Temporary Faculty for Summer 2027, Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS)

Description

The Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) was established to provide a summer enrichment experience in the sciences and mathematics for hardworking Pennsylvania high school students and to encourage them to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The program provides instruction in biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science, with emphasis on collaborative learning and team research.

The PGSS is a 5-week STEM enrichment program. We are seeking multiple faculty members for summer employment for the 2027 session.

Our particular focus is on five Core Subject Areas of:

• Biological Sciences

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Mathematical Sciences

• Physics

Temporary Faculty Appointments are available for the following types of appointment:

• Core Course Instructor - Our five Core Courses provide a common educational experience for all the PGSS students. Core Courses meet for 50 minutes, 4 mornings a week, for the first four weeks of the program (specific weekly schedule TBD).

• Laboratory Course Instructor - Students choose one laboratory course in one of the four Core Subject Areas of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics. Laboratory Courses meet two afternoons a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) 2:30 – 5:30 PM, for the first four weeks of the program.

• Elective Course Instructor - A variety of special topic Elective Courses are offered each year, depending on the interests of the faculty. Elective Courses meet for 50 minutes, twice a week in the afternoon or evening (specific schedules TBD), for the first four weeks of the program.

• Faculty Advisor for a Team Research Project - Students choose a Team Research Project from the menu of options, based on their interests. A typical team consists of six to ten students and an undergraduate Teaching Assistant (TA). Team Projects meet two afternoons a week (Mondays and Thursdays) 2:30 – 5:30 PM for the first four weeks of the program, plus additional time as needed early in the fifth week to complete the final paper and PowerPoint presentation.

Classroom space, laboratory and/or computing facilities will be provided, as well as supplies and materials needed to carry out lab work and/or research.

Faculty Responsibilities include:

• Meeting with TAs prior to the start of the program to manage course content or scope of research project and expectations.

• Managing the planning and delivering of daily course contents and crafting weekly homework assignments (for Core, Lab, or Elective Course Instructors).

• Providing the intellectual idea for a challenging but doable project (for Project Advisors).

• Advising the students, as needed, during the scheduled research sessions (for Project Advisors).

• Providing feedback on homework or lab notebooks to the students with the help of undergraduate Tas.

• Providing feedback on overall performance of each student in their course or project to the PGSS Program Director at the conclusion of the program.

• Attend weekly Faculty/Staff meetings

• Attend the Scientific Symposium at the end of Week 5 of the program

• Attend the Opening and Closing Ceremonies

• Attend a planning meeting with your assigned TAs before the program start date

Important 2027 Program Dates

• Planning Meeting with TAs: Thursday June 24; 12:30-2:30pm

• Opening Ceremony: Sunday, June 27; 4:00-5:15pm

• Weekly Faculty/Staff Meetings: Mondays June 28 – July 26

• Scientific Symposium: Thursday July 29; 1:30-5:30pm and Friday July 30; 9:00am-12:30pm

• Closing Ceremony: Friday July 30; 5:30-9:00pm

• Departure of students: Saturday, July 25, 2026

For more information about the PGSS program, please visit: https://www.cmu.edu/mcs/pgss/ .

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree plus three years of work experience in one of our Core subject areas required.

• Master’s Degree plus work experience or Ph.D. in the relevant subject area are preferred.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Application Instructions

Application materials, including a cover letter and curriculum vitae should be submitted via this Interfolio site. Applications are also asked to arrange for a confidential letter of recommendation to be uploaded to Interfolio.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

• PA Child Protection Clearances (Act 153)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.