The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences at Appalachian State University is looking for a dedicated Department Chair in the field of Chemistry, Fermentation, Biology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have a distinguished record of leadership in their field and demonstrated understanding and support for the sub-disciplines represented in the Department. The individual must demonstrate a dedication to excellence in teaching and scholarship as well as a strong commitment to service and community engagement. Strong management and administrative skills are required. A clear vision for the future and a sense of mission for the department are also desired along with a commitment to growing the vibrant culture of collegiality that the Department has cultivated. The successful candidate will demonstrate a sincere commitment to promoting advocacy, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and social justice, as evidenced by prior innovative and successful efforts.

The A. R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with eight different concentrations, including the American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified degree, Marketing and Business, Biochemistry, Environmental, Fermentation Sciences, Forensic Science, Individually Designed and Chemistry Secondary Education Licensure; a BA degree in Chemistry is also offered. The Department also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Fermentation Sciences, which includes a background in chemistry and biology as well as business, marketing, and entrepreneurial principles. The department has 20 tenure-track faculty members, 16 non-tenure-track faculty members, 7 staff members, 285 undergraduate Chemistry majors, and 56 undergraduate Fermentation Sciences majors. Many of the Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences majors conduct research and disseminate their results at national, regional, and local professional meetings and in peer-reviewed publications.

While providing leadership toward achieving departmental and institutional goals, including interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship, the Chair will seek to enhance existing levels of funding and support of all kinds. This includes grants, contracts, academic collaborations, corporate partnerships, and assisting the Dean’s office with occasional fund-raising opportunities. Department Chairs normally teach one class per semester and maintain active scholarship that complements existing activity in the department and can include students. For a more complete description of Chair responsibilities, please refer to section 2.8 of the Faculty Handbook.

As a part of the COVID-19 response, Appalachian State University is employing flexible teaching formats to address academic needs and to comply with local, state and federal public health regulations or orders. Your deans retain the discretion to assign or reassign you to teach in either online or in-person formats during or after the COVID-19 pandemic, as necessary.

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

We at Appalachian State University are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence both locally and globally. Inclusive Excellence is the intrinsic value that a diverse population adds to the learning, teaching, and decision-making processes of an institution.

We understand that the successful implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence is the responsibility of the entire university community, including alumni and official university governing bodies. A diverse campus community supports an influx of broad and distinct ideas that increase learning opportunities and strengthen the impact of our community as we work collectively to achieve a just experience for all.

We actively encourage, support, and promote a global mindset and an equitable environment where all will know that they belong and are safe to express their culture, identity, values, ideas, opinions, and creativity. We are committed to creating a culture of equity opportunity for all, one that has an expectation of fairness, justice, and equity-minded practice at all levels of the university community.