Symbolic Systems Teaching Coordinator - Fixed Term, 2 years
School Description:
The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the center of a world-class liberal arts education at Stanford University. H&S encompasses 23 departments--from Art and Art History, English, and History to Economics, Mathematics, and Biology--as well as 25 interdisciplinary programs. As the university's largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
Program Description:
Stanford University's Symbolic Systems Program (SSP) and Center for the Study of Language and Information (CSLI) are two core parts of the cognitive science community at Stanford. SSP is an interdisciplinary BS- and MS-granting program with coursework in Psychology, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Computer Science. SSP has grown substantially in the past years and is now one of the largest interdisciplinary programs on campus. Its graduates have had distinguished careers in technology, academia, and other areas.
CSLI is an interdisciplinary center with participants across campus, offering a research experience program for undergraduates (REU) every summer. The CSLI REU accepts applications from undergraduate students within the US and immerses them in an 8-week paid internship program where they are matched with a mentor on an original cognitive science research project. The REU is now in its fifth year and is highly competitive, with many alumni now in strong graduate programs.
This is an instructional position with a focus on supporting undergraduate education through classroom teaching and research. The position combines a 60% commitment to supporting the introductory curriculum for SSP, specifically the SymSys1 introductory course, with a 40% commitment to supporting the CSLI REU program. The candidate should be motivated to contribute to undergraduate instruction and interested in working directly with students as well as with course staff, teaching assistants, and research mentors.
Within SSP, the Academic Program Professional will coordinate teaching assistants for SymSys1 and conduct trainings for these teaching assistants, will curate course content, will coordinate assessment, and will give occasional guest lectures (with opportunities for more substantive instructional experiences based on experience).
Within the CSLI REU, the Academic Program Professional will coordinate the summer program, including conducting outreach to mentors and potential interns, coordinating intern application review, scheduling summer seminar, orientation, and social events, and working with interns to ensure a positive mentored research experience.
This position is fixed term for two years with possible renewal.
Job Purpose:
To work with instructors and research mentors to enhance the undergraduate experiences in both SymSys1 and the CSLI REU by coordinating and organizing course and program components.
CORE DUTIES*:
Oversee and administer research activities by evaluating academic programs, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and coordinating and implementing changes.
Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends to determine program effectiveness; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program.
Teach and/or assist in the teaching and administration of courses. Create and/or advise in the development of curriculum. Make recommendations for course improvements.
Write and edit content for proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities under the general direction of PI. Assist with the development of research grants, (i.e., may suggest new funding opportunities, write portions of grants, and/or summarize data for grant support).
Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school and develop communications for internal and external constituencies. Organize and/or participate in outreach activities such as events, partnerships, fundraising, training, and conferences. Lead workshops and facilitate meetings.
Monitor expenses, budgets, and finances of the program. Make recommendations on funding based on program spend.
May oversee and train student workers.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required for some programs. Program administration and or research experience may be required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
Ability to oversee and provide basic direction to staff.
Certifications and Licenses:
For teaching jobs, advanced degree or certification may be required for some programs.
Occasionally use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
Ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others.
On-campus mobility.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May work extended hours, evenings or weekends.
May travel locally.
Occasional overnight travel.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
