Position Summary
Are you an instructor who thrives in a collaborative and inventive environment? Do you emphasize real-world experience and practical knowledge in your teaching? Are you excited about preparing adults for meaningful careers in a high-demand industry?
Just A Start is seeking a Biochemistry Instructor for our adult Biotechnology Careers Program. This is a part-time, contract role for the 2025-2026 academic year, with possibility for renewal, with 12-16 hours per week (10-12 hours of instruction, both online and in-person, 1-2 hours of meetings, 1-2 hours student support), paid at $65 per hour. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned science educator with industry experience, a commitment to experiential learning, and comfort teaching adults from a wide variety of backgrounds.
The biochemistry course has been specifically designed to fit with the broader goals of the Biotechnology Careers Program. The curriculum is centered on components of general, organic, and biological chemistry that support an understanding of theory and technique in biotechnology. There is a more robust emphasis on practical application than in a typical academic, introductory chemistry course. This curriculum will also have a strong focus on mathematical and computer applications to reinforce the calculations and technology use needed to be successful in a biotechnology role. Focused lessons on acid-base chemistry, properties of solutions, and biomolecules are combined with frequent practical labs. Lessons and labs will heavily incorporate practice with calculating concentration and dilutions, standard curve generation, and basic statistical analyses using Excel and other computer applications.
Program Background
Just A Start’s mission is to promote equity by creating access to stable housing and building pathways to economic opportunity. The Biotechnology Careers Program, offered out of our Adult Career Training office, provides adult students with the education and training to obtain an entry level position at a biotechnology company, academic or government research lab, pharmaceutical company, or hospital.
Students learn workforce skills that are aligned with industry needs, as well as durable (soft) skills that are crucial for success in the workplace.
Classes run five days a week from September to May; each cohort meets online one day per week. Our students are a diverse group of adults, mostly ages 20-60, who are seeking a stimulating career and financial stability for themselves and their families. Many are English language learners who completed most or all of their education in their home countries. Most work at least part-time and care for children and other family members while in the program.
Position Details
● Approximate teaching dates: 9/8/25-12/19/25; Spring semester 1/5/26-5/15/26
● Location: Just A Start (430 Rindge Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140) and on Zoom
● Work Hours: Classes meet Monday-Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm. The Biochemistry course will fall within this timeframe, with the exact teaching schedule to be determined based on instructor availability and program needs. Other hours for meetings, prep, student support, etc. will be outside of this timeframe and generally flexible.
● Compensation: $65/hour
What You’ll Do
● Teach Biochemistry course to two cohorts of 18 trainees each.
● Maintain appropriate classroom management while utilizing a variety of teaching methods and strategies to meet the needs of diverse adult student learning styles.
● Create lesson plans and assessment tools (exams, quizzes, project/portfolio assignments, etc.) and submit as required.
● Assess students’ learning outcomes and prepare progress reports for all students.
● Recommend students in need of additional support services and tutoring.
● Collaborate closely with other teachers and Just A Start staff to ensure that students’ professional skills are aligned with the needs of employers.
● Participate in teaching staff and Adult Career Training staff meetings as required.
● Participate in program development and evaluation activities.
Who You Are and Keys to Success
To be successful in this job, you will excel in four areas:
1. Teaching: You have extensive experience as a science teacher and have mastered a wide range of classroom tools and techniques, particularly in guiding students to apply their knowledge in real- world situations. You have worked successfully with non-native English speakers and students with learning challenges. You are skilled at keeping students engaged in live online classes.
2. Lab/industry skills: You have extensive lab experience, either in academic or industry settings. You are trained in health and safety protocols. Your lab teaching helps students master lab skills and practices and understand the scientific method, with the goal of preparing them for a career in the lab environment.
3. Adaptability: You tailor your curriculum and lesson planning to the particular needs of your students. You use various teaching modalities to help students master content. You creatively use differentiated instruction to keep students at different skill levels engaged and stimulated. You are a team player who can adjust your curriculum to align class topics with students’ other course work when appropriate.
4. Cultural awareness and building rapport: You have experience working with underrepresented populations, e.g. immigrants, people of color, and/or individuals with low to moderate income. You recognize systemic barriers related to race, class, gender, income, age, immigration status, and other identities. You understand how cultural values can shape experiences in the classroom and the workforce. You are skilled in making connections with students, other faculty, and staff, and you create a classroom environment where students can support and learn from each other.
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Application Process
This position will remain open until filled, but we encourage interested candidates to apply by June 2nd, 2025.
● Step 1: Upload your resume and, in lieu of a cover letter*, please upload a 150–250-word statement responding to the following prompt. A maximum of 45 minutes is anticipated to complete this requirement.
o Prompt: Describe a time when you designed a curriculum with a specific student population in mind. Describe the student population and explain how your curriculum addressed the needs and learning styles of that population.
● Step 2: Interview with the hiring manager (30-45 minutes, by phone)
o We’ll ask questions about your interest in the role and the organization and the “Keys to Success” listed above.
● Step 3: Brief teaching demonstration and interview with Adult Career Training staff (60 minutes, in-person)**
o 15-minute teaching demonstration on a chemistry topic of your choosing (detailed instructions provided to candidates who reach this stage)
o In the interview, we’ll ask about the choices you made in your demonstration and your experience related to the role. We will leave time for you to ask questions as well.
● Step 4: Reference check and verification of past teaching experience
● Step 5: Background check via Chekr
*Please note that a cover letter is not required, though candidates may include one if they choose. A response to the above writing prompt is required for a complete application.
**We may reach out to candidates after the interviews if there are any clarifying questions before proceeding with the reference check.
Qualifications
● Master’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or related field; PhD preferred.
● We expect that qualified candidates will have at least three years’ experience teaching adults, as well as a minimum of three years academic or industry lab experience. However, we encourage you to apply if you have developed the “Keys to Success” listed above in other ways. We especially encourage women, LGBTQIIA+, BIPOC, or those with disabilities to consider how they may have developed the skills needed for success in ways other than direct years of experience.
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Adult Career Training Program Values
1. Student Centered- We center and inform our work with a holistic approach to our students.
a. Trusting students as the experts in their own lives and supporting students in their version of success;
b. Each program participant is creative, resourceful, and whole;
c. Using a wraparound model of support;
d. Meeting students where they are at in their lives and academically;
2. Quality-focused- We develop and continuously adapt our programming, policies and practices using stakeholder input to align with industry needs and standards.
a. Using economic mobility metrics to set ambitious program outcomes;
b. Industry-aligned curricula;
c. Creating and using internal and external feedback loops;
d. Using data from program participants, industry and community partners to guide program design;
3. Relationship-builders- We are committed to fostering meaningful impactful and reciprocal relationships with students, partners, and each other.
a. Collaborating towards a shared vision of success;
b. Cultivating industry and community relationships that align with our values;
c. Recognizing and elevating the unique contributions of each individual;
d. Using generous assumptions to cultivate trust and connection;
4. Learning Community- We view continuous improvement as an essential component of our program model and success.
a. Embracing discomfort and giving/receiving feedback to identify areas of growth in advancing our goals;
b. Cultivating a growth mindset to learn new skills and think about things from a different perspective for our program participants and ourselves;
c. Advancing team knowledge and skills through trainings, resources, and conversations to sustain best practices;
About Just A Start
Just A Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our staff represents a wide range of ages, races, interests, and backgrounds coming together in pursuit of common goals. Together, we strive to provide an environment that values diversity and promotes an inclusive culture. Applications from women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.