Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Biochemistry) - Tenure Eligible

  • Decorah
  • Luther College
Description

Luther College seeks a biochemist whose professional experience in chemistry has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to academic excellence in teaching, research, and community service. We seek candidates with ability and interest in teaching courses spread over fall, January, and spring terms including: biochemistry (lecture and lab), general chemistry, and other courses, potentially including organic, inorganic and/or non-majors chemistry course. These courses contribute to the chemistry program and support many pre-professional students as well.

Candidates incorporating macromolecules, supramolecular, or nanoscale system approaches and applications are particularly encouraged to apply. Additional courses in the applicant's area of expertise and needs of the college may be considered as well.

While a PhD by September 1, 2025 is preferred, ABD will be considered at instructor rank converting to Assistant Professor rank upon completion of PhD. Teaching experience is recommended. The successful candidate will communicate knowledge of and interest in teaching at Luther College. Candidates should demonstrate potential for excellence in college teaching and effectiveness in mentoring undergraduates. Plans to develop a research program that involves undergraduate students with the intention to seek external research funding is expected.

Teaching and research facilities include well-equipped modern labs, and a suite of regular instrumentation found at primarily undergraduate institutions. Advanced instrumentation available includes a 300 MHz NMR, HPLC, GC, ICP-OES, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, fluorimeters, AFM, TEM and a confocal fluorescence microscope.

Luther College is located in rural Northeast Iowa, a regional hub for outdoor recreation, two nationally recognized healthcare systems, top ranked schools, business, agriculture, specialty retail, dining and tourism. Major Midwest metropolitan areas within a three-hour driving distance include Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; and Madison, WI. We are an easy drive to La Crosse, WI, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA, and Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic.

At Luther College, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our educational mission and values. We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.

With support from departmental colleagues and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the successful candidate will participate in program development, student recruitment and advising. Departmental and college service, professional development activities that support teaching or research interests, and the pursuit of research that involves undergraduate students are all aspects of working at Luther College.

Apply: For full consideration, applications should be received by October 23, 2024. Campus interviews are planned for November 19-22, 2024. Apply for the position at https://www.luther.edu/offices/hr/careers. Applicants' dossier should include:

  • Cover letter (1 to 2 pages) describing your interest in the position at Luther College as articulated in this position description and documenting your training and experience appropriate to the position.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Teaching statement including how you would approach teaching (1 to 2 pages, with optional supplementary materials). Your experience in, commitment to, and vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion through your work and student engagement, and how your teaching contributes to a liberal arts education.
  • Statement of research plans emphasizing how students will be mentored and what needs you have in infrastructure to carry out your proposed research. (1 - 3 pages)
  • Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts.
  • Contact information for three references (name, affiliation, email and phone). References will only be contacted for those candidates under serious consideration and we will seek your permission before doing so.


The current salary range for assistant professors with 0-5 years of experience is $52,000-$58,000 (academic year salary); placement on scale is dependent on credentials and applicable experience. Additional opportunities are available (start-up funds, summer teaching, summer undergraduate research, grant research, administrative duties, etc.).

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Olga Michels, Search Chair, Dept of Chemistry, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101; phone: 563-387-1684; email: olga.michels@luther.edu. Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website www.luther.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to hr@luther.edu.