Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Biology Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

A Biology Instructor is responsible for teaching biological sciences at the college, community college, or technical school level. This educator develops and delivers engaging courses that combine classroom instruction, laboratory exercises, and field experiences to help students understand the fundamental principles of life and living systems. The Biology Instructor supports academic growth, prepares students for advanced studies or professional careers in science, and contributes to institutional goals through curriculum innovation and academic service.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graduate Teaching Assistant
Laboratory Instructor
Research Associate

Advancement To:

Senior Instructor or Lecturer
Assistant Professor or Program Coordinator
Department Chair or Academic Director

Lateral Moves:

Environmental Science Instructor
Anatomy and Physiology Instructor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop and teach undergraduate courses in biology, including general biology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and microbiology.
Prepare and deliver engaging lectures, laboratory activities, and demonstrations that align with course outcomes and institutional standards.
Design, update, and assess curriculum materials to reflect current developments in the biological sciences.
Create laboratory experiments that emphasize scientific inquiry, data analysis, and safety compliance.
Evaluate and grade student assignments, exams, and lab reports with fairness and transparency.
Provide individualized academic support and mentoring to help students achieve success in biology courses.
Integrate technology tools and digital platforms (e.g., virtual labs, online simulations, LMS) to enhance learning experiences.
Maintain accurate student attendance, performance, and assessment records in compliance with institutional policies.
Collaborate with academic peers to ensure curriculum consistency and continuous improvement across courses.
Support the development of online and hybrid biology courses using best practices in instructional design.
Participate in departmental and college committees focused on curriculum development, assessment, and program accreditation.
Stay current with trends in biological research and science education through professional development and conferences.
Supervise student research projects, fieldwork, and independent studies in specialized biological topics.
Ensure laboratory equipment and materials are properly maintained, ordered, and used safely by students.
Encourage scientific literacy, ethical responsibility, and environmental awareness among students.
Assist with academic advising, career guidance, and transfer preparation for students pursuing advanced degrees in biology or related fields.
Engage in community outreach, workshops, or science education initiatives to promote the study of biology.
Contribute to departmental reports, course reviews, and institutional planning initiatives.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate biology education into allied health, environmental science, or biotechnology programs.
Uphold institutional values of diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence in teaching and professional conduct.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Strong foundation in biological sciences including genetics, anatomy, ecology, and physiology.
Proficiency in laboratory methods, equipment handling, and safety protocols.
Experience with online learning management systems (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, etc.).
Ability to design and assess effective lesson plans, labs, and exams.
Knowledge of curriculum development and learning assessment techniques.
Familiarity with scientific data analysis tools and statistical software.
Competence in instructional technology and multimedia presentation tools.
Understanding of biological ethics, environmental sustainability, and bioinformatics.
Experience in hybrid and remote course delivery models.
Compliance knowledge for lab safety, OSHA standards, and institutional policies.

Soft Skills

Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Dedication to student-centered teaching and academic mentorship.
Adaptability to diverse learning environments and student needs.
Collaborative mindset for working within multidisciplinary academic teams.
Patience, empathy, and approachability in student interactions.
Innovative thinking to create engaging and interactive learning experiences.
Professional integrity and commitment to continuous improvement.
Analytical and problem-solving abilities in academic contexts.
Enthusiasm for teaching and promoting science literacy.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
Master’s Degree in Biology, Life Sciences, or a closely related field.

Preferred Education:
Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Biology, Molecular Biology, or Science Education.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Biological Sciences
Microbiology
Anatomy and Physiology
Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
2–5 years of teaching experience at the secondary or postsecondary level.

Preferred:
Experience teaching college-level courses with lab components, curriculum development, and student research supervision.