Teaching and Learning Innovation (TLI; teaching.utk.edu), a unit of the Division of Faculty Affairs, in the Office of the Provost, seeks qualified applicants to provide direct support for a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project titled Advancing and Sustaining Innovation in Science Teaching (Award No. 2517856). The faculty consultant will report to the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Innovation and work closely with the PIs of the grant to develop and implement a holistic training program for graduate students in natural sciences and mathematics. Specifically, this individual will design and implement the equivalent of a one-credit course that will allow participants to develop competencies that support their current and future roles as teachers, researchers, and leaders. Through their work leading the program, the faculty consultant will interact frequently with department heads, taskforce members, faculty, staff, and students to promote and share information about the program. Additionally, the faculty consultant will be charged with assessment and evaluation of the program. This is expected to lead to opportunities to present and publish.
In addition to leading the program, the faculty consultant will have opportunities to cultivate other skills and expertise related to faculty development through strategically planned collaborations with TLI staff members.
Primary duties and responsibilities for this position are:
Design one credit hour course/certification program for NSM graduate students.
Work with NSM department heads, directors of graduate studies, faculty, staff, and students to gain support and promote the program.
Implement designed program during every academic semester starting in Spring 2027.
Work with PIs of the grant to assess and evaluate the program.
Engage in data analysis.
Develop conference proposals and presentations related to the project.
Co-author journal articles, book chapters, and reports based on the findings of the project.
Required Qualifications:
Education
Has an earned master's degree by August 1st, 2026.
Experience
Experience in engaging in professional development activities related to teaching, research or leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Has participated in professional development related to teaching and learning.
Experience analyzing either qualitative or quantitative data.
Has a STEM background.
Possesses knowledge and awareness of best practices related to graduate student professional development as well as college level teaching and learning.
Evidence of ability to collaborate, build, and foster strong relationships with relevant stakeholders (faculty, staff, external partners, and university administration).
Evidence of ability to manage multiple projects during set periods of time, including working effectively and respectfully with groups of people with diverse backgrounds to reach and surpass stated goals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Office 365, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, Excel), and accessibility standards for visual communications.
Proficiency in using Learning Management Systems, such as Canvas, for faculty and instructors.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education
Has an earned doctorate degree by August 1st, 2026.
Experience
At least one year of experience supporting faculty to implement evidence-based teaching and learning strategies in their courses, as well as supporting faculty development programs in a higher education setting, or working successfully at a large public university.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Has experience in curriculum development and design.
Has background in leadership education and/or development.
Can show evidence of supporting graduate student or faculty professional development.
Has strong knowledge and awareness of best practices in assessment and program evaluation in a college or university context.
Can show evidence of strategic thinking, as well as evidence of impact(s) made, and flexibility exercised when needed to make progress on identified projects and long-term goals.
Has excellent organizational, inter-personal, and communication skills, oral and written, and demonstrated ability to multi-task with time-sensitive matters.
Maintains proven record of handling private, confidential, and culturally sensitive matters with discretion.
Holds proficiency working in LMS, preferably Canvas, and experience using Adobe Design Suite.
Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN
Work is onsite.
Compensation and Benefits: The salary for this position is $60,000. The position is funded entirely by the NSF and is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds. We anticipate that funds will be available for two years.
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before June 12, 2026.
Resume/Vita
Cover Letter
About The College/Department/Division: Teaching & Learning Innovation supports faculty, graduate students, and postdocs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As part of the Office of the Provost in the Division of Faculty Affairs, we offer professional development opportunities in teaching and support instructors in achieving their goals in teaching, learning, and their academic careers.
