General Description

Institution Description:

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) is a division of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University (JHU). As the nation's oldest and one of the most prestigious research universities, Johns Hopkins offers high-quality master's degrees and post-baccalaureate education to students in the mid-Atlantic region and online. In addition to the online programs, AAP also offers master's degrees and graduate certificate programs at its Washington, DC Center and at the Homewood campus in Baltimore, MD. JHU is committed to hiring candidates who, through their teaching and service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Position Description:

The Center for Biotechnology Education within AAP seeks non-tenure track adjunct faculty to teach the Division of Biotechnology graduate-level lecture and laboratory courses listed below. The instructor will teach online and/or on the Homewood campus.  Of particular interest are candidates who have experience teaching and engaging students from diverse backgrounds. In your submission materials, please include the course(s) from the list that you are interested in teaching.

Full list of current and future offerings

CORE COURSES

Cellular Signal Transduction - 410.604

Students examine cell-to-cell signaling that involves hormones and receptors, signal transduction pathways, second messenger molecules, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix, cell cycle, programmed cell death, methylation of DNA, modification of chromatin structure, and mechanisms of the cell. The roles that defects in signal transduction pathways play in the development of cancer and other disease states will be stressed. 

Experimental Design in Biotechnology - 410.605

This course explores the fundamental principles of experimental design and statistical analysis as applied to research in molecular biology, biotechnology, and the life sciences. Students will develop a strong foundation in designing rigorous, reproducible experiments, understanding sources of variability, and applying appropriate statistical methods for data analysis. Topics include hypothesis formulation, experimental controls, sample size determination, factorial design, and statistical techniques in biotechnology. Through hands-on data analysis, critical evaluation of scientific literature, and problem-solving exercises, students will gain the skills necessary to design robust experiments, interpret results, and enhance the reproducibility of biotechnological research.

Emerging Applications in Biotechnology - 410.606

This foundational online graduate laboratory course offers an interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art introduction to investigative approaches and experimental methods in biotechnology. It combines demonstrations of basic laboratory skills with virtual immersive technical training to introduce the application of standard laboratory methods and the use of equipment and techniques central to biotechnology research. Laboratory exercises highlight cutting-edge instrumentation currently used in the field. This course provides broad coverage of topics including cell and molecular biology, genetics, multi-omics, and more, providing students with the essential tools and knowledge to understand various applications in biotechnology research and development.

The Biotechnology Enterprise - 410.607

This foundational biotechnology course provides the biotechnology student an introduction to the business of biotechnology, from scientific This foundational biotechnology course provides the biotechnology student an introduction to the business of biotechnology, from scientific discovery through product launch and subsequent organizational and scientific pipeline growth. The course introduces the biotechnology student to various disciplines and activities (such as funding, research and development, biomanufacturing, commercialization) for biotechnology enterprise formation, development, and operation. A course-long project involving several assignments that include aspects of a biotechnology organizational simulation is reflected in a student learning organization (SLO) construct.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Microbiological Threats & Emerging Infectious Diseases - 410.613

This course provides an in-depth examination of microbiological agents that pose threats to public health, national security, and global stability. Emphasizing both naturally emerging pathogens and potential bioterrorism agents, the course integrates principles of microbiology, epidemiology, and public health preparedness. Students will explore the biological characteristics, transmission dynamics, and pathogenesis of high-priority pathogens--including select agents--as well as recent and emerging infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2, MERS, and novel influenza strains. Topics include detection and surveillance technologies, risk assessment, outbreak response, and vaccine and therapeutic development. Case studies and scenario-based exercises will reinforce the application of scientific knowledge to real-world threat assessment and mitigation efforts.

Gene Therapy - 410.630

In this course, students learn about how gene therapy can be used to treat or prevent genetic disease in the human population. This course is centered around how disease-causing variations in the human genome, including inherited diseases, mutations, epigenetic modifications, and viral infections, can be targeted using molecular technologies. Students will learn about the benefits and limitations of gene therapy and the bioethical concerns involved with this field of research and medicine.

Artificial Intelligence and Laboratory Automation in Biotechnology - 410.631

This course is designed for students and researchers working in laboratory settings who are eager to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into experimental biotechnology workflows. With the rapid advancement of AI, laboratories are increasingly leveraging machine learning, computational imaging, and automation to accelerate discovery and enhance data interpretation. This course bridges foundational AI concepts with hands-on laboratory applications, focusing on real-world use cases in laboratory analysis, preclinical research, and translational science. Emphasis will be placed on improving laboratory reproducibility and clinical translatability by using AI models that extract meaningful signals while minimizing confounders.

Molecular Epidemiology in Biopharma - 410.632

This course explores the principles and applications of molecular epidemiology within the context of biopharmaceutical research and development. Students will examine how molecular tools and biomarkers are used to investigate disease etiology, identify population-level risk factors, stratify patient groups, and inform precision medicine strategies. The course emphasizes the integration of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and other -omics technologies in epidemiologic studies, with a focus on their translational value in drug discovery, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory science. 

Tissue-Engineered Systems for Drug Discovery and Development - 410.657

This course explores how engineered tissues and organotypic models are revolutionizing the drug development process. Students will learn about sca?old design for drug testing, 3D cultures, organoids, organ-on-chip technologies, and how these systems improve translational research outcomes. The course emphasizes applications in pharmacology, toxicology, and personalized medicine.

Ethics in Emerging Bioscience Technologies - 410.664

This course covers basic ethical notions in the conduct of research into regenerative medicine. Specific case studies involving informed consent, gene editing, organ transplantation, animal research, sources of stem cell lines, the use of placebos, and eugenics will be covered. Students will examine navigating the institutional research boards of different universities, hospitals, and institutions. Authorship, peer review, conflict of interest, and copyright law will be discussed. Students will explore international differences and approaches to the ethics of regenerative medicine and how that affects practice and how patients are treated.

