Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Job no: 519243
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois

Title: Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Chemistry
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Department of Chemistry at Illinois State University is seeking applications for TWO nine-month, tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2025. One position is open to all specializations in chemistry; expertise in physical chemistry is preferred for the second position. A Teacher-Scholar model is highly valued; a commitment to, and effectiveness in, classroom instruction is expected, and the development of an independent research program involving Illinois State University students is required. Teaching responsibilities will be primarily within lecture and laboratory courses (at the BS and MS levels) in the candidate's primary area of specialization, with the ability to contribute to courses in general chemistry. In conjunction with any teaching responsibilities, an externally funded research program must be established and maintained to include undergraduate- and masters-level students. In addition to teaching and research, the successful candidate will contribute to the mission of the Department and University through mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, participating in outreach activities, and engaging in Department, College, and University service. This position consists of ~40% teaching, ~40% research, and ~20% service. An earned doctorate in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field is required, and post-doctoral experience is preferred.

Additional Information

The Chemistry Department at Illinois State University has a long tradition of excellence in chemistry research and teaching. Currently, there are approximately 90 chemistry majors and 70 biochemistry majors seeking the ACS certified degrees. The Chemistry Department offers undergraduate degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemistry teacher education. At the graduate level, there are approximately 30 students earning a research-based MS degree through the Master of Science in Chemistry degree program and 20 students in our online Master of Chemical Education and Masters of Science in Chemical Education programs. The Chemistry Department serves a large, diverse, and talented student population. Currently, the Chemistry Department has two Goldwater Scholars and multiple Bone Scholars, the highest distinction awarded to ISU students. In addition, 17 students co-authored peer-reviewed manuscripts in high-quality journals and 32 students presented research at scientific meetings during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Chemistry Department consists of 16 research-active tenured/tenure-track faculty, 6 instructional faculty, and 9 full-time staff members to support the mission. Our faculty have a successful track-record of procuring external funding from the NSF, NIH, ACS-PRF, NIJ, DOD, and others. Currently, the Department has $2.4M in external funding. Many of our faculty have been recognized by the College and University as outstanding scholars. Our faculty have also received recognition internally and externally for teaching and mentoring excellence, including a recipient of the prestigious Dr. Henry C. McBay Outstanding Teacher Award from the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE).

Our well-equipped laboratories are continuously updated with new state-of-the art instruments to support teaching and research activities. Details of these facilities and our programs can be found on the Department web site at Chemistry.IllinoisState.edu.

Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois' first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State's Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance's International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens' high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability's top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online's list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State's campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or closely related field
• Demonstrated expertise and record of accomplishment in the candidate's area of expertise
• A successful candidate with have a strong commitment for success in undergraduate and graduate (MS) education
• Oral proficiency in the English language

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

08/16/2025

Required Applicant Documents

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement that describes inclusion of undergraduate and MS graduate students (~3-5 pages)
• Teaching statement that includes interests and philosophy in the classroom (~1-2 pages)
• List of start-up needs and budget
• Contact information for three references

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications will begin September 30, 2024

Contact Information for Applicants

Jeremy Driskell (jdriske@ilstu.edu)

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383 . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 .

Application Opened: 08/21/2024 09:00 AM CST
Application Closes: