Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Penn Department of Biology
University of Pennsylvania

Job Info

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University OverviewThe University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.Posted Job TitleAssociate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Penn Department of BiologyJob Profile TitleAssociate Director B, Student Services, Undergraduate ProgramsJob Description SummaryThe Department of Biology in the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) seeks an Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies to manage the day-to-day running of the program and assist in the long-term planning of the academic mission of the Department.Job Description

The Department of Biology in the School of Arts & Sciences is home to approximately 30 faculty members, 40 postdoctoral researchers, and 50 graduate students. With a history that dates to the late 1800s and approximately 400 declared undergraduate majors in Biology, we are also one of the oldest and largest departments in the College at Penn. We strive for excellence in research, education, and service and are looking for a new Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Job Responsibilities:

This role will manage all aspects of the undergraduate portfolio in the Department of Biology.

• Strategic Planning: As a member of the Curriculum committee the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies collaborates with the Department Chair, Undergraduate Chair, and Academic Manager to assess the depth and breadth of course offerings (by discipline).

• Academic Administration: Collaborates with Department Chair, Undergraduate Chair, and Academic Manager on academic planning such as course rostering and teaching assignments for Biology faculty, graduate students and learning assistants. Assesses applications for Independent Research courses to ensure the proposed research meets departmental standards and that appropriate research sponsors (and co-sponsors, if required) have been identified. Serve as primary assistant to Academic Manager in all aspects of administrative work for the undergraduate program.

• Student-Focused Responsibilities: Corresponds with students declaring the major or minor, assigns major advisors and provides advising on course selection, academic issues, and utilizing campus resources. Correspond with student support offices and major advisors to ensure majors and minors receive necessary holistic support. Maintains undergraduate focused content on the Departmental website including student accomplishments, opportunities and alumni connections. Organizes information sessions and social events for students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Bachelor's (or advanced degree) in Biology (preferred) or one of the Natural Sciences.

• Knowledge of the primary disciplines in biology, including fluency with biological terms.

• Excellent communications skills.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and create efficiencies.

• Ability and desire to work as part of a team.

Job Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolSchool of Arts and SciencesPay Range$43,919.00 - $65,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

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