Assistant Professor, Chemical Education (6438)

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Assistant Professor, Chemical Education (6438)

Working Position Title Assistant Professor, Chemical Education (6438)

Classification Title

Position Number

Position Number

Posting Date

Posting Date 10/21/2024

Closing Date

Priority Review Date

Priority Review Date 11/24/2024

Business Unit Description

Business Unit Description Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE

FTE 1.00

Position Status

Position Status Regular

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Job Code

Job Code 2000

Union Representation

Union Representation Union

Union Code

Union Code N/A

Unit/Department

College/Unit

College/Unit College of LA&S Dean

Division

Division Academic Division

Location

Location FR 319

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

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.

Position Summary

The Assistant Professor of Chemical Education will be responsible for 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 .

Essential 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;

Physical Demands Summary

• Typical classroom/instructional environment

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 08/16/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 0.75

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Salary Commensurate with experience and qualifications. NIU offers a robust benefits package.

• 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

For questions, contact the search committee chair, Dr. Ralph Wheeler at .

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator Health Services Building Room 230

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 employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of .

Supplemental Questions

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