Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Role details

Job Title: Assistant Professor of Chemistry Department: Chemistry Job Description: The Chemistry Department at Rhodes College invites applications for a tenure-track position in the area of biochemistry at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning in August 2027. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field by August 1, 2027, and demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and research in a liberal arts environment. Although not required, post-doctoral experience is preferred. We seek an individual who can teach biochemistry in a supportive, inclusive, and engaging way, and who is dedicated to mentoring and advising students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

The teaching load is five courses per year, with laboratory courses counting as full courses. Responsibilities will include biochemistry lectures, and possibly introductory chemistry and the laboratory, analytical chemistry laboratory, an advanced course in the candidate’s area of expertise, and/or senior seminar. Courses will count toward both the Chemistry major and the interdisciplinary major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The successful candidate will join a diverse and collaborative department, contributing to both departmental and college-wide initiatives.

In addition to teaching, the candidate is expected to develop a sustainable research program that actively involves undergraduates, providing them with meaningful opportunities for scholarly growth. For additional information, please contact Larryn Peterson ([email protected]). Rhodes is a nationally ranked residential college committed to the liberal arts and sciences. Our highest priorities are intellectual engagement, community excellence, service to others, and honor among ourselves.

Our students live and learn on one of the country’s most beautiful campuses, located in the heart of Memphis, an economic, medical, and culturally diverse center, making Rhodes one of a handful of prominent liberal arts colleges in a major metropolitan area. Rhodes College prides itself on providing a welcoming environment for employees of all backgrounds, viewpoints, and life experiences. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

A complete application will include 1) a cover letter that addresses the strengths the candidate will bring as a teacher and scholar to a liberal arts college environment; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a separate statement that addresses how the candidate will foster an inclusive learning environment where students from a wide variety of perspectives, beliefs, and backgrounds learn how to engage in civil and respectful dialogue.

Also, you must include the following under Additional Documents: 4) teaching philosophy statement (1-3 pages) describing your experiences and approaches to teaching at a primarily undergraduate institution; and 5) a statement of research interests (3-5 pages) describing your plans for a sustainable undergraduate research program. Review of completed applications will begin October 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Letters of recommendation will only be solicited for short-listed applicants, at which time you will be prompted for the names and contact information for three (3) references.

Background checks are required before candidates can be brought to campus for interviews. #HEJ