Inst/Ast Prof - Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Inst/Ast Prof - Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) and MSU's Lyman Briggs College (LBC) actively promote a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

Founded in 1967, Lyman Briggs College is a vibrant residential STEM college at Michigan State University that focuses on the study of science in its social, historical, and humanistic contexts. This pool posting is for qualified candidates  to teach as an instructor for our introductory chemistry courses. Please note that this position could be part-time or full-time and it is possible that no positions are needed in some semesters. The review of applications is ongoing and continuous, as needed.

LBC's curriculum integrates cutting-edge student-focused science pedagogy with an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum that explores the sciences and the human and social dimensions of the sciences. We value teaching approaches that include high degrees of research-informed best practices, including elements such as interactive engagement and peer-learning. Our general chemistry courses consist of a two-course sequence with laboratory classes running concurrently, but as independent courses. Our lectures rely on a combination of flipped and non-flipped instructional approaches with students engaging in group work in the classroom. Students are expected to actively engage with the science practices throughout the course. The laboratory courses are multi-week, student-driven experiments. Undergraduate Learning Assistants, supervised by the course instructors, assist with the instruction in both the lecture and laboratory courses. Multi-section courses are typically designed and taught with a high degree of collaboration across all instructors. Since we are seeking candidates for a pool of available instructors for our classes, specific course needs will vary from semester to semester.

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches. 

Professional Misconduct Review 

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage. 

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Doctorate -chemistry, chemistry education, or a closely related field

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree for Instructor rank or
• Doctorate for Assistant Professor rank, in chemistry, chemistry education, or a relevant field of study and teaching experience

Desired Qualifications

• Experience teaching chemistry in higher education settings
• PhD in relevant field
• Experience in supervision or mentorship of undergraduate students
• Experience in collaborative instruction
• Instructor of record for classes with 50-150 students

Required Application Materials

• CV to include: education background / qualifications, a list of publications, teaching and mentoring roles, leadership positions, contributions to the academic community, and efforts in public outreach
• Statement of teaching philosophy that highlights:
  • the applicant's commitment to evidence-based practices,
  • the candidate's efforts to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the classroom, and
  • mentoring students (in a research or classroom setting);
• The names and contact information for 3 professional references

Special Instructions

Applications will be reviewed as needed.

Review of applications will begin on 11/16/26 and continue until filled.

Department website:  lbc.msu.edu

Applications will be reviewed as needed.

Website

lbc.msu.edu

Department Statement

The LBC curriculum integrates the natural sciences and mathematics with the history, philosophy, sociology, and communication of the sciences. There are approximately 2,000 students in Lyman Briggs, of which 66% are women. Additionