Wayne State College is seeking an Biochemistry Faculty member. The primary duties will be to teach Biochemistry I, Biochemistry II and the associated labs, and Introduction to Organic Chemistry. Other teaching opportunities include undergraduate courses in fermentation science or area of expertise. Expectations include mentoring undergraduate science research, and the department has a wide variety of instrumentation to support teaching and research including UPLC/MS, DLS, circular dichroism, polarimetry, GC/MS, ICP, FTIR, SEM, DSC, NMR and several spectrometers. A dedicated biochemistry lab houses refrigerated centrifuges, -80 freezer, and all the typical biochemistry equipment.

Nature of work: 

Teach Biochemistry I, Biochemistry II, and the associated labs, and Introduction to Organic Chemistry. Other teaching opportunities include advanced undergraduate courses in the area of expertise or General Studies courses. Other expectations include mentoring undergraduate science research and service to the department and school. The Physical Sciences and Mathematics Department consists of 12 Full-time faculty and has a dedicated biochemistry lab and equipment.

Examples of work performed: 

1. Contribute to students’ academic growth and development, which includes all of the following.

A. Teaching, which includes but is not limited to the following:
i. Have knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject
ii. Maintain competence in the assigned field of specialization and exhibit professional competence in the classroom, studio, or laboratory
iii. Maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning
iv. Maintain respect for the student and the student’s posture as a learner
v. Organize course and subject matter to acquaint all students with the course requirements including specific objectives and methods of evaluation
vi. Organize course presentations through short-term and long-range outcomes
vii. Present abstract ideas and theories clearly
viii. Conduct classroom presentations and activities utilizing methods appropriate to reach students of varying educational/experiential backgrounds and learning styles
ix. Actively engage students in lectures, discussions, or laboratories
x. Coordinate handouts, video, and/or online materials, and/or articles to update course content
xi. Incorporate new methodologies in teaching and technology into classes
xii. Encourage student to think for themselves
xiii. Be flexible and innovative with teaching styles and approaches, as appropriate to the class
xiv. Be reliable in meeting scheduled responsibilities
xv. Be accessible to students; post and maintain office hours
xvi. Provide regular and timely assessment of student progress
xvii. Be fair in examinations and grading
xviii. Participate in program assessment and catalog revisions
xix. Periodically evaluate and develop new courses, where necessary, revise and update existing courses to maintain relevant and current content.
xx. Participate in program review and updating requirements

B. Advising students, which includes but is not limited to the following:
i. Be knowledgeable about college policies and program requirements
ii. Help students plan programs of study
iii. Provide students with advice on academic issues and career counseling, tutoring, and other academic support resources
iv. Assist in the development, implementation, and assessment of the departmental enrollment management plan, including serving directly in student recruitment, retention, and success strategies
v. Schedule and maintain availability for student advising
vi. Establish and maintain timely communication with advisees
vii. Provide leadership and supervision for student organizations and activities

2. Professional achievement and continual preparation and study through scholarly and creative activity will vary according to the field, examples of which may include the following:
A. Participate in academic organizations related to teaching assignment
B. Give scholarly presentations, workshops, or performances
C. Produce scholarly materials such as original or applied research, manuscripts, articles, book reviews, musical arrangements, or works of art
D. Engage in appropriate professional development to enhance performance as faculty member
E. Seek external funding through approved grant and contract work related to discipline, as appropriate and assigned
F. Provide evidence of achievement within and significance of contributions to field
G. Provide evidence of quality and originality of thought or work and breadth and depth of perspective
H. Be willing and able to continue individual development and professional productivity as a member of the faculty.

3. Professional services rendered outside the academic discipline in ways other than teaching that contribute to the work of the College vary from individual to individual. Service to the college and community, and profession related to the professional assignment includes the following:
A. Participate in campus and community presentations
B. Serve on discipline, department, school, and campus-wide committees and initiatives
C. Take an active role in discipline, departmental, and school accreditation and reaccreditation activities, as appropriate and as assigned
D. Periodically evaluate and develop new courses, where necessary, consistent with the role and mission of the institution, school, and department
E. Sponsor student organizations, as appropriate and assigned, and participate in student-based activities
F. Provide leadership in professional organizations and/or good citizenship in the community at large
G. Foster and sustain collegial relations with campus, community, and profession

Secondary Duties:
Other duties as assigned by Dean

Required Qualifications: 

Education: Terminal degree required; ABD considered. Earned Terminal degree is required for tenure.

Experience: Experience in teaching and in research/scholarship, and experience in effectively using technology to facilitate student learning and to expand student access preferred.

Wayne State College has been educating students for more than 100 years. Located in Northeast Nebraska, close to Sioux City, Iowa, and within a two-hour drive to Sioux Falls, Omaha and Lincoln, the College is one of the most dynamic, regional public colleges in the Midwest. One of three members of the Nebraska State College System, the College distinguishes itself by providing educational excellence in a small, personalized setting. The beautiful 128-acre campus serves over 3,900 students who have a choice of more than 130 programs of study. In fall 2020, the College welcomed the second largest freshmen class in its history, driven by new academic programs and partnerships, updated and new facilities, and a continuing focus on supporting students with generous scholarships in their academic and co-curricular experiences. Wayne State has been the recipient of a number of awards, honors, and distinctions due to its commitment to service, student success, and providing an exceptional education at an affordable cost. The entire community is focused on making Wayne State a great place for students to thrive and advance their futures, and there is a collective sense of excitement about the future of the College.