Position Description: Biology Lecturer A
The College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) and the Biology Department at the University of
Pennsylvania are currently seeking qualified applicants for one full-time lecturer. The responsibilities of the
position are divided between teaching duties (75%) and advising and administration (25%) for Postbaccalaureate Pre-health programs. Teaching experience in the following courses preferred: Introductory
Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Physiology, and Biochemistry. The administrative
duties for the position include, but are not restricted to: responding to inquiries from prospective students;
academic advising for current students; assisting with program-related activities; and writing letters of
recommendation for graduate and professional schools. The position is a 12-month appointment; annual
reappointments for up to an additional two years are possible, based on an annual review.
Qualifications: A Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences, commitment to undergraduate & continuing education,
and previous teaching experience required; previous administrative experience preferred.
Application Instructions: Apply online at: http://facultysearches.provost.upenn.edu/postings/216
The application requires a cover letter that details your interests in and qualifications for the position,
curriculum vitae, teaching evaluations and syllabi for classes taught, and contact information for three
references who have agreed to provide a recommendation letter. The University will contact the references
with instructions on how to submit their letters. Questions may be addressed to Claire Gage, Program
Coordinator, University of Pennsylvania, College of Liberal and Professional Studies, cgage@sas.upenn.edu.
The position will remain open until filled.
The College of Liberal and Professional Studies and the Department of Biology are strongly committed to
Penn’s Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and Excellence and to establishing a diverse faculty (for more
information see: http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v58/n02/diversityplan.html). The University of
Pennsylvania is an EOE. Minorities/Females/Individuals with disabilities/Veterans are encouraged to apply.
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse
backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam Era Veteran or disabled
veteran in the administration of educational policies, programs or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan
awards; athletic, or other University administered programs or employment.
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HUMAN RESOURCES/COMPENSATION
POSITION INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE SHORT FORM

Check if new position is being created
Job Title:
LPS Lecturer A - Biology
Date: March 25, 2014
Employee Name:
Job Class Code/Grade: __________________________
Penn ID:_____________________________________________
School/Center: SAS
Supervisor’s Name: Jacqueline McLaughlin
Department: LPS
Supervisor’s Title: Associate Director, Pre-Health Programs
=============================================================================================
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POSITION SUMMARY: In a few sentences, briefly describe the primary function and purpose of the position.
The College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) and the Biology Department at the University of Pennsylvania are currently
seeking qualified applicants for one full-time lecturer position starting August 15, 2009 (including all applicable employee
benefits). The responsibilities required for the position are divided between teaching duties (75%) and advising and administration
(25%) for post-baccala
ureate programs in the Life Sciences. The administrative duties for the position include, but are not restricted to: answering
inquiries and meeting with prospective students; advising current students regarding course selection and their professional plans;
assisting with program-related activities; monitoring and updating program information in print and on the web, and writing letters
of recommendation for graduate and professional schools. The position will be on a 12-month basis; reappointments for up to three
years are possible, based on an annual review.
PRINCIPAL POSITION REPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES: List up to ten major tasks starting with the most important for which
the position is responsible. Include the estimated percentage of time spent on performing the task, with no task more than 25%.
Also, identify how critical the task is to the position, with 1 being least important, 5 being most important. (Refer to PIQ
guidelines.)
Estimated Critical
% of Time Level
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
Teach two biology courses during the fall semester.
5
25%
1
Teach two biology courses during the spring semester.
2
25%
5
25%
5
15%
5
Teach two biology courses during the summer semester.
3
4
Serve on admissions committee for all post-bac programs in the life sciences. Assist with
recruiting, review applications, conduct interviews, summarize and discuss candidates.
5
Advise prospective and current students on CGS programs, course selection, and
professional/career plans. Author committee letters for students applying to medical, dental
and veterinary schools.
5%
4
6
Perform additional duties as assigned.
5%
1
100%
Identify any of the above listed tasks that were added in the last year by listing the related numbers:
JOB EVALUATION FACTORS: Listed below are job evaluation factors. Check the single best answer that applies. (Refer to PIQ guidelines
for definitions.)
Position Evaluation Factor
Q1
Formal Education
(Minimum education req.)
Response
[] 1
[] 2
[] 3
[] 4
[] 5
[] 6
Ξ 7
Key Words
H.S. Diploma or GED preferred
H.S. Diploma or GED required
Vocational or Technical School required
Associate’s Degree or Two Year College equivalent required
Bachelor’s Degree required; Major (optional) ____________________
Master’s Degree required; Major (optional) _____________________
M.D., Ph.D., Law Degree or equivalent doctoral degree required
Q2
Minimum Experience
(Minimum experience req.)
