Chemistry Lab Instructor and Manager

Description

Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders.  Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation.  Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts and its legendary equestrian program. Its finances are robust, and validated by balanced budget and positive bond ratings.

Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville. Its campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular, replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, apiary and greenhouses.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.

When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.

Job Title:   Chemistry Lab Instructor and Manager

Classification:  9-month, full-time, benefits eligible, non-tenure track faculty (75%) and staff (25%) position

Reports To: STEM Division Head

Job Summary/Objective:

Sweet Briar College invites applications for a full-time Chemistry Lab instructor and manager beginning in August 2024. In the instructor role, the successful candidate will be responsible for teaching 4-5 sections of General or Organic Chemistry labs per semester, providing associated academic support to students during office hours, and updating and publishing the manual used for these labs.  The lab instructor is also expected to assist other Chemistry faculty to establish a supplemental instruction or recitation session for lecture students for which they would be the primary contact. As lab manager, the incumbent’s duties include supervising preps for all labs; working with the faculty to recruit hire and train student workers as lab and stockroom assistants; managing all chemical and supply ordering for Chemistry; acting as liaison with service personnel in maintaining equipment; assisting with instrument maintenance (UV/Vis, FT-IR, NMR, and GC/MS); maintaining an inventory of all chemicals in the stockroom; maintaining records of all financial expenditures and approvals; and other duties as assigned. 

Candidates ready to work with a diverse student body are especially welcome. Sweet Briar prides itself on creating a learning environment that encourages young women to fulfill their highest potential. Leadership in all walks of life is fostered by the special connections our faculty make with their students, and Sweet Briar women translate their academic experiences into interesting and important lives. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Student employees

Physical Demands: Need to be able to stand for several hours each day during labs and lift up to 25 pounds.

Expected Work Hours: 9 months, full-time, M-F 8:30 – 5:00

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

How to Apply:

To apply, visit the Sweet Briar College Career Center: https://sbc.edu/human-resources/faculty-staff-job-openings/. All applications should include: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) statement on teaching philosophy and interest in teaching undergraduate laboratories; and 4) a statement highlighting contributions to or future plans for promoting diversity and inclusion through work in this position; 5) the names and full contact information for three professional references. The materials should be assembled to a single PDF file and loaded into the job application portal.  Review of applications will begin in April and will continue until the position is filled. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry;
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching; and
• Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.