The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Southwestern University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Chemistry to begin in August 2025. Candidates with backgrounds in organic, inorganic, or biochemistry or other related fields are encouraged to apply. Southwestern University is a selective undergraduate liberal arts institution and a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with an innovative American Chemical Society (ACS) certified program and new state-of-the-art facilities for scientific teaching and research. The department is committed to proactively mentoring its junior faculty members, supporting a robust culture of undergraduate research, and using a range of pedagogical approaches to create a learning environment that promotes the persistence and success of its students.

Excellence in teaching is the central criterion for faculty evaluation at Southwestern, and the typical teaching load is 3-2, totaling five courses per academic year. Depending on the candidate’s area of expertise, teaching responsibilities for this position may include general or organic chemistry lecture and lab courses as well as upper-level lecture and laboratory classes for chemistry and biochemistry majors. The successful candidate may also contribute chemistry for non-STEM majors and/or courses within the university’s general education program. Commitment to undergraduate teaching and a demonstrated dedication to supporting the success of racially and economically diverse student populations in both the classroom and laboratory are requirements.

Faculty are also expected to maintain a research program that results in peer-reviewed publications and significantly incorporates undergraduate students. All chemistry and biochemistry research areas will be considered for this position. The successful candidate will also be expected to actively contribute to university and departmental service and participate in academic advising and retention initiatives. The department is especially interested in attracting and hiring a candidate from an underrepresented group in STEM and is strongly committed to fostering their success.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Southwestern University are committed to recruiting candidates who both excel in teaching and research and can best serve our diverse student population. As of the spring 2024 semester, 38% of students enrolled at Southwestern were members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education, and we are committed to further increasing and supporting the diversity of our students, faculty, and curriculum. The Department seeks candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to, and will take an active role in, enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity across the University, including fostering a sense of community and belonging for students. In your application materials, please include specific and detailed information about how you have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion through your teaching practices, research, and/or service experiences within the college or university setting.

To apply: A Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field within chemistry is required by August 2025. We will consider applicants who have already completed their Ph.D. as well as those who will complete their degree by the hire date. While postdoctoral and/or prior teaching experience is desirable for this position, it is not a requirement. Applicants should submit the following materials through Interfolio:

• a cover letter addressing your interest in teaching at an undergraduate institution;
• a curriculum vitae;
• a statement of teaching philosophy (no more than 3 pages) that summarizes your goals for student learning as well as the methods you will use to help students achieve them; your teaching philosophy should include specific and detailed information about how you have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion through your teaching practices, research, and/or service experiences within the college or university setting;
• a concise (no more than 3 pages) overview of your proposed research program that highlights the role of undergraduate involvement;
• a graduate transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable); and
• three letters of reference.

Applications will only be accepted through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/151005. Email and paper applications will not be accepted. Applications should be received by September 23, 2024. Review of applications will occur on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled.

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution located in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student–faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, such as study abroad, internships, and faculty-student research. A member of the recently formed Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance, Southwestern is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in academia. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.

Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating. Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds - including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities - are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e., underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected, and accepted in all aspects of our community.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time appointment begins. Sponsorship for an employment-based visa may be an option depending upon university needs and the applicant’s qualifications.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Southwestern University is an E-Verify Employer. EOE/M/F

Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds* are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community. Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating.

*including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.