external organizations to ensure relevance to a variety of workplace needs.
• Adhere to School of Professional Studies, Edwards Campus, and university policies and procedures.

Professional Service (20%)
Examples of professional service include, but are not limited to:

• Providing academic and curricular leadership advice to the department.
• Professional development in the areas of teaching, leadership, and field specialty.
• Providing academic and professional student advising as well as support monitoring student progression and well-being.
• Promoting initiatives related to student recruitment and retention.
• Contributing to decisions and efforts made related to the educational, quality assurance, and marketing aspects of the Biotechnology program, including its role within both the School of Professional Studies and the larger University of Kansas as opportunities provide.
• Contributing to decisions and efforts made regarding the overall student, faculty, and staff well-being at all levels of the organization to promote a good working environment as opportunities provide.
• Serving as a liaison between the Biotechnology program and regional biotechnology companies, regional educational institutions, professional societies, and advisory boards.

Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Biology or related discipline.
2. Practical experience as a professional scientist/analyst/technician or similar role in a biotechnology related company and/or forensic science related agency. Years of related professional experience required for each rank:

• Assistant Professor of the Practice: 3-5 years
• Associate Professor of the Practice: 6-15 years
• Professor of the Practice: 16+ years

1. Evidence of effective teaching in the biological sciences at a college or university level.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

The application review will begin August 11, 2026 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is obtained.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.