Head of Biochemistry

Position Title: Head of Biochemistry

Location: University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Butaro Campus

Reports To:  Director, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine

Position: Full-Time

Position Overview  

As a faculty member and Head of Biochemistry at the Division of Basic Medical Sciences of the School of Medicine, you will be responsible for working as part of a team to develop and teach modules in Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) of the undergraduate MBBS program using cutting-edge pedagogical methods. Faculty members must have a deep commitment to excellence in teaching and broad expertise in Medical Biochemistry and other foundational health sciences. All UGHE faculty members will be required to conduct research, supervise student researh, and pursue external grant funding. In addition, as the Head of Biochemistry, you are expected to support and lead the Division of BMS’s academic and administrative activities as assigned by the Chair of the Division. You will be expected to teach and assess BMS modules, participate in developing and effectively implementing Basic Medical Sciences modules for undergraduate students, and promote the UGHE research agenda.

 Academic Responsibilities  

• Lead the development and improvement of longitudinal, integrated courses in the foundational health sciences
• Develop syllabi, modules, learning objectives, student assessments, case studies, simulations, problem-solving activities, and classroom activities for BMS modules and other courses taught at UGHE
• Write and oversee the preparation and delivery of examinations in the foundational health sciences and assume responsibility for timely reporting of student grades to the Dean’s office
• Recruit and coordinate part-time and visiting faculty to co-teach Basic Science modules at UGHE
• Develop, or research and source course materials to be integrated into student assignments, including readings and teaching videos
• Deliver interactive and engaging classroom instruction
• Organize all course materials in a clear, presentable way on the UGHE learning management system
• Teach laboratory classes and/or clinical simulation-based classes
• Participate in regular curriculum integration meetings across the UGHE faculty and support community-based learning
• Coordinate with the Educational Development and Quality Center at UGHE to implement evidence-based continuous improvement of teaching and courses
• Solicit and develop international institutional relationships and partnerships
• Contribute to research at UGHE and the development of a UGHE research agenda
• Participate in community engagement activities

Administrative Responsibilities  

• Mentor and advise students and supervise student research projects
• Manage course supplies and laboratory supplies, including ordering, stocking, preparation, and distribution
• Develop semi-annual plans, reports, and budgets to sustain academic activities at UGHE
• Serve on university committees and represent the university on external committees as assigned
• Provide other duties as assigned by the Chair of Division, Dean, and other members of the University leadership

Desirable Qualifications 

• A PhD in Medical Biochemistry or a related discipline
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive Senior Academic administration experience at a university
• Significant teaching experience in a medical school with evidence of excellence in classroom delivery of course materials
• Experience in the use of Learning management systems, Digital medical education resources, and online education
• Keen interest in innovative medical education and contemporary pedagogical approaches such as Team-Based Learning, Interactive Lectures, Flipped Classrooms, and Medical Simulations.
• Experience in integrated medical education curriculum design and syllabus development
• Significant scientific outputs as evidenced by good-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals