Pre-College Instructor, Introduction to Neuroscience (On-Campus) Summer 2024

Company Description

Through Columbia University's Pre-College Programs, high schoolers from around the globe prepare for the college experience through exploratory coursework and community activities over seven weeks in the summer. This highly selective program is open to academically exceptional high school students, entering grades 9–12 and freshman year of college.

Job Description

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for High School Students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus (i.e., in person) courses during Summer ’24. 

Please Note: Course(s) and course availability is subject to change. Dates are tentative and subject to change.  

Sessions:

• Summer A: June 24th - July 12th (Classes do not meet on July 4th)
• Summer B: July 16th - August 2nd

Class Times: 

• 9:10-11am & 1:10-3pm OR
• 11:10am-1pm & 3:10-5pm

Course description:

This course is designed for students interested in the science of the brain, including its evolutionary origins, early development, and role in generating behavior. We explore theories of the brain as the seat of the self from ancient Greece to modern times, and investigate systems that make up the brain from the individual neuron to the entire central nervous system. We also look into how sensation, perception, and decision making work at the physiological level. The course blends historical trends in neuroscience with modern experiments and findings, and touches on major areas of research including animal studies, recording and imaging techniques, computational neuroscience, and neuropharmacology.

In-class small-group exercises, in addition to lectures, allow students to tangibly explore the ideas presented in class. Participants construct various models of the brain, critique professional neuroscientific papers as “peer-reviewers,” and visualize actual neural data with instructor guidance.

Responsibilities:

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work
• Lead and attend all in-person class sessions
• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population
• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends
• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (you will have around 20-24 students)
• Attend and complete all required online trainings

Qualifications

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Additional Information

Hiring Salary Ranges: 

• Summer A on-campus: $6,150 - $7,850
• Summer B on-campus: $6,150 - $7,850

Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching.  

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)
• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching
• Applicants may not hold a concurrent appointment with Columbia for the duration of their appointment
• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University

For more information on the program, hiring process, and class schedules, please see here.  

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.