Description
Part-Time Lecturer in Bioinformatics (non-tenure track)
Position description: The Department of Biology at Tufts University (https://as.tufts.edu/biology/) seeks one or more qualified part-time, non-tenure track faculty members beginning September 1st, 2026 to support a new bioinformatics specialization within our “Open Choice” MS in Biology (details at https://as.tufts.edu/biology/academics/graduate-programs/ms-biology/bioinformatics-specialization-biology-oc-ms-program).
The part-time lecturer’s responsibilities will include developing and teaching up to three new courses appropriate for MS-level and advanced undergraduate students in biology who do not have prior expertise in computer science:
- Biostatistics for Bioinformatics (using R) (fall): a new course covering core statistical concepts essential for modern bioinformatics analysis, with topics including regression models, hypothesis testing, multiple testing correction, and interpretation of p-values and z-scores. We expect most class examples and homework assignments will be directly relevant to mammalian biology, physiology, and disease.
- Introduction to Bioinformatics (spring): a new course introducing fundamental concepts, data types, and analytical approaches in bioinformatics, exposing students to a broad range of applications such as genomics in cancer and rare disease, single-cell and bulk transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other data-driven biological analyses. Most students in this course will have taken Biostatistics for Bioinformatics (above) and will concurrently take a new hands-on course in Applied Bioinformatics (not part of this position).
- Elective (either semester): One additional new bioinformatics-related elective that matches the candidate’s expertise and is accessible to biology-trained students.
Required Qualifications:
- Qualified candidates must hold a PhD in bioinformatics or a related field (e.g., computational biology or systems biology) or have equivalent experience (e.g., MS plus significant work experience).
- Candidates should have prior teaching experience, which could include undergraduate/graduate instruction, professional education, mentorship of trainees or employees, or similar activities.
- Candidates should be able to describe how they will contribute to the success and career enhancement of Biology MS students enrolled in our bioinformatics specialization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bioinformatics experience in the private sector (esp. biotech/pharmaceutical industry).
- Experience collaborating with industry partners on applied research and/or careerrelevant curricula.
- Familiarity with scalable, reproducible bioinformatics workflows and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
This is an academic year, 1-year position that is renewable contingent upon performance. Part-time lecturers teaching three or more courses per academic year are eligible for benefits.
Application Instructions
All application materials must be submitted via Interfolio at: https://apply.interfolio.com/182390. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and sample syllabi for “biostatistics for bioinformatics” and/or “introduction to bioinformatics” (whichever course(s) for which the applicant wishes to be considered). A sample syllabus for a bioinformatics elective is optional. In addition, three confidential letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s potential as a university teacher should be submitted separately to Interfolio.
For additional information, applicants may contact Jessica Orlando at jessica.orlando@tufts.edu.
Review of applications will begin on March 15th and continue until the position is filled. All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.
