Lead Instructor, DNA Learning Center at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee

Job Description:

This position involves providing hands-on genetics and molecular biology instruction to precollege students as part of the Meharry Medical College DNA Learning Center (DNALC), a unique collaboration with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute. The role includes delivering academic year field trips, summer camps, and extended research projects, as well as training and managing high school interns, conducting in-school instruction, assisting with student research programs, and developing teaching modules. The position also involves conducting teacher training sessions and creating innovative educational resources in genetics and molecular biology.


The Lead Instructor will work closely with DNALC leadership and collaborators to implement impactful education programs aimed at improving access to genetics education and supporting Together for Change, an initiative to sequence the genomes of 500,000 individuals of African heritage to address healthcare disparities. Occasional weekend work, travel for training or instruction, and initial training at a DNALC facility in New York will be required.



Daily Operations

• Provide hands-on genetics and molecular biology instruction, including developing teaching modules and instructional materials


• Train and manage high school interns and support student research programs


• Deliver in-school instruction and community outreach


• Conduct teacher training workshops


• Participate in administrative and collaborative activities

• Experience in teaching biology, genetics, or molecular biology concepts, with a focus on hands-on instruction for precollege students.


• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA barcoding, with the ability to learn new techniques as needed.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills to coordinate multiple educational programs, manage interns, and deliver in-school instruction effectively.


• Ability to develop and adapt teaching materials, lesson plans, and modules for diverse educational settings.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage students, train teachers, and collaborate with DNALC staff and external partners.


• Familiarity with personal genomics, bioinformatics, or DNA sequencing technologies is preferred.


• Competence in managing high school student interns and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, with a self-starter attitude and proactive problem-solving approach.


• Comfortable with flexible scheduling, including occasional weekend work, and able to travel for training or program delivery as required.


• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, educational software, and online learning platforms.


• Familiarity with State of Tennessee Science Education Standards is a plus

• Master's degree or higher in biology, genetics, molecular biology, education, or a related field.


• New PhDs or postdoctoral scientists with an interest in teaching careers are encouraged to apply, particularly those with expertise in genomics or bioinformatics

• Minimum of one year of teaching or educational experience, preferably in a science-related field.


• Hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, or DNA extraction.

• Experience teaching or working with precollege students in educational programs, camps, or research initiatives.


• Familiarity with personal genomics, bioinformatics, or DNA barcoding techniques.


• Experience conducting or supporting student research projects or teacher training programs.


• Tennessee State teaching certification or equivalent credentials (preferred but not required).

• Work is primarily performed in a laboratory or classroom setting with standard biosafety measures.


• Occasional travel required for training sessions, professional development, or program delivery.


• Flexibility to work some weekends and evenings as program schedules demand.


• Exposure to typical laboratory chemicals and equipment; adherence to safety protocols is required.

• Ability to stand or move around for extended periods while teaching or supervising lab activities.


• Capacity to lift and carry light to moderate equipment or supplies (up to 25 lbs).


• Manual dexterity for performing hands-on laboratory experiments and handling small tools or instruments.


• Ability to operate standard office and laboratory equipment, including computers, projectors, and lab machinery.


• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to observe and instruct students during hands-on activities.