Assistant or Associate Professor Practical Education Molecular Life Sciences (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)

We are looking for an Assistant or Associate Professor to join the Teaching Institute of the Department of Chemistry. You will be heading our efforts related to the practical education our students receive in the molecular life sciences (MLS), as part of the bachelor programmes Chemistry (SK) and Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences (MBLS). Together with the team, you will take the lead in the implementation of new education methods, set up modules of practical teaching and make sure that theory and practice, as well as education and research are closely connected in the molecular life science domain. Next to the curriculum development and more organisational aspects related to MLS practical education, you will have the opportunity to do research. This could be done on either education innovation aspects or on research that fits to one of the core themes of the Bijvoet Institute of the Chemistry department. More specifically, this position thus includes the following tasks:
Education:

• Development and revision of practical/laboratory teaching modules, including the implementation of new experiments, digital tools, methods of assessment, etc;
• Coordination and implementation of the logistics of the MLS-related practical courses;
• Contribution to the biochemistry tracks of the chemistry and MBLS programs through close interaction with the (theory) lecturers and scientific staff, to ensure integration of the theoretical and practical education components and to ensure close links between research and education.
• Teaching (theory) parts related to the MLS practical education modules.

Organisation:

• Supervise, support and develop the MLS practical education team;
• Supervise and train PhD candidates and student assistants that aid in the execution of the lab modules;
• Manage of (part of) the equipment and facilities of the practical education laboratories.

Research:

• Develop research activities that connect to and can be hosted by one of the research groups of the Bijvoet institute, or
• Develop research activities on university education innovation.

We expect ~60% of the time to be spend on the organisation and development of new education activities and content-related interactions within the biochemistry track, 20% on involvement in day-to-day running of the practical labs; the remaining 20% is to be spent on scientific research-related activities. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative scientist and educator with a passion for (bio)chemistry, chemistry education and a clear vision on educational development and innovation. Furthermore, we would like to see the following:

• You have a solid background in chemistry and a PhD in a molecular life sciences-related topic.
• You have (broad) experimental experience in the molecular life sciences. Preferably, you have experience in the development of and/or execution of practical MLS education, e.g. in supervising (groups of) students during labs, with lectures, or other education activities.
• You have a clear vision on (practical) education in the molecular life sciences and on the opportunities for innovation and have the ability to organise their implementation.
• You have a good command of the English language. Dutch language skills are advantageous but not required initially. It is encouraged to learn the Dutch language using the offered language courses for Dutch for non-native speakers.
• You can inspire others and demonstrate leadership to implement new ideas and innovations in practical MLS education. You are a connector, who can work together with teachers and scientific staff from various disciplines and departments to give substance to the practicals.
• You enjoy the dynamic environment of a practical lab and are aware of the logistical challenges associated with it. Next to this you have the flexibility and ability to organise this.

• We offer an exciting faculty position in a dynamic environment.
• A temporary appointment with the prospect of renewal upon satisfactory performance.
• A full-time gross salary ranging from €3.974 to €7.362 in scale 11-14.
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions laid down in the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University provides some additional arrangements. For example, there are agreements on professional development, leave arrangements and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment via the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we like to encourage you to develop further.

For more information, please visit working at the Faculty of Science. 

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

At the Faculty of Science, there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Chemistry, Biology, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.

Within the Teaching Institute of Chemistry, the practicum team has a leading role in providing laboratory education to undergraduate students of the Chemistry and MBLS programmes. This takes place in close cooperation with the chemistry research groups and includes practicals in the fields of the molecular life sciences, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy. Our practical education enjoys modern teaching laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The practicum team consists of three Faculty members, technical support staff (analysts), and is supported from the research groups. It also contributes substantially to VO-HO recruitment and outreach activities (U-Talent).