Casual Tutors in Cognitive Science Macquarie University

• Salary Package: remuneration is in accordance with Macquarie University Academic Enterprise Staff Agreement (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/enterprise-agreement) schedule for casual academic rates of pay
• Appointment Type: casual appointments, Session 1, 2021
• Macquarie University (North Ryde) location

The Role

Casual academic staff are wanted to tutor in several undergraduate units within Cognitive Science in Session 1, 2021. Classes for this Session run from 22nd February – 5th June 2021, and exams will be held any time between the 8th – 26th June 2021. Typically, tutors will be asked to take on 1—3 tutorial classes per week, depending on enrolment numbers. In addition to teaching these classes, tutors are expected to assist with student consultation, mark unit assessments and examinations, and attend regular tutor meetings where applicable.

We are seeking tutors for the units listed below. Please refer to the MQ handbook for more info on each unit (https://coursehandbook.mq.edu.au/search?q=cogs).

• COGS1000 – Introduction to Neuroscience 1: This unit has weekly 1-hour tutorials that involve the use of a variety of research and other experimental equipment. All tutors are expected to complete a training session held in the week before the start of the session.   
• COGS1010 – Delusions and Disorders of the Mind and Brain: This unit has weekly 1-hour tutorials.
• COGS2000 – Cognitive Neuroscience:  This unit has weekly 1.5-hour tutorials that involve the use of a variety of research and other experimental equipment. All tutors are expected to complete a training session held in the week before the start of the session.
• COGS2010 – Memory: This unit has weekly 1-hour tutorials.
• COGS2020 – Experimental Design and Data Analysis for the Cognitive and Brain Sciences.  This unit has weekly 2-hour tutorials that require the use of the R-programming language and software environment. Tutors are expected to have experience with R, and ideally be familiar with data.table, ggplot2 and possess a strong statistics background.
• COGS2050 – Reading in the Mind and Brain.  This unit has weekly 2-hour tutorials.
• COGS3020 – Computational Neuroscience. This unit has weekly 2-hour tutorials that require the use of python. Tutors are expected to have experience with programming in python using numpy, scipy, sklearn and preferably pytorch. A strong mathematical background including linear algebra, calculus and differential equations are desired.
• COGS3040 – Space and Time in the Brain. This unit has weekly 1.5-hour tutorials.

Please note that the timetable for Session 1, 2021 is yet to be released and as such we cannot confirm when tutorials for the above listed units will be scheduled at this point in time. If you are generally unavailable on a certain day and/or time, we strongly suggest you clearly outline this in your cover letter (further details on what to include are outlined below).

About You

All interested tutors, who are available for this time period (including both the teaching period and exam period), are encouraged to register their interest. Experience tutoring in previous offerings of these units or similar units, as well as having a background in a cognitive science or neuroscience-related field will be looked upon favourably. 

About Us

Macquarie’s Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences holds a distinctive place on the global stage. With several internationally acclaimed centres producing ground-breaking research in areas like linguistics, psychology, cognitive science and clinical medicine, our faculty is a place of passionate educators and unbridled discovery. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities including the Australian Hearing Hub, we work together to investigate and answer some of the big questions about what makes us human.

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation 56 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we’ve grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

To Apply

Please register your interest by submitting your CV and a separate (1-page maximum) cover letter. In your CV, please include your academic qualifications and industry and/or academic work experience. In your cover letter, please outline your relevant background and why you would like to be considered for these positions. Also clearly state the unit you are applying for, and if you are applying for tutoring positions in multiple units, please clearly indicate your order of preference. If you are going to be unavailable for a period during the session, please note this clearly in your cover letter. 

In addition to any unit-specific selection criteria outlined above, we will be using the following selection criteria in reviewing applications.

Essential criteria:

• Postgraduate qualification or current enrolment in a higher degree research program relevant to the teaching discipline;
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with students;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others; 
• The right work in Australia for the duration of the session.

Desirable criteria:

• Background in a cognitive science and/or neuroscience-related field; 
• Demonstrated tertiary-level teaching experience, especially in a previous offering of the unit or a similar unit.

When necessary, interviews for the available positions will be scheduled mid—late January. 

By providing an expression of interest (EOI) for these positions, you agree that your details may be placed on file for a period of 24 months. Successful EOIs will be kept on file, and may be considered when a vacancy arises that is an appropriate match to skill and disciplinary background.

Specific Role Enquiries: Bianca de Wit, Course Director, Bachelor of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, at bianca.dewit@mq.edu.au or 9850 2987

 General Enquiries: Briony Mamo, Learning & Teaching Support Officer at briony.mamo@mq.edu.au or 9850 4067

 Applications Close: Sunday 3^rd of January, 2021 at 11:55pm (AEST)

Macquarie University is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We value individual difference and recognise the strength of a vibrant, diverse and inclusive workforce where the backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of our staff are a driving force for collaboration, innovation and impact.

We work to ensure genuine equality of opportunity for people regardless of their gender, age, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and/or family status, and we encourage you to apply for a position at Macquarie University.