Citizen Science at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY is seeking instructors for January 2024. Citizen Science is an innovative program designed to provide opportunities for students in their first year of college to develop their personal science literacy through hands-on, real-world coursework and projects. We ask...

• What does it mean to be scientifically literate? 
• What is the role of citizens when it comes to weighing in on important scientific issues? 
• How can citizens find the scientific information they need in order to meet the challenges they face in their lives and respond to the scientific issues of their day? 
• What are the skills we all need in order to adequately and thoroughly interpret scientific claims and how can we be sure that the conduct, analysis, and interpretation of science are not unduly influenced by political or other potentially distorting factors?

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, PFAS (a class of toxic forever chemicals) were identified in the waterways of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and were later linked to multiple forms of cancer. Since that time, these forever chemicals have been identified around the globe. From freshwater resources in Asia to the rainforests of South America, PFAS has even been identified within common household products like infant formula in South Africa. Now, 20-30 years later, it is assumed that this toxic chemical is found in the blood of virtually every person on the planet. Through the lens of PFAS contamination, the Citizen Science Program tackles urgent, present-day questions related to water contamination and works to place these conversations within the students' daily lives and imagined futures. We will consider in what ways social, historical, and political factors are at work even when we think we are engaged in "objective" science. In 2024 we will explore the properties of water, as well as how these properties influence the contamination (and decontamination) of water. Using laboratory investigations and active classroom discussions during these few intensive January weeks, the focus will be on the creation, analysis, and interpretation of scientific evidence. The program consists of a common core of coursework plus students select one of three different lab strands: (1) The Environmental Water Lab, (2) Science Communication and Education, or (3) Public Action.

Each professor is assigned a section of ~20 students and is required to teach both a core and lab strand class each day to their section. Faculty are assigned to teach one of these lab strands based on their expertise and the needs of the program. Faculty are grouped into cohorts of at least four per strand. For details on the strands offered in 2023 visit https://citizenscience.bard.edu/curriculum/

Successful candidates will possess or be near completion of a Ph.D., a master's degree, or equivalent in a STEM-related discipline and be willing to engage students of all disciplines in a common educational experience. No specific background in the science of water is required.  Prior teaching experience is also not a requirement. Candidates with evidence of training in or experience that aligns with the focus of the lab strands will be given special consideration.

All hired faculty will be required to attend an on-campus mandatory training of approximately 50 hours, scheduled for July 24-30, 2023 followed by monthly 2-hour on-line training sessions throughout the Fall. Faculty will be required to return for the 2024 Citizen Science program no later than January 7, 2024 for pre-program work. The program runs through Thursday, January 25, 2024. Travel, food, and housing will be provided for any on-campus training and the entire January session. Faculty will receive a stipend payable at the end of the January session.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. We will give preference to applications received by May 1, 2023.  Please submit the following materials to Interfolio at:

• Your current CV
• Two confidential letters of recommendation.
• A letter of interest specific to this unique program that gives a sense of your philosophy on teaching and pedagogy as well as your approach to diversity and inclusion. We particularly invite you to address the four cornerstone questions of the program as represented at the beginning of this document.

Applications received after May 1, 2023 will be accepted and considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.  

Bard College is a private liberal arts institution with approximately 2,000 students, located in New York's Hudson River Valley. Additional information about the Citizen Science program can be found on our website, http://citizenscience.bard.edu/

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

About Bard College

Building on a 150-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College's mission has expanded across the country, around the world, and to meet broader student needs.Now, approximately 2,000 undergraduates study in Annandale and more than 200 graduate students study in Bard programs, plus nearly 1,000 students in our early colleges. Total enrollment for Bard College and its global affiliates is approximately 5,000 students. The undergraduate program at our main campus in the Hudson River Valley of upstate New York retains a reputation for scholarly excellence and civic engagement. We are committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow's thought leaders.

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