Adjunct Faculty: Bioinformatics Scripting and Python Programming

  • Job Title: Graduate Professional Studies, Adjunct Faculty
  • Course: Bioinformatics Scripting and Python Programming
  • Division: Rabb School, Graduate Professional Studies (GPS)
  • Location: Online

Brandeis University's Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) is looking for an industry leader to teach in our Master of Science in Bioinformatics program. Brandeis University is consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, and our online courses are developed using best practices in online learning. Information about Brandeis University and Graduate Professional Studies Graduate Professional Studies can be found online.

About the Position and Course

RBIF 100: Bioinformatics Scripting and Python Programming

This course is a high-content introduction to scripting and programming with applications in bioinformatics. It is appropriate for students with little previous programming experience. The course covers the fundamentals of working with Linux systems, using bioinformatics tools, and manipulating biological data files. The focus will be on scripting with Bash and Python. The course will also touch on topics such as how to interact programmatically with SQL databases and RESTful web services, and how to work with distributed compute systems to perform large calculations.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will have Subject Matter Qualifications in the following areas.

  • Required:
    • Current active employment in the Bioinformatics field, or related industry
    • Minimum of 5 years experience using Linux-based shell scripting (csh, bash), Python programming, and SQL for bioinformatics sequence analysis.
    • Minimum of 1 year of experience with distributed computing systems and cloud computing resources such as AWS and Google Cloud.
    • Strong demonstrated programming and scripting experience, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and/or Github contributions.
    • Previous experience teaching a college level course or conducting professional training is preferred but not required
  • Preferred:
    • Teaching experience; online teaching or learning experience

General Responsibilities

  • For new courses requiring development:
    • Design a syllabus following program chair guidance and the syllabus template
    • Create content that aligns with course outcomes and offers the author's experiences and perspectives on key points
  • For all courses:
    • Develop and deliver the course according to our teaching standards, which include actively facilitating online discussions, providing relevant and timely feedback on student work, reporting grades, and discussing student issues with staff
    • Create or refine and facilitate the course site in the Moodle learning management system 

General Skill Requirements

  • Strong interpersonal skills when relating to students
  • The ability to communicate effectively in writing, including conveying complex information and promoting in-depth engagement on course topics
  • The ability to devote adequate time to courses, including responding to students and providing meaningful feedback in a timely manner

About the Master of Science in Bioinformatics

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations are increasingly viewing bioinformatics as an integral part of their research processes. As biomedical industries seek to make use of vast amounts of genomic data and produce more complex and accurate biological models, they are relying more and more on bioinformatics' mathematical, statistical, and computational methods.

All GPS Masters courses are 10-weeks long and taught asynchronously in the online learning environment with no set days or times for interaction.

About GPS Faculty

GPS Faculty instructors are active practitioners in the industries that align with our programs and have the professional expertise to bring to course discussions and threads. Instructors are part time and work fully online, with no requirement to appear on campus. Our faculty have earned at least a master's degree with many holding terminal academic degrees and industry-specific credentials. Previous experience teaching online is not required; GPS offers a comprehensive training program for qualified applicants.

How to Apply

GPS welcomes applications for its adjunct faculty pool on an ongoing basis. The application process consists of the online application and, if subject matter qualifications are met, a series of interviews at the discretion of the Program Chair and Director Faculty Operations. Please email us to start the process at gpsfaculty@brandeis.edu.