[] 1
[] 2
[Ξ ] 3
[] 4
0 to 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 5 years
[] 5
[] 6
[] 7
5 to 7 years
7 to 10 years
Over 10 years
Q3a
Planning Scope
(Highest level of planning req.)
[]
[]
[]
[]
Daily
Current Week
One to Four Weeks
One to Three Months
[Ξ ] 5
[] 6
[] 7
Four to Twelve Months
One to Three Years
Three Years or More
1
2
3
4
Q3b
Planning Level
(Level of primary scope of
planning)
[Ξ] 1
[] 2
[] 3
[] 4
[] 5
[] 6
Q4a
Impact on Operating Budget
[] 1
None
[] 4
Recommending
[Ξ] 2 Incidental
[] 5
Controlling
[] 3
Supportive
[] 6
Delegating
Approximate Size of Budget $250,000_________________
Q4b
Impact on Grant Funds
Q4c
Impact on Revenue Generating
Q5
Complexity
Individual (position only)
Unit or equiv. (<15 faculty & staff)
Section or equiv. (> 15 faculty & staff)
Department or equiv. (> 15 faculty & staff)
School/Center
University-wide
[Ξ] 1 None
[] 4
Recommending
[] 2
Incidental
[] 5
Controlling
[] 3
Supportive
[] 6
Delegating
Approximate Size of Budget $_________________
[] 1
None
[] 4
Contributory
[Ξ] 2 Indirect
[] 5
Major impact
[] 3
Supportive
[] 6
Directing
Approximate Size of Budget $__2 M______________
[] 1
[] 2
[] 3
[] 4
[] 5
[Ξ ] 6
[] 7
Standardized: duties are few and repetitive
Routine: routine tasks, processes, or operations
Basic: moderately complex procedures and tasks
Varied: complex and varied work
Analytic: non-standardized and widely varied work
Highly Complex: broad in scope covering one or more complicated areas
Multifaceted: broad in scope covering the entire University’s operations
Q6
Decision Making
(Level of direction &
supervision)
Q7
Problem Solving
(Typical level encountered over
extensive period of time)
[] 1
[] 2
[] 3
[Ξ ] 4
[] 5
[] 6
[] 7
Standardized: little independent judgment required
Routine: limited opportunity for independent judgment
Basic: provided on an as needed basis; some independent judgment necessary
Varied: establish general objectives relative to project; independent judgment required
Analytic: establish and review broad objectives relative to duties/responsibilities
Highly Complex: review established objectives/recommend department/school objectives
Multifaceted: review and approve major recommendations; establish procedures
[]
[]
[]
[]
[Ξ]
[]
[]
Problems solved by reporting them to a supervisor
Problems solved by talking with a supervisor
Solutions found by selecting from specific choices defined in standard work policies
Solutions found by using methods chosen before in similar situations
Problem solving involves identification and analysis of diverse problems
Problems are complex, varied and only mildly related to those seen before
Problem solving requires understanding and evaluation of impact upon the University
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Q8a
Internal Contacts
[] 1
[] 2
[] 3
[Ξ ] 4
[] 5
[] 6
[] 7
Little or no contact
Regular contact within department & periodic contact with other departments
Regular contact within department & with other departments; supplying information
Regular contact to carry out programs; occasionally with officials at higher levels
Regular contact to carry out programs; continuing contacts with officials at higher levels
Regular contact with internal persons of importance and influence
Continuing contacts involving difficult formal negotiations
Q8b
External Contacts
[] 1
[] 2
[ Ξ] 3
[] 4
[] 5
[] 6
[] 7
External communication with others is minimal
Occasional contact with outside agencies & general public supplying information
Regular contact with outside agencies & general public supplying/seeking information
Regular external contacts to explain specialized matters, occasionally to enforce policies
Regular external contacts, with continuing personal contact to enforce policies
Regular contact with external persons of importance and influence
Continuing external contacts involving difficult formal negotiations
Q9a
Supervisory Responsibility
[Ξ ] 1
[] 2
[] 3
[] 4
[] 5
[] 6
[] 7
__
No responsibility or authority for direction of others
Authority limited to direction of student &/or temporary workers
Orient/train others; may act in a lead capacity
Provide limited supervision for one or more functions within a department (functional)
Make recommendations re: HR issues; plan/assign/evaluate work of staff (bonafide)
Supervise multiple functions, with full responsibility for effective operation & results
Overall responsibility to provide direction and guidance for Penn
Number of Direct Reports
_______ Number of Indirect Reports
Q10a
Job-Related Knowledge
(Knowledge & skill required to
perform job)
[]
[]
[]
[]
Basic Skills
Intermediate Skills
Advanced Skills
Formal Technical Skills
Q11
Innovation/Creativity
(Degree job requires developing/
improving procedures, policies
systems, etc.)
[] 1
[] 2
[Ξ ] 3
[] 4
[] 5
[] 6
[] 7
1
2
3
4
[] 5
[ Ξ] 6
[] 7
Entry Professional Skills
Advanced Professional Skills
Multiple Professional Skills/External Expert
Opportunities for innovations are rare
Improved methods affect the immediate department
Improved methods affect delivery of service to selected customer or students
Results impact several work groups, a large project or an extended customer base
Results generally affect a school/center within the University
Results generally affect several schools/centers
Results generally affect the University as a whole; impact competitive position
ORGANIZATION CHART:
(Use staff member names and position titles)
Peer Position
Lisa Witmer
Lecturer A,
Department of Biological Sciences
Reporting Position
Manager/Supervisor
Jacqueline McLaughlin,
Associate Director Pre-Health Programs
This Position
Peer Position
Reporting Position
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: (Check as many as apply)
Working Conditions
[Ξ ] Office, library, computer room
[ ] Requires extensive safety training
[ ] Stockroom or warehouse
[Ξ] Alternative work schedules
[ ] High noise environment
[ ] On-Call (beeper)
[ ] High dust, dirt, grease environment
[ ] Exposure to moving machinery
Reporting Position
[]
[]
[]
[]
Exposure to chemicals
Outdoor exposure to weather
Requires protective devices
Extensive travel (>1000 mi./month)
Physical Effort
[Ξ] Typically sitting at a desk or table
[ ] Typically running, climbing
[ ] Frequent lifting 25 lbs. or more
[ ] Occasional lifting 25-50 lbs.
[Ξ] Occasional lifting 25 lbs. or less
[ ] Climbing ladders/scaffolds
[ ] Typically standing or walking
[ ] Intermittently sitting/standing/stooping [ ] Using tools requiring high dexterity
[ ] Typically bending, crouching, stooping
Employee Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date: ____________
Employee’s Name (please print): _____________________________________________________________________
Supervisor’s Signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date: ____________
Supervisor’s Name (please print):
Supervisor’s Title:
Department Head’s Signature: _____________________________________________________ Date: _____________
Department Head’s Name (please print):
Department Head’s Title:
Revised 06/04
Revised 10/99
JOB TITLE:
LPS Lecturer A - Biology
POSTING INFORMATION: (TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF POSITION IS TO BE POSTED)
DUTIES: (Description should be brief and only include principle duties.)
The responsibilities required for the position are divided between teaching duties (75%) and advising and administration (25%) for
post-baccalaureate programs in the Life Sciences. Teaching duties will be distributed over Life Science course relevant to the PreHealth curriculum, including, but not limited to: Intro Biology lecture and labs, Cell Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology,
Physiology, Biochemistry and advanced seminars in related areas. Other relevant courses may be available depending on the
applicants teaching experience; development of new Pre-health course will be highly desirable. The administrative duties for the
position include, but are not restricted to: answering inquiries and meeting with prospective students; advising current students
regarding course selection and their professional plans; assisting with program-related activities; monitoring and updating program
information in print and on the web, and writing letters of recommendation for graduate and professional schools. The position will be
on a 12-month basis; reappointments for up to three years are possible, based on an annual review and approval by the Dean of the
School of Arts and Sciences.
QUALIFICATIONS: (Qualifications should clearly indicate those that are required and those that are preferred.)
Ph.D. in a discipline in the natural sciences. A minimum of 2-3 years' experience teaching in a university setting, preferably with
advising and administrative experience; a proven record of delivering and designing successful, rigorous life sciences courses
(academic excellence, student success and satisfaction, robust enrollment). Outstanding oral and written communication skills; must
be able to teach evening classes and, possible weekend classes.
Supervisor’s signature ________________________________________________
Revised 06/04
Date: ___________________________