Professional Practice Assistant

Description:

Utah State University (USU), in support of the Utah System of Higher Education’s Life Science Talent Workforce Initiative, invites applications for a Professional Practice Assistant or Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Engineering. This non-tenure track role will play a central part in the Master of Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing online program, aiming to provide students with advanced training that meets the growing demands of the life sciences industry.

The successful candidate will design and teach courses online and in person, maintain strong relationships with industry partners, and contribute to curriculum development, student mentorship, and career placement. The focus is on translating real-world industry knowledge into a comprehensive and practical learning experience for graduate students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver at least five courses per academic year in both lecture and laboratory formats, using tools like Canvas and other distance learning platforms.

• Courses will include, but are not limited to:

  • Assistant Professors: cGMP, downstream processing, microbial fermentation, agro-bioproduct manufacturing, technical writing, QA/QC, industrial biotech entrepreneurship, and nutraceutical/pharmaceutical manufacturing.

  • Associate Professors: Upstream processing, mammalian cell culture, monoclonal antibody production, vaccine and medical device manufacturing, design of experiments (DOE), and advanced QA/QC.

• Build and maintain partnerships with industry for:

  • Arranging guest lectures by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

  • Facilitating site tours

  • Coordinating internships

• Assist with student recruitment and participate in departmental and university service.

• Travel to various teaching sites across Utah to deliver hands-on training.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM or Life Sciences field.

• Assistant Professor: At least 5 years of industry experience.

• Associate Professor: At least 7 years in a technical leadership role in biomanufacturing.

• Demonstrated expertise in:

  • Operating fermenters and bioreactors

  • cGMP and regulatory-compliant operations

  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)

  • FDA inspection processes

• Excellent communication, teaching, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior teaching or technical training experience

• Familiarity with scale-up/scale-down methods

• Assistant Professors: Experience with EDMS (e.g., MasterControl), writing SOPs, MBRs, CAPAs, etc.

• Associate Professors: Experience with Single-Use Technologies (SUTs), PAT, QbD, DOE, CQAs, CPPs

Required Application Documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Names and contact information of at least three professional references

3. Cover letter summarizing qualifications and career goals

4. Two-page teaching statement explaining instructional approach