Preceptor in Earth and Planetary Sciences

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Archive Date: 
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Other
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
Harvard University
Department Name: 
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Street Line 1: 
20 Oxford Street
City: 
Cambridge
State/Province: 
MA
Zip/Postal: 
02138
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) at Harvard seeks applications for the position of Preceptor. The Preceptor will assist broadly with curricular activities, notably working with faculty to organize and implement lab and section content across the spectrum of earth sciences; teaching and guiding undergraduate thesis writers through the senior thesis writing process; identifying and training teaching fellows and teaching assistants (TFs and TAs); organizing and supporting instructional field activities/trips; reviewing lab equipment needs and overseeing purchasing and maintenance of core laboratory equipment; serving as the liaison with Research Computing and HUIT to ensure that the instructional computing facilities are properly maintained and providing the proper support for the department’s classes and educational needs; providing support for course web sites (Canvas) and other computer and media support; and preparing laboratory assignments, manuals, and other handouts. Working closely with EPS faculty, he or she will act as primary liaison between instructional staff and the teaching laboratories, as well as with the Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, to provide training for TFs and TAs. Preceptors also have occasional opportunities to teach labs and sections for EPS courses and may serve as the lead instructor for courses offered through the Harvard Extension School and Harvard Summer School, depending on qualifications. The duties of the Preceptor are carried out in close collaboration with faculty, graduate teaching fellows, and the academic administrator.

Applicants must have a strong science background in a geoscience or related discipline; some experience with educational field work or willingness to gain such experience also is preferred. A graduate degree is required (Ph.D. preferred) along with evidence of successful prior teaching and administrative experience. Superior organizational and interpersonal skills, responsibility, initiative, and judgment, plus the ability to work well on a team, are the desired qualities for the successful candidate.

Commitment to undergraduate education is a fundamental ethos within the EPS program at Harvard, and the candidate would be expected to share a similar pedagogical enthusiasm and demonstrate excellence in instructional communication. The EPS department values diversity, inclusion, and belonging of all students, faculty, and staff, and the preceptor is expected to share and promote these values through inclusive and accessible teaching and mentoring practices.  Salary will be highly competitive and commensurate with experience. The position is renewable on a yearly basis for up to eight years, contingent upon performance and curricular needs.  Candidates should submit an application form with supporting material electronically through https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/10225. The supporting material for an application must contain the following:

* A cover letter that discusses how this position would fit into the applicant’s career trajectory.

* Curriculum Vitae.

* A statement of teaching experiences and philosophy.

* Names and contact information of three references. At least one letter must discuss the applicant's experience with teaching, administration skills, and other educational work.  (Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is complete only when all three letters have been submitted.)

Review of applications will begin on May 10, 2021; preferences will be given to applications received by this date. For questions about the position or application procedure, contact Campbell Halligan (Academic Programs Manager, [email protected], 617-384-9760) or Emily Bowman (Academic Coordinator, [email protected], 617- 496-8436).

Harvard is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Monday, June 7, 2021
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Emily Bowman
Title: 
Academic Coordinator
Institution/Company: 
Harvard University
Department Name: 
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Street Line 1: 
20 Oxford Street
City: 
Cambridge
State/Province: 
MA
Zip/Postal Code: 
02138
Country: 
United States of America