Learning Support Specialist (Science)

Who We Are:

For 140 years, National Louis University has been driven by one core belief: education changes lives. Since our founding, we've stayed grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity, and we've never wavered from the idea that education is the greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community built on continuous improvement and a genuine commitment to serving those we teach. Through education, we empower change and build stronger, healthier communities. Our hard-working team runs on collaboration and mutual respect, for one another and for every student we serve.

What You Will Do:

The Learning Support Specialist (Science) plays a critical role in supporting NLU students by encouraging students to take an active role in their education and empowering them to become independent, lifelong learners. The primary responsibility is to tutor students in the fundamental academic learning skills of science courses, such as anatomy & physiology, biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Focus will also be on scientific reading and test-taking strategies, including supporting students taking certification exams in the healthcare fields, along with other general academic skills, for students at the Chicago campus and online. Tutoring occurs through one-on-one appointments and in small workshops utilizing various modes, including in-person, phone, email, and video conferencing software. The Learning Support Specialist (Science) will help monitor and communicate the progress of student academic skills to relevant faculty and support staff, reach out to at-risk students, and accurately track student tutoring usage. Responsibilities also include scheduled hours in Study Tables, Learning Support‘s drop in virtual tutoring space, creating resources and facilitating Learning Support workshops, as well as promoting events and supports to students, faculty, and other stakeholders. Finally, the Learning Support Specialist (Science) will support faculty and students in embedded, science-intensive courses.

• Tutor for general education and more advanced science courses as well as general academic skills (reading and time management strategies). Provide science support for major and general education courses with substantial science components. Monitor student academic progress and promote usage of tutoring services.
• Collaborate with faculty to support at-risk students. Conduct class visits at the beginning of each term, respond to faculty alerts, and provide embedded support in online and blended courses.
• Create and present science content-specific workshops/webinars and create asynchronous resources to support students in their science intensive classes and on their health sciences certification exams.
• Contribute to strategic plan-affiliated projects and support departmental promotional efforts with guidance from Learning Support leadership.

• Bachelor's Degree in a Science field required
• Master's Degree preferred, Life Sciences Degree preferred
• One (1+) plus year of prior teaching or tutoring experience in a broad range of science courses and knowledge of science pedagogy and instructional practices
• One (1+) plus year experience teaching or tutoring in diverse modalities (hybrid/blended, online)
• One (1+) plus year experience with students of diverse backgrounds and abilities
• Experience with scientific reading, note-taking, and test-taking strategies
• Thorough knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology

Preferred Skills

• General knowledge of genetics 
• Experience supporting students taking health science certification exams (i.e., NCLEX, NPTE)
• Experience in medical/health sciences
• Specific knowledge of the needs of and experience working with multilingual and multidialectal students

Availability to work one late night a week (until at least 7 pm) with a late start required.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The salary range of the grade for this position is $39,308 to $55,031 annually.  Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.  Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity. 

Please Include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form