Assistant Professor, Chemical Education
Chemistry & Biochemistry - College of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Northern Illinois University
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Northern Illinois University anticipates hiring a tenure-track faculty member in chemical education. The position is a full-time, nine- month appointment at the assistant professor rank. Primary responsibilities include establishing a vigorous, externally funded program in discipline-based education research (DBER), teaching introductory chemistry (with the opportunity to teach upper-level courses in the candidate’s area of expertise), and working effectively with NIU’s extensive DBER community. The ideal candidate would also be able to oversee the revamping of general/introductory chemistry courses. Other responsibilities include mentoring and supporting students from diverse backgrounds in research projects and service to the department, college, university, and community.
NIU and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry value accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI). We expect candidates to value these principles and to serve as active participants and allies in working toward ADEI initiatives.
NIU is a public research university in DeKalb, an affordable and growing community that is within commuting distance from the Chicago and Rockford metropolitan areas. Our 15,000+ student body is diverse, with many first-generation, racially, and culturally diverse students. NIU prides itself on student-centered approaches to teaching and research and has social mobility, equity, and inclusion at the heart of its mission. Recently, NIU was nationally recognized as a top college for diversity and LGBTQ+ students and has been named one of the Great Colleges to Work For three years. Our research programs utilize nearby, world-class resources like Argonne National Laboratory. The proximity of DeKalb to Chicago provides easy access to Chicago’s research and technology corridor, the arts, and extensive nature preserves and parks.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Establish a vigorous, externally funded program in discipline-based education research
- Teach undergraduate courses in chemistry for majors and non-majors;
- Mentor student research projects;
- Work collaboratively with the extensive DBER community on campus;• Serve effectively at the department, college, and university levels, as well as with the community.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
- Doctorate in chemistry or a related field.
- Demonstrated research and publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to teach undergraduate courses in chemistry.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral or other experience beyond the Ph.D. degree in chemical education research.
- Evidence of potential to secure external funding.
- Experience in undergraduate chemistry education, including teaching, course design, preparing assessments, or assisting in instruction, which may include:
- Work as a teaching assistant
- Experience using evidence-based and inclusive teaching practices with undergraduate students in chemistry
- Experience in teaching, mentoring, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds
- Experience in teaching a large course, e.g., 100 students.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with multiple audiences;
Salary:
- Commensurate with experience and qualifications. NIU offers a robust benefits package.
Application Procedure:
For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/80544 to create an application profile and submit the following materials by November 24, 2024:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Teaching statement including a brief discussion of your approach to equity in the classroom (max 2 pages)
- Statement on possible future research
- Complete contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin immediately following November 24, 2024, and preference will be given to applications received by this date. Applications submitted after November 24 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.
For questions, contact the search committee chair, Dr. Ralph Wheeler at rwheeler5@niu.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an AA/EEO employer, NIU considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.