Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry
Job Description
Job Description
The Wilkes University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Chemistry with specialization in Organic Chemistry, pending final budget approval, to begin in August 2026. The successful candidate will teach courses in the organic chemistry sequence and additional upper-level or topics courses aligned with their expertise. As a tenure-track faculty member, the candidate will be expected to develop a robust, sustainable undergraduate research program that meaningfully engages students in hands-on laboratory experiences, fosters skill development in experimental design and data analysis, and contributes to scholarly productivity through presentations and publications. Applicants should articulate a clear research vision that is feasible within a primarily undergraduate institution, including strategies for mentoring students, utilizing existing departmental instrumentation, and pursuing external funding opportunities. Candidates will also contribute to advising, curriculum development, and service at the department, college, and university levels.
Minimum Qualifications
- D. in Chemistry or a closely related field
- Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education
- Evidence of effective teaching and mentorship
- Ability to establish a viable, undergraduate-centered research program
Preferred Qualifications
- Teaching experience in organic chemistry lectures and laboratories
- Evidence of successful supervision or mentorship of undergraduate researchers
- Experience with inclusive pedagogy and innovative curriculum development
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Key Competencies
- Organic Chemistry Expertise: Strong foundation in organic reaction mechanisms, synthesis, spectroscopy, and analytical instrumentation
- Research Engagement: Ability to mentor undergraduates in meaningful, publishable research projects
- Instructional Effectiveness: Skilled in delivering engaging lectures and labs; familiarity with evidence-based teaching practices
- Student-Centered Advising: Capacity to guide students in academic planning, undergraduate research, and career development
- Professional Collaboration: Works productively and collegially with faculty, staff, and students
- Communication & Organization: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong organizational abilities
About Wilkes University
Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and over 1,500 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels. Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a revitalized city, located on the scenic Susquehanna River, that provides an affordable cost of living and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.
To Apply
To apply, visit: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/wilkesuniversitycareers/ jobs.
Please submit:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Summary of course evaluations (if available)
- Graduate transcripts
- Research statement describing an undergraduate-focused research program
- Teaching statement (teaching interests and philosophy; 1–2 page maximum)
- Names and contact information for three professional references
The position will remain open until filled, with preference given to applicants who submit all required materials by January 30, 2026.
Questions may be directed to: megan.youmans@wilkes.edu.
Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.
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