Job Purpose:
Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, is searching for a skilled teacher-scholar as Assistant Professor, a full-time tenure-track position, with expertise in any area of biochemistry to join and expand the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Interdisciplinary applications are welcome. Candidates should be able to propose laboratory-based research projects that can support the department’s strong undergraduate research programs and complement existing expertise in the departments. Ideal applicants will have demonstrated experience teaching and/or mentoring undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds and identities, including those historically marginalized in the sciences (e.g., first-generation students, students from low-income families, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities).

We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching that promotes inclusive and equity-minded learning environments. Teaching responsibilities will include general chemistry lecture and laboratory and will further include foundational and upper-division elective courses in biochemistry lecture and laboratory based on the candidate’s expertise. Total teaching load will be 15 credit hours per year (typically 17-21 contact hours).

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (www.gonzaga.edu/chemistry) and College of Arts and Sciences are committed to inclusive excellence and actively promote the success of diverse population of undergraduate students, staff, and faculty. Gonzaga University is a Jesuit, Catholic, humanistic institution, and is therefore interested in candidates who will contribute to its distinctive mission of educating students “for lives of leadership and service for the common good.” The University is committed to fostering “a mature commitment to dignity of the human person, social justice, diversity, intercultural competence, global engagement, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, and care for the planet.” Successful applicants will have read the mission statement and engaged with it throughout the application. We particularly seek candidates who can demonstrate how their research connects to the University mission.

Job Duties:
•  Teaching responsibilities will include general chemistry and laboratory (CHEM101 and CHEM101L), foundation biochemistry lecture and laboratory (e.g. CHEM245: Biochemistry; CHEM245L: Biochemistry Lab) and upper division (400-level) elective courses in biochemistry to be developed by the candidate, based on the candidate’s expertise. Total teaching load will be 15 credit hours per year (typically 17-21 contact hours).

•  Establish a research program in biochemistry. Interdisciplinary and computational projects are welcomed. Mentor and oversee undergraduate research assistants involved in the research. Communicate results through peer-reviewed papers, presentations, and other communications appropriate to the discipline. Pursue external funding for research.

•  Provide academic and career advising and mentoring to 15-25 undergraduate students per year.

•  Support the department, university, and discipline through committee service and other forms of academic citizenship.

Required Qualifications:
•  A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline
•  Expertise in biochemistry or a closely related field
•  Research record in biochemistry
•  Evidence of effectiveness in teaching and/or mentoring undergraduate students with a variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences, including those historically marginalized in the sciences.

Desired Qualifications:
•  Postdoctoral and/or professional record.
•  Evidence in engaging teaching at the undergraduate level that integrates chemical systems with socio-cultural systems.
•  A laboratory-based research program that can support undergraduate research.
•  Evidence of effectively working with or within communities historically marginalized in the sciences.
•  Evidence of engagement with Gonzaga’s mission in application materials.

Who we are:
Gonzaga is a primarily undergraduate institution committed to teaching excellence. The departments will provide support for developing engaging, inclusive, interactive courses that meet our learning objectives. In addition, Gonzaga’s Center for Teaching and Advising provides regular faculty development and education opportunities, including an optional New Faculty Learning Community program to help welcome and support new faculty throughout their first year at Gonzaga. Faculty in our science department mentor undergraduate students in research experiences during the school year. Funding opportunities are also available to support undergraduate student-faculty research during a 10-week summer session. The newly-opened Bollier Family Center for Integrated Science and Engineering on Gonzaga’s campus contains teaching, research, and collaboration spaces for faculty from Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Environmental Studies and Sciences, Math, Physics, Psychology and Engineering.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is also hiring for a tenure-track inorganic, physical, or analytical position and the Department has a history of supporting dual-career couples. In addition, the Department of Biology is hiring a tenure-track molecular biology position. For more information on the College and our faculty positions, please see: www.gonzaga.edu/CASJobs

Gonzaga’s campus sits adjacent to downtown Spokane, WA, along the Spokane River in the Inland Northwest’s most metropolitan region. We exist n the traditional homelands of the Spokane people, one of the Interior Salish speaking tribes of the region. Spokane is Washington’s second largest city and boasts a vibrant restaurant, entertainment, and arts community; it is also home to diverse array of neighborhoods and popular outdoor recreational areas.

Application Procedure:
To apply, please visit out website at: www.gonzaga.edu/jobs . Applicants must complete an online application and submit the following:

1.  A statement of teaching philosophy that includes evidence of teaching effectiveness and describes how the candidate creates and maintains an inclusive environment that can support and promote learning for students with a variety of backgrounds, identities and experiences, including groups historically marginalized in the sciences.

2.  A statement that describes the candidate’s research program and explains: how it is connected to the University’s mission, how it can support undergraduate research experiences, how it contributes to existing expertise in the departments, and how it can be competitive for external funding. The statement should also describe the candidate’s experience mentoring undergraduates from backgrounds and identities historically marginalized in the sciences.

3.  A cover letter that summarizes the areas above and describes the candidate’s understanding of and commitment to the University’s mission.

4.  A curriculum vitae.

5.  Names and contact information of three professional references (letters will be requested when finalists are selected).

Questions about this position can be directed to Dr. Jeff Watson, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department Chair at watsonj@gonzaga.edu. Application review begins September 18, 2023. To ensure consideration for the application, submit application by September 18, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Pacific Standard Time, though this position is open until filled. For assistance with your online application, call 509.313.5996.

Gonzaga University is a Jesuit, Catholic, humanistic institution, and is therefore interested in candidates who will contribute to its distinctive mission. Gonzaga University is a committed EEO/AA employer and diversity candidates are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their disability status and/or protected veteran status. Applicants with disabilities needing reasonable accommodations to complete the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources (509) 313.5996.