Position Summary

Washburn University Institute of Technology is seeking applications for Life Sciences Technical Instructor. This 12-month instructor position is full-time and benefit eligible, and will require in-person and online course delivery. An anticipated hire date is as soon as November 1, 2026 but negotiable. Work schedule is M-F 7:30 am – 4:30 pm.

The Life Sciences Technical Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction to students enrolled in the Health Occupations Program prerequisite courses. This role involves teaching fundamental health science courses that prepare students to enter Health Occupations Programs with the knowledge needed for success. The instructor will foster an engaging learning environment that promotes student success and meets accreditation standards.

Each selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.

About Washburn University

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions

Develop, organize, deliver, and evaluate curriculum and instruction consistent with established course, program, and institutional objectives.
Provide effective instruction in classroom, laboratory, clinical, online, and other learning environments, as applicable to the assigned program or courses.
Develop and maintain appropriate lesson plans, instructional materials, learning activities, assessments, equipment, and other resources to support student learning.
Direct, guide, observe, and evaluate student performance; provide timely and constructive feedback; and assign grades in accordance with established academic and program standards.
Maintain accurate and timely records of student attendance, grades, progress, assessment, and other required program or institutional information, including use of the University's Learning Management System and other designated systems.
Promote a positive, engaging, inclusive, and professional learning environment that supports student success and, where applicable, ensures laboratory and clinical activities are performed safely and competently.
Advise, mentor, and support students in their academic and professional development, including assisting with student recruitment, retention, progression, and completion efforts, as appropriate.
Participate in the development, review, assessment, and continuous improvement of curriculum, courses, instructional practices, and program outcomes.
Collaborate effectively and maintain professional, collegial, and respectful relationships with students, instructors, staff, administrators, and internal and external partners.
Participate in departmental and institutional meetings, professional development activities, committees, shared governance, advisory activities, campus events, and other service responsibilities, as assigned or appropriate to the position.
Develop and maintain appropriate relationships with industry, health care, community, and other external partners to support program quality, student learning, and workforce needs, as applicable.
Maintain current knowledge and competency in the assigned discipline, including relevant industry practices, technology, professional standards, certification or credentialing requirements, and instructional practices.
Adhere to college and University policies, procedures, standards, and applicable program, accreditation, regulatory, safety, and professional requirements.
Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in health sciences, biology, social sciences, or related field.
Minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in at least one health sciences content area.
Proven effective communication and customer service skills with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
Demonstrated effective organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and other office productivity software; ability to learn and effectively use university information systems.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain university policies, procedures, and program requirements.
Demonstrated dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.
Official transcripts required at time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience teaching health sciences courses at the technical college level.
Graduate credit hours of 18 or more in both biology and social sciences content area.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Questions pertaining to this position may be directed to Pam Masters pamela.masters@washburn.edu.

Application Deadline: Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by October 27, 2026.

Background Check Required

Washburn University is committed to providing an environment for individuals to pursue educational and employment opportunities free from discrimination and/or harassment. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Washburn University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants for employment. If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please email benefits@washburn.edu or call 785-670-1538 at least five (5) business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.

Technical Instructor (Life Sciences - Updated 10/14/2026)