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

How to Apply: 

Applicants should provide: (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter detailing interest and aptitude for the position, (3) names and contact information of three professional references who can attest to work experience, and (4) copies of all degrees earned. Please upload your cover letter and copies of degrees as a single PDF file under “Additional Files” on the application page Here.No later than 26th December 2024

University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Organizational Profile 

UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.

UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality healthcare to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima—PIH’s sister organization—and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.

Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment: 

At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.

UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.