Qualifications: The successful candidate must complete a PhD in organic chemistry or a closely-related field by August 2022 with preference given to candidates with postdoctoral experience. We invite applications from candidates that have demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and working with students, faculty, and staff with different cultural and economic backgrounds. We expect the candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills. Desired qualifications include research emphasis in synthetic chemistry, experience with evidence-based teaching practices, an interest in instructional innovation, departmental leadership potential, and a focus on supporting and engaging students from diverse backgrounds. This position will be in the Department of Chemistry with the expectation that the successful candidate will engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary interactions.

Responsibilities: Primary responsibility will include excellence in teaching organic chemistry at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including both lecture and lab instruction; establishing a globally-recognized research program that includes graduate and undergraduate students and which ideally includes interdisciplinary collaborations as well as work in the successful candidate’s specific area(s) of expertise; actively seeking external funding to support research and scholarly activities; conducting and publishing scholarly research in peer-reviewed journals; student mentoring and advising; a strong commitment to inclusion and student success; and service to the department, college, and university.

The College of Arts and Sciences: The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University is to ignite and sustain a passion for learning and discovery in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, to help students, staff, and faculty succeed in life and contribute to the betterment of our communities, from local to global. Our vision is to achieve excellence in all aspects of learning and discovery across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences while fostering a climate of intellectual freedom. As articulated in the College of Arts and Sciences strategic plan, we are committed to fostering a community of diverse, inclusive, equitable, and globally-engaged scholars, learners, and leaders. With 25 departments and interdisciplinary schools and institutes, WMU’s largest college offers a broad range of learning opportunities and career paths for our students. CAS students are among the very top students in the country, having received awards including Goldwater Fellowships, Udall Scholarships, Boren Fellowships, and Fulbright awards, among others.

Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research institution with an enrollment of nearly 20,000. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate College, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activities.

• INSIGHT into Diversity consistently honors WMU for its outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Military Times ranks WMU among the best institutions for veterans, and WMU is the only Michigan school to appear on all nine years of its annual Best for Vets list.
• U.S. Department of State data shows that WMU was No. 6 among producers of American Fulbright Scholars in 2016-17.
• WMU operates the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collegiate support program for former foster-care youth and is an international model for teaching, research, learning, and public service related to foster care and higher education.
• Washington Monthly ranked WMU first in the state of Michigan on its impact on alumni earnings 10 years after graduation.

Kalamazoo is a cultural hub midway between Chicago and Detroit, and just 1 hour south of Grand Rapids. With 263,000 people in the greater Kalamazoo area, the community offers an array of cultural events, entertainment, and all-season recreation. The city supports a nationally recognized symphony and has earned a reputation for a vibrant community theatre and visual arts scene. Kalamazoo is in one of Michigan’s designated research corridors, maintaining a strong life sciences/biotech presence and supporting two leading medical centers, and has been designated a “National Historic Chemical Landmark” by the American Chemical Society for the significant contributions by the former Upjohn Company in Steroid Chemistry.  The Kalamazoo community is committed to social justice, community development and the elimination of generational poverty through its Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo initiative, with structural budgetary support provided by the City of Kalamazoo’s Foundation for Excellence program. Kalamazoo also is the home of the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public School students that covers up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees to any Michigan public (and many private) institution of higher learning.

Department: The Department of Chemistry provides leadership in an environment that promotes teaching, learning, research and scholarship. Our students become critical thinkers and problem solvers, enabling them to meet future challenges and become leaders in a complex and diverse global society. Faculty in the Department of Chemistry have garnered external funding from a range of sources and earned numerous awards and scholarly recognition, including NSF CAREER awards and Fulbright scholarships. Undergraduate students majoring in chemistry at Western Michigan University graduate prepared for a career in industry, chemistry teaching, or graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceuticals.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package.

Expected Start Date: August 15, 2022

Application Deadline: Application review will begin on November 1, 2021, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Required application documents will include: 1) a cover letter describing qualifications, accomplishments, and professional experiences related to the position; 2) a Curriculum Vitae, including a credential summary; 3) a single document outlining research plans, a teaching statement – including evidence of teaching effectiveness, and a statement demonstrating commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education; and 4) a list of three professional references with titles and current contact information.

Please visit https://wmich.edu/hr/jobs for detailed information and application procedures.

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.