Nanobiotechnology - 410.699

The emerging field of nanobiotechnology utilizes developments in nanotechnology and molecular biology for applications to biomedical science and clinical practice, fundamental cell biology research, and industrial biotechnology. Nanobiotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that exploits the unique functional properties of natural and synthetic biomolecular-sized (nanometer-scale) constructs, such as quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, nanostructured surfaces, liposomes, artificial membranes, and molecular machines for biotechnology and medicine. This course will survey the research, development, and applications of nanotechnology to medical diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutics (including drug delivery and anti-cancer treatments), cell biology and single-cell analysis, nanofluidics, bioassays, biosensors, and bio-inspired engineering. 

Manufacturing and Processes for Biotherapeutics - 410.731

This course examines manufacturing processes of current and emerging treatments that utilize therapies derived from biological sources as treatment for injury or disease, including cell and gene therapies. Students will become familiar with the state-of-the-art in biomanufacturing, stem cell differentiation, purification of biological materials, drug delivery, and explore challenges/gaps in current biological-based treatments. The course will explore processes at the development, pilot, and industrial scale. 

Stem Cell Biology - 410.753

This course will involve discussion and debate on current topics concerning stem cell biology and the use of stem cells in biotechnology and therapeutics. Topics will include review and discussion of developmental and cell biology, stem cell characteristics, stem cell preparation and therapeutic uses, tissue engineering, global regulatory and ethical issues, and commercialization of stem cell therapy. The course will also detail state-of-the-art techniques for the experimental study of stem cells for biotechnology and biomedical applications. Current peer-reviewed literature and guest experts in the field will provide up-to-date information for discussion. 

LABORATORY COURSES

Biodefense & Infectious Disease Laboratory Methods - 410.658

This laboratory course introduces students to the methods and techniques used for biothreat detection, surveillance, and identification. Using bio simulants and demonstrations, various bio detection platforms will be discussed and presented, such as point-of-detection devices and methods, laboratory-based screening and identification technologies (culture, quantitative PCR, immunoassays, biosensors), and high-throughput environmental surveillance methods.

Advanced Clinical Molecular Techniques Laboratory - 410.659

This laboratory course consists of integrated laboratory exercises designed to give students hands-on experience with various molecular techniques. This innovative hybrid course is intended for advanced learners with extensive molecular biology experience who want to use the current and emerging techniques commonly employed in government and industry. The onsite laboratory learning experiences will include, but not be limited to, PCR optimization, quantitative real-time PCR, and control of gene expression by DNA sequencing in the clinical setup. The essential concepts discussed will include setting up a clinical lab, writing Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) at the clinical level, and applying for a CLIA certificate.

Methods in Proteomics - 410.661

This laboratory course provides a fundamental understanding of modern mass spectrometers for protein analysis, the ability to operate these instruments, and the ability to prepare biological samples. Focuses on the analysis of proteins, with applications including biomarker discovery, tissue characterization, detection of blood doping, drug discovery, and the characterization of protein-based therapeutics. Students will also utilize bioinformatics-based methods to analyze and interpret large-scale proteomics data.

Library Preparation in Next-Generation Sequencing - 410.733

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has revolutionized the field of genomics, enabling high-throughput analysis of DNA and RNA at unprecedented depths and speeds. This laboratory course aims to provide students with hands-on training in the most widely used NGS sample preparation techniques. The course will cover topics such as DNA and RNA extraction, library preparation, quality control, and quantification methods for NGS samples.

Nanotechnology Development and Characterization Laboratory - 410.782

This laboratory course presents a hands-on approach to key synthesis techniques and processes currently used in nanotechnology and nanoscience. Introduces a range of nanometer-scale materials and the synthesis processes used to produce them. Laboratory exercises cover advanced characterization techniques for examining nanometer-scale materials and structures, including microscopic, spectroscopic, and biophysical methods.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: A successful candidate would ideally be able to begin teaching in Spring 2026,  Summer 2026, or Fall 2026.

• A Master's degree in the Biological Sciences or in a relevant field.
• Professional and/or scholarly experience in Biotechnology.
• One year of college-level teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in the Biological Sciences or a relevant field.
• Background to teach a wide variety of courses in Biotechnology.
• Ability to teach both on-campus and online courses.
• Two or more years of graduate-level teaching experience.
• Experience in curriculum development and implementation.

Application Instructions

The position will remain open until filled.  

Candidates must submit the following:

• Cover letter (in your cover letter, please indicate which course(s) your prefer)
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching evaluations for two recently-taught courses
• Official transcript from highest degree-granting institution (Master's or Doctoral level)
• Teaching statement/philosophy
• References upon request

The selected candidate will be expected to undergo a background check and submit proof of educational attainment.

About Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University remains committed to its founding principle, that education for all students should be grounded in exploration and discovery. Hopkins students are challenged not just to learn but also to advance learning itself. Critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and entrepreneurship are all encouraged and nourished in this unique educational environment. After more than 130 years, Johns Hopkins remains a world leader in both teaching and research. Faculty members and their research colleagues at the university's Applied Physics Laboratory have each year since 1979 won Johns Hopkins more federal research and development funding than any other university. The university has nine academic divisions and campuses throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. The Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the School of Education and the Carey Business School are based at the Homewood campus in northern Baltimore. The schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing share a campus in east Baltimore with The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Peabody Institute, a leading professional school of music, is located on Mount Vernon Place in downtown Bal...timore. The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies is located in Washington's Dupont Circle area.

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