Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry

Role details

Wilkes University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Chemistry specializing in Organic Chemistry, pending final budget approval, to begin in August 2027.

The successful candidate will teach courses in the organic chemistry sequence, including lectures and laboratories, as well as additional undergraduate chemistry courses aligned with departmental needs and the candidate's expertise. The current teaching load is 24 formula hours per academic year, equivalent to a 4/4 teaching load. The department values effective, engaging instruction that challenges students academically while supporting their success. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate education, evidence-based teaching practices, and meaningful student mentorship.

The successful candidate will also be expected to establish an active, sustainable research program that engages undergraduate students and contributes to scholarly productivity through presentations, publications, and other appropriate professional activities. Research plans should be feasible within a primarily undergraduate institution and demonstrate opportunities for meaningful student participation. Candidates are encouraged to consider the use of existing departmental instrumentation and opportunities for external funding.

Additional responsibilities include academic advising, curriculum development, and service to the department, college, and university.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate organic chemistry lectures and laboratories, along with additional chemistry courses as assigned.
• Develop and maintain an active research program that meaningfully involves undergraduate students.
• Mentor and advise students in their academic and professional
• Contribute to curriculum development and
• Participate in departmental, college, and university

Minimum Qualifications

• D. in Chemistry or a closely related field completed by August 2027
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and student success
• Evidence of effective teaching or strong potential for instructional effectiveness
• Potential to establish a productive research program involving undergraduate students

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching organic chemistry lectures and/or laboratories
• Experience mentoring undergraduate researchers
• Ability to teach additional undergraduate chemistry courses
• Familiarity with evidence-based teaching practices
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and over 1,500 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels. Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a revitalized city, located on the scenic Susquehanna River, that provides an affordable cost of living and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.

To apply, visit: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/wilkesuniversitycareers/jobs. Please submit:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position, the University, and qualifications
• Curriculum vitae

• Teaching statement (maximum 2 pages): describe your teaching philosophy, instructional strategies, and approach to supporting student learning in undergraduate chemistry courses.
• Summary of course evaluations, if available
• Graduate transcripts

• Research statement (maximum 6 pages including figures, excluding references): describe a research program appropriate for a primarily undergraduate institution, including proposed research directions, opportunities for meaningful undergraduate student involvement, anticipated resource needs, and potential for scholarly dissemination and external funding.
• Names and contact information for three professional references

The position will remain open until filled, with preference given to applicants who submit all required materials by November 13, 2026.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Megan Youmans at [email protected].

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.