Search Postings

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 a nine-month, tenure- track faculty position in Biochemistry at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2024. 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 in biochemistry is required. Teaching responsibilities will be primarily biochemistry lecture and laboratory courses (at the BS and MS levels), but the ability to contribute to the Department in other areas is desirable. An externally funded research program broadly defined as biochemistry will 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 biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field is required, and post-doctoral experience is preferred. Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law; salary is commensurate with experience.

Illinois State University is committed to developing a diverse pool of applicants and recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are especially welcomed to apply.

Additional Information

Chemistry Department: The Chemistry program at Illinois State University has a long tradition of excellence in chemistry research and teaching. Currently, there are approximately 70 biochemistry majors seeking the ACS certified degree out of 160 chemistry, biochemistry, and chemistry teacher education majors in the Chemistry Department. 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 25 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, 16 students co-authored peer-reviewed manuscripts in high-quality journals and 11 students presented research at scientific meetings during the 2022-2023 academic year.

The Chemistry Department consists of 17 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: Illinois State University http://www.illinoisstate.edu, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. There are approximately 21,000 students in the six colleges of Illinois State University. In our most recent strategic plan Educate ∙ Connect ∙ Elevate, we have committed our resources to realizing seven core values: Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, 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. Also visit the University’s metrics of excellence at (http://illinoisstate.edu/pointsofpride/).

Bloomington-Normal Community: 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. SmartAsset ranked Bloomington IL, in the top 20 of the most livable cities in the U.S. (2022). Zippia named Bloomington, IL, as #1 on their “Happiest Cities” list (2020), and Best Choice Schools listed the area on its “30 Small College Towns with Great Quality of Life” (2020). 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 the Amtrak located 1 block from ISU’s campus. For more information on our community, please visit (http://visitbn.org/).

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, or closely related field
• Demonstrated expertise and record of accomplishment in the broadly defined area of biochemistry
• A strong commitment to and demonstrated success or potential for success in undergraduate and graduate (MS) education
• Be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

08/16/2024

Required Applicant Documents

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement that includes interests and addresses inclusivity in the classroom (~1-2 pages)
• Research statement that describes inclusion of undergraduate and MS graduate students (~5-7 pages)
• List of start-up needs
• 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

The review of applications will begin immediately. Apply by October 2, 2023 for full consideration. Review will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Please direct questions to Prof. Jeremy Driskell (Search Committee chair) at 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.