The Undergraduate Biology Program at Stony Brook University invites applications for the position of Director of Undergraduate Biology. This is a tenured position at the Associate or Full Professor level. The successful candidate will join one of our home departments: Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Ecology and Evolution, or Neurobiology and Behavior. This position is open to both internal and external candidates, including those actively engaged in original scientific research.
The Director of Undergraduate Biology is responsible for leading the undergraduate program, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, and enhancing the academic experience of our students. The Director will work closely with the Executive Committee of the Undergraduate Biology Program, faculty, and staff to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative curricular initiatives, support student success, and ensure the program's excellence. In addition, there is potential for the development of new or online courses, and for fostering collaborations with units such as the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) to further enhance diversity and inclusion.
Opportunity Stony Brook University's Undergraduate Biology program is one of the largest on campus, with over 2000 majors, attracting a diverse and talented student body. Our graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, research, and health professions, reflecting the program's strong foundation and rigorous academic training. The Director will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research across our departments, including pioneering work in biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, neuroscience, ecology and evolution. In association with the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URECA) office and academic departments, the program supports faculty-mentored student research projects and provides opportunities to showcase student research achievements.
The staff in Undergraduate Biology includes four full time and approximately thirty part time faculty that are responsible for the delivery and development of introductory biology laboratory courses to approximately 2,000 students per year. Thirteen non-instructional staff members provide administrative and technical support to course faculty instructors and advising services to the students. The Director manages various financial accounts including several endowments for undergraduate scholarships and research support.
The university has national and international recognition in the biosciences, offering a wealth of resources and opportunities for the Director to innovate the program. There is significant potential for continued innovation in the laboratory courses and the student experience.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and vision for the undergraduate biology program.
Collaborate with and supervise faculty lecturers and staff in the undergraduate biology program.
Coordinate academic advising and support services for undergraduate biology students.
Foster alignment to standards of undergraduate biology education. Promote and foster the development, assessment, and continuous improvement of all biology courses, including the undergraduate biology lab courses: Fundamentals of Scientific Inquiry in the Biological Sciences I and II.
Serve as a liaison between the undergraduate program, the Executive Committee, and the home departments with regards to scheduling, curriculum, and courses that are taught by faculty in the home departments.
Ensure the Undergraduate Biology Office is a welcoming and student-centric environment. Ensure that students feel supported and valued by the program providing exceptional, prompt, clear student services. Enhance all forms of communication, including the in-person experience, online, and email experience. Implement regular feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the quality of interactions and services provided to students.
Promote research opportunities and experiential learning for students.
Develop and maintain collaborations with internal and external partners.
Engage with alumni, leveraging their success and support to further strengthen the program.