Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Luther College invites applicants for a 2-year, benefits eligible position at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry. The Luther College ACS-approved Department of Chemistry invites applications for qualified individuals to teach in our general and organic chemistry sequences including lectures and within an established laboratory program. Engaged teacher-scholars whose education and experience have prepared them to meet our current needs in teaching general and organic chemistry are encouraged to apply. We seek candidates qualified to contribute to our commitment to academic excellence in teaching, research, and community service. Luther College faculty teach six courses per year spread over fall, January, and spring terms. These courses engage students within the chemistry major, allied programs such as biology and environmental science, as well as the college’s core curriculum. 

While a PhD by September 1, 2025 is preferred, ABD will be considered at instructor rank converting to visiting assistant Professor rank upon completion of PhD.  Teaching experience is required.  The successful candidate will communicate knowledge of and interest in teaching at Luther College.  Candidates should demonstrate potential for excellence in college teaching and effectiveness in mentoring undergraduates. The successful candidate will actively participate in the life of the college, teach in the chemistry department and likely contribute to the general education curriculum as well. The first year this position will focus on general chemistry and it is expected in the second year this position will cover a sabbatical replacement in organic chemistry. Candidate dossiers should address how they may be suited to contribute to the mission of the college. With support from program colleagues and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the successful candidate may also be asked to participate in advising, program development, and student recruitment. 

Qualifications: Applicants should hold a Ph.D (ABD with a planned graduation date in 2025 will be considered), and teaching experience is required. The successful candidate will communicate knowledge of and interest in teaching at Luther College, a residential liberal arts college. Candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for and excellence in undergraduate teaching as well as effectiveness in mentoring undergraduates. A collaborative and flexible disposition is an asset and should be addressed in application materials. 

Luther College is located in rural Northeast Iowa, a regional hub for outdoor recreation, two nationally recognized healthcare systems, top ranked schools, business, agriculture, specialty retail, dining and tourism.  Major Midwest metropolitan areas within a three-hour driving distance include Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; and Madison, WI. We are an easy drive to La Crosse, WI, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA, and Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic.

At Luther College, inclusion and belonging are central to our educational mission and values. We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.

Apply: Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Campus interviews are planned for May. Apply for the position at https://www.luther.edu/offices/hr/careers. Applicants’ dossier should include:

• Cover letter (1 to 2 pages) describing your interest in the position at Luther College as articulated in this position description and documenting your training and experience appropriate to the position.

• Curriculum vitae.

• Teaching statement (1 to 2 pages with optional supplementary materials) that explains how you would approach effectively engaging students informed by your teaching experiences and training, and how you would teach and mentor students in a way that contributes to a liberal arts education at Luther College. 

• Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts.

• Contact information for three references (name, affiliation, email and phone). References will only be contacted for those candidates under serious consideration and we will seek your permission before doing so.

The current salary range for this position is $52,000–$58,000 for assistant professors with 0-5 years of experience (academic year salary plus benefits); placement on scale is dependent on credentials and applicable experience. Additional funding opportunities are available (travel funding, summer teaching, summer undergraduate research, grant research, etc.). 

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Molly Wilker, Search Chair, Department of Chemistry, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101; email: molly.wilker@luther.edu. Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website www.luther.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to hr@luther.edu.

Salary : $52,000 - $58,000