Biological Sciences Instructor

Job Description:

Biological Sciences Instructor

Description

Application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on Monday, February 2, 2026.

The ideal candidate for this position is an equity-minded individual who understands the importance of creating opportunities in Science for students who have been historically underserved. Irvine Valley College seeks candidates who view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility and who strive to reframe inequities as a problem of practice. In addition, the ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to student-centered teaching practices, effective cross-disciplinary and cross campus collaboration, transparent decision-making, and purposeful service to the community. The ideal candidate will embrace the role of an educator who is continually learning anti-racist pedagogy and adapting to the needs of a diverse student population.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities as presented are intended to be representative and not restrictive. The District reserves the right to modify the assignment and allocation of duties in accordance with any changes in District policy and/or the faculty collective bargaining agreement.

Instruct a variety of lecture and/or laboratory courses for non-majors and majors in the biological sciences, including but not limited to principles of biology, a comprehensive course for non-majors; and first-year biology for majors, a course with emphasis on organismal biology, invertebrate biology, comparative animal physiology, theoretical and applied ecology. Successful candidates should demonstrate subject specific expertise in biology and the ability to communicate challenging concepts to community college level students in a clear and engaging manner with a student-oriented approach.

Instruct a variety of lecture and/or laboratory-based courses for students at the college general education level, as well as for students majoring in the biological sciences, with primary emphasis on organismal biology, invertebrate biology, comparative animal physiology, theoretical and applied ecology.

Teaching assignments may include day, evening, and weekend hours, at on-campus as well as off-campus sites.

Promote student success through scholarship and learning.

Teach Science and related courses to a diverse student population.

Instruct and assist in the growth and success of a diverse population of students through careful preparation of course materials, effective teaching methodologies and informed critical feedback on assignments and discussions in support of student success.

Develop culturally relevant course content, culturally responsive pedagogical techniques, and effective practices for engaging students who are diverse and/or are students who are historically underserved. The ideal candidate should have experience with relevant pedagogical techniques to engage diverse student populations such as African American, Chicanx and Latinx, Native Americans, Asian American and Pacific Islanders and other disproportionately impacted students.

Participate in curriculum development and serve on department, division/school, college and district committees as necessary to maintain and improve the instructional program; participate in appropriate professional development activities.

Engage in co-curricular activities, including planning, implementing, and teaching in special programs designed to support student success.

Participate in the formulation of Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and the Student Learning Outcomes assessment cycle.

Maintain formal office hours; stay current on information as discussed in department and division/school meetings.

Provide an average of one (1) hour per week of college service that supports the division/school, college and/or District goals through active participation in one or more of the following categories: committee work on the department, division/school, college, and/or district level; non-classroom college, district, or community activities; department/division/school activities, events, or meetings; student club advisor activities or events.

Remain current in your discipline, of instructional methods and new technologies pertinent to areas of assignment; learn and apply emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications, Artificial Intelligence) as necessary to assist and support student success.

Teach scheduled classes and perform related duties as assigned, including comply with the applicable Course Outline of Record(s) (COR); respond to and evaluate student work regularly and consistently, inform students on a timely basis of their progress in the course throughout the term; and respond to student academic concerns, as appropriate, in a timely manner. Comply with district, college and division/school policies in the performance of duties.

Work cooperatively with staff and students.

Regular and consistent performance of the requirements of your position.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must meet one of the following qualifications under (A) through (C):

A. Master’s in any Biological Science

OR

B. Bachelor’s in any Biological Science AND Master’s in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or Marine Science

OR

C. A combination of education and experience that is at least the equivalent of (A) and/or (B) above. Candidates making an application based on equivalency must submit a Supplemental Application for Equivalency Determination in addition to all other required materials.

AND

2. Commitment to equity and diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity minded practices within an educational environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum of one-year (or equivalent part-time) of recent (within the last 5 years) teaching college-level biology courses for both non-majors and majors in biology.
• Experience in both traditional and alternative instructional methods including computer-assisted formats and online/distance education delivery.
• Strong academic preparation in biology including experience in data collection, analysis and presentation via published, peer-reviewed articles or participation at scientific conferences (focused on evolution, biodiversity/ecology, and/or organismal biology).
• Experience in designing and conducting original scientific research is desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership within academic or professional settings and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to students, college staff, and the general public, indicative of the ability to support a positive, productive and professional academic environment.
• Experience with the development and implementation of field-based activities and/or courses.

Application Procedure:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

• Completed South Orange County Community College District online application including education and experience.
  
  
• Cover letter.
  
  
• Current resume and/or curriculum vitae.
  
  
• Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application, or applicant must complete the Supplemental Application for Equivalency Determination form with online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application.
  
  

You will also be required to answer the following question:

Describe your experience teaching to a diverse group of students. Provide examples of when you have adjusted your teaching methods to meet the needs of your students

Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

All submitted materials become the property of the South Orange County Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.

Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted. All travel arrangements will be at applicant’s expense.

Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.

For an online application, information, and instructions, visit the District Job Opportunities website at https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/join-socccd or call (949) 582-4850.

Federal law requires every new employee to present documentation showing eligibility to work in the U.S. SOCCCD does not sponsor employment Visas.

Selection Procedure:

A screening committee will review application materials which are complete and received by the deadline. A limited number of applicants will be invited to the District for an initial interview at their own expense. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

Compensation and Fringe Benefits:

Full-time faculty are paid on the Academic Salary Schedule (see Wages for salary placement criteria in the Academic Employee Master Agreement located under Contracts on the District website). The District offers a comprehensive package of insurance benefits which includes medical and dental insurance, vision-care plan, life insurance and dependent life coverage, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, long-term disability plan, and legal plan. All premiums are fully paid by the District.

Application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Hours per Week: 36

Months per Year: 10

Closing Date/Time: Mon, 02 Feb 2026

Salary:

89797 - 126383 Yearly