Assistant Professor - Chemistry and Forensic Science (Tenure Track)

Role details

About Us

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Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication
• Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

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Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science, this position is a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science, beginning in Spring or Fall 2027. The department seeks candidates with expertise in Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry/Forensic Science, Toxicology, or a closely related field. The successful candidate will teach 12 to 15 semester hours of chemistry and/or forensic science courses.

Faculty responsibilities include delivering face-to-face and online courses, contributing to program and curriculum development, providing academic mentoring, participating in scholarly activities, promoting student success, and engaging in institutional service. The candidate is also expected to establish an active research program that secures external funding with a focus on undergraduate student involvement. Faculty may be asked to perform job-related duties not specifically described in this description.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Responsibilities

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The successful candidate will:

• Teach 12 to 15 semester hours of undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses in Chemistry and/or Forensic Science.
• Develop and maintain an active research and scholarly agenda appropriate for a tenure-track faculty appointment.
• Mentor undergraduate students and engage students in research and other high-impact educational practices.
• Seek external funding to support research, student training, and program development.
• Participate in student advising, recruitment, retention, and other student-success initiatives.
• Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement of the Chemistry and Forensic Science programs.
• Participate in departmental, college, university, and professional service.
• Perform other duties consistent with a tenure-track faculty appointment and the needs of the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science.

Required Qualifications

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• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Forensic Science, Toxicology, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution by the time of appointment.
• Academic preparation and expertise in Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry/Forensic Science, Toxicology, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated potential for effective undergraduate teaching.
• Demonstrated potential to establish a productive research program involving undergraduate students.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

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• Teaching experience at the college or university level.
• Postdoctoral, professional, or research experience in a relevant field.
• Experience with modern analytical instrumentation and laboratory techniques.
• Experience conducting research with undergraduate students.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications, presentations, or other professional activities.
• Demonstrated potential to pursue and secure external funding.
• Ability to contribute to both the Chemistry and Forensic Science programs.

Proposed Salary

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Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required Documents to Attach

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• Cover letter describing the applicants qualifications and interest in the position.

• Current curriculum vitae (CV).

• Statement of teaching approach and experience.

• Statement of research interests and plans, including opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.

• Unofficial transcripts of graduate coursework.

• Contact information for three professional references (name, e-mail address and telephone number).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

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• Knowledge of chemistry, forensic science, teaching methodologies, and curriculum design.
• Knowledge of research ethics.
• Knowledge of chemistry, forensic disciplines and specialized areas within the field.
• Knowledge of current trends and debates in chemistry and forensic science.
• Skills in interpersonal relations and classroom management
• Skills in designing and delivering engaging lectures and seminars.
• Skills in conducting scholarly research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Skills in integrating technology and digital resources into teaching.
• Skills in assessing student learning and providing constructive feedback.
• Skills in oral and written communication for academic and public audiences.
• Ability to foster collaborate across disciplines.
• Ability to mentor and advise students on academic and career paths.
• Ability to create a supportive classroom environment.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to departmental initiatives.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods to all learning styles.

Apply Before Date

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For best consideration, apply by November 30, 2026. Review of applications may begin as early as November 13, 2026.

Contact Information

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For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected]. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email [email protected].

USG Core Values

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The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

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At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:

• Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
• Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
• Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
• Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
• Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Conditions of Employment

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Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status").

No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at [email protected]. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [email protected].