What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor - General Chemistry position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
Western Carolina University’s Department of Chemistry and Physics invites applications for a 9-month fixed-term position at the rank of Instructor in General Chemistry with an emphasis on teaching general/introductory chemistry and associated labs. Anticipated begin work date is August 2025.
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at WCU offers B.S. degrees in Chemistry (including an ACS-certified degree program) and Forensic Science, an M.S. degree in Chemistry (both as a stand-alone program and as part of an accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program), and minors in chemistry and physics. The Department of Chemistry & Physics is located in the new Tom Apodaca Science Building, which provides the department with state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space.
The faculty member will be expected to teach 12 contact hours per semester, engage in service activities for the University, and serve as an academic advisor to chemistry undergraduate students. While applicants with any chemistry specialization are encouraged to apply, candidates whose teaching interests support the general chemistry discipline are preferred. Of particular interest are candidates who can teach courses across multiple chemistry disciplines.
Western Carolina University’s Department of Chemistry and Physics invites applications for a 9-month fixed-term position at the rank of Instructor in General Chemistry with an emphasis on teaching general/introductory chemistry and associated labs. Anticipated begin work date is August 2025.
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at WCU offers B.S. degrees in Chemistry (including an ACS-certified degree program) and Forensic Science, an M.S. degree in Chemistry (both as a stand-alone program and as part of an accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program), and minors in chemistry and physics. The Department of Chemistry & Physics is located in the new Tom Apodaca Science Building, which provides the department with state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space.
The faculty member will be expected to teach 12 contact hours per semester, engage in service activities for the University, and serve as an academic advisor to chemistry undergraduate students. While applicants with any chemistry specialization are encouraged to apply, candidates whose teaching interests support the general chemistry discipline are preferred. Of particular interest are candidates who can teach courses across multiple chemistry disciplines.
Carnegie statement
WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum educational/professional requirement for the position is a M.S. in chemistry or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the minimum qualifications listed, candidates with prior teaching experience are preferred.
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
Number of Months Per Year
9
Posting Text
Open Date
01/27/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include the following:
- Cover Letter
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcripts from highest degree earned*
- Teaching Philosophy (The submitted teaching philosophy (ca. 2 pages) should include a description of the types of courses the applicant would most like to teach. See catalog.wcu.edu for current course offerings. )
- List of three professional references with full contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Channa De Silva at mhdesilva@wcu.edu
- All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state “Degree Awarded,” “Degree Conferred,” or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as “Degree Awarded,” “Degree Conferred,” or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
AA/EOE
Western Carolina 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 or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
