Job Description

Brandeis University's Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) is looking for an industry leader to teach in our Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology & Enterprise program. Additionally, this adjunct faculty member will develop the Synthetic Biology & Genome Engineering course and will become the primary instructor of record. Brandeis University is consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, and our online courses are developed using best practices in online learning. 

About the Position and Course

Course Title: Synthetic Biology & Genome Engineering  

This course explores the principles and techniques of synthetic biology and genome engineering, focusing on the design and construction of biological systems for practical applications. Topics include DNA synthesis, gene editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, and metabolic pathway optimization. Students will explore the ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding genome engineering. Real-world examples of synthetic biology applications in healthcare, agriculture, and bioenergy will be examined. Practical exercises will provide experience in computational tools for genetic circuit design and analysis.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will have subject matter expertise in the following areas.

  Required:  

- Current active employment in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry

- Strong knowledge of synthetic biology, genome engineering, molecular biology, and bioinformatics

- Experience with gene editing technologies such as CRISPR, TALENs, and synthetic biology circuits

- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least two peer-reviewed publications in synthetic biology

- Ability to apply synthetic biology and genome engineering concepts to industry applications such as biomanufacturing, drug development, and bioenergy

  Preferred:  

- Previous teaching experience at the college level or experience conducting professional training

- Experience in online education, instructional design, or curriculum development

- Knowledge of computational tools and machine learning applications in synthetic biology

General Responsibilities

  For new courses requiring development:  

- Design a syllabus following program chair guidance and the syllabus template

- Create course content that aligns with learning outcomes, incorporating real-world applications from industry experience

- Encourage ethical and regulatory awareness: guide students in understanding the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks surrounding synthetic biology, ensuring responsible research and application in biotechnology.

- Promote Hands-On computational and design thinking approaches: provide opportunities for students to engage in computational modeling, genetic circuit design, and in silico simulations to develop real-world problem-solving skills in synthetic biology.

For all courses:  

- Develop and deliver the course according to Brandeis teaching standards, which include actively facilitating online discussions, providing timely and relevant feedback on student work, grading assignments, and addressing student concerns

- Engage students through practical case studies, discussion forums, and project-based learning activities

- Create and manage course materials within the Moodle learning management system

General Skill Requirements

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills when engaging with students in an online environment

- Ability to Foster Entrepreneurial and Innovation Mindsets: encourage students to think creatively about the commercial applications of synthetic biology, including startup development, technology transfer, and industrial applications of engineered biological systems

- Ability to explain complex biological concepts clearly and effectively in writing

- Capacity to dedicate sufficient time to the course, including responding to student inquiries and providing meaningful feedback in a timely manner

About the Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology & Enterprise

Biotechnology is an evolving field that integrates scientific advancements with business applications to drive innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. This online master's program is designed to provide students with both the technical expertise and commercial acumen necessary to lead in the biotech industry.

All GPS master's courses are 8 weeks long and taught asynchronously in the online learning environment, with no set days or times for interaction.

About GPS Faculty

GPS Faculty members are active practitioners in the industries that align with our programs and bring their professional expertise into course discussions and learning activities. Instructors work part-time, fully online, with no requirement to appear on campus. Our faculty hold at least a masterâ™s degree, with many possessing terminal academic degrees and industry-specific certifications. Previous online teaching experience is not required; GPS offers a comprehensive training program for qualified applicants.

This appointment is to a position that is in a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 509

About Brandeis University

As a medium-sized private research university with global reach, we are dedicated to first-rate undergraduate education while making groundbreaking discoveries. Four major academic units with 3,600 undergraduates and 2,050 graduate students comprise the University: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, the International Business School, and the Rabb School of Continuing Studies. In 1985, Brandeis was elected to membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), which represents the 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada. Brandeis has been ranked among the top 35 national universities by U.S. News & World Report every year since the rankings’ inception. Our 235-acre campus is located in the suburbs of Boston, a global hub for higher education and innovation. Our faculty are leaders in their fields, as passionate about teaching and mentorship as they are about pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Our students are motivated, compassionate, curious and open to exploring new and challenging experiences. Brandeis was founded in 1948 as a nonsectarian university under the sponsorship of th ... e American Jewish community to embody its highest ethical and cultural values and to express its gratitude to the United States through the traditional Jewish commitment to education. By being a nonsectarian university that welcomes students, teachers and staff of every nationality, religion and orientation, Brandeis renews the American heritage of cultural diversity, equal access to opportunity and freedom of expression.

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