Assistant Professor Of Practice - Undergraduate Education, College Of Natural Sciences

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking outstanding applicants for a full-time, professional track faculty position as Assistant Professor of Practice in Undergraduate Education in the College of Natural Sciences for the 2024-2025 academic year.

This position is a dynamic leadership role responsible for overseeing the operations, development, and strategic direction of the maker space embedded within the College of Natural Sciences Office of Experiential Learning. This individual will provide vision and guidance to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of makers among science students, faculty, and staff. They will lead efforts to integrate hands-on learning experiences, promote innovation, and support interdisciplinary collaboration within the maker space. Key to this role will be empowering non-maker inclined students to develop a proactive attitude when it comes to making scientific instrumentation and innovations.

Primary duties for this position include the establishment, operation, and management of a new student maker space in the College of Natural Sciences, and the provision of courses around "making" in the sciences to be held in the space. Additionally, they will facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships with other academic departments, research centers, and industry partners and support faculty in integrating maker space activities into their courses and research projects.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach multiple courses each semester, participate in course development activities, manage course assistants and maker space staff, oversee maker space operations and equipment, develop and execute training modules, and coordinate engagement with faculty across CNS. Service on departmental committees, participation in peer teaching observations, and involvement in curriculum development efforts are also expected.

The rank of Assistant Professor of Practice carries a nine-month appointment, with a guaranteed summer appointment as part of a high school outreach program, renewed annually based on demonstrated teaching excellence and need of the department.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications received on or before July 1, 2024, will be given priority consideration but we will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., science, engineering, education) is required, or equivalent experience (5 years) in an educational, maker space, or similar environment.

• Demonstrated experience in leadership, project management, or program development within a maker space or similar environment.

• Strong knowledge of maker technologies, tools, and techniques, with proficiency in at least 3D printing (familiarity with electronics and woodworking is preferred).

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Commitment to creating welcoming and accessible spaces for all individuals.

• Experience working in an educational or academic setting, preferably within a university or college environment.

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