Lyman Briggs College (LBC) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for an academic year chemistry faculty position in the Academic Specialist Appointment System to join the college’s chemistry group in August of 2016. The successful candidate will teach introductory undergraduate chemistry lectures and teach and supervise associated general chemistry laboratories.
Candidates must be committed to undergraduate teaching and should have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical education in hand by August 15, 2016. The position requires expertise and/or teaching experience in general chemistry lecture and laboratory experiences. The successful candidate will be committed to advancing excellence in the teaching of introductory courses in general chemistry and will join the college’s ongoing efforts to reform undergraduate STEM education. Experience with instructional strategies that engage students in active learning is especially desirable. The ideal candidate should have disciplinary or pedagogical research interests in Chemistry or Chemical Education. A flexible and scholarly approach to teaching students and mentoring student employees is essential. The ideal candidate will be able to work with and encourage a diverse student body. The position offers exciting opportunities for individuals interested in teaching in a liberal-arts college with all of the resources of large “Big 10” research university.
Founded in 1967, LBC is a vibrant residential college at MSU that focuses on the study of science and its social impacts. Bridging the two cultures of the sciences and the humanities, the LBC curriculum integrates natural sciences and mathematics courses with courses in the history, philosophy, and sociology of science. Nearly all of the students in LBC major in the natural sciences; about 60% are women; nearly 20% are students of color; about 20% of LBC students also belong to MSU’s Honors College. The college’s faculty, staff, and students promote inclusion through a range of initiatives and have won awards for diversity and inclusion in their instruction and research. Faculty work closely with students in small classes and with student groups such as Women in Science and the Briggs Multicultural Alliance. We welcome applications from strong candidates who can enhance and complement the intellectual and cultural diversity of the LBC faculty.
Academic Specialists in LBC teach five courses each academic year. The chemistry group offers lecture and laboratory courses in general chemistry, including a joint biology-chemistry course for students entering with less mathematics preparation, and senior seminars. Academic specialists contribute professional service to the college, including membership on LBC committees. A candidate would also have the opportunity to work on teaching and learning projects as needs and interests arise. The chemistry academic specialist will start with a three-year probationary appointment that has the potential, after successful reappointment, to become a long-term position (for details see the MSU Faculty Handbook http://www.hr.msu.edu/documents/facacadhandbooks/academicspecialist/ASH_AppendixA.htm). Reappointment and continuing appointment decisions are based on performance reviews that include peer and student teaching evaluations.
This position is listed on the MSU Applicant Page, Posting # 2596. Applications must be uploaded to MSU’s online job application site (https://jobs.msu.edu). A complete application will include a c.v., a teaching portfolio, and a cover letter that outlines the candidate’s expertise as it pertains teaching in the college as well as the pedagogical approaches the candidate employs. For details on teaching portfolios see www.lymanbriggs.msu.edu/faculty/openPositions.cfm. In addition, three letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s teaching experience and expertise must be sent electronically by the recommenders through the application system.
Deadline to ensure consideration of applications is February 8th, 2016, but review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Dr. Ryan Sweeder, sweeder@msu.edu, Chair of the Chemistry Academic Specialist Search, Lyman Briggs College, 35 East Holmes Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48825-1107.
LBC cultivates a vibrant, multi-disciplinary community that is diverse along many dimensions, including race and ethnicity; gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression; ability status; and creed or ideology.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.