Ecology Instructor

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY).

The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries.

We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.

Primary Location:

Bargaining Unit:

No

The Baruch STEP Academy is an academic enrichment program focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and providing college preparation. Managed through the CUNY Research Foundation, we serve over 150 middle and high school students throughout the city. The Summer 2026 Program will operate over 16 sessions, July 6th through July 30th (Monday through Thursday only). 

Website: https://step.baruch.cuny.edu | Blog: https://baruchstep.wordpress.com/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruchstep/

Middle School Instructor (In-person)

Course Title: Urban Ecology

Course Description: This interdisciplinary course explores how nature thrives within cities. The dynamic relationship between human infrastructure and biological hotspots will be examined, covering topics like the urban heat island effect, wildlife adaptation, and environmental justice. By bridging science, human health, and urban planning, the course teaches how to analyze and improve the ecological health of man-made environments.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The STEP Academy at Baruch College is seeking to fill a summer instructor position for the junior program (grades 7-9). The course will introduce students to an intensive STEM subject for a month. The goal of the course is to engage students in an exploratory science experience, not provided in a standard classroom. Instructors will prepare students to participate in the annual showcase displaying research posters, projects, and/or oral presentation.

Schedule
Start Time: 9am
Instructor Hours: 9:30am-2pm 

Specific Duties

• Prepare and teach curriculum for about 20 students

• Evaluate student and group performance often

• Provide staff with measurable results in student learning through assessments

• Monitor and maintain student attendance records

• Reassess curriculum based on students' needs, interests, and understanding of materials

• Plan for end of semester project

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Required:

• Availability each program day from 9am – 2pm + weekly one hour faculty meetings

• Degree in subject area or related STEM field

• Previous teaching role in subject area 

• Possess good interpersonal skills with teenagers

• Experience guiding students with research projects 

Preferred:

• Prior experience with middle or high school students

• Possess innovative and creative instructional methods

• Enthusiasm for designing original, self-directed curriculum

• Have a strong classroom management style

• Demonstrated ability to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment

Please submit a cover letter. Interviews with eligible candidates will be on a rolling basis.

Pay Range:

$4,500 | $45 x 100 hours | This includes 72 hours of instruction (including 45 minute daily breaks) + 28 hours for orientations, meetings and prep work.

RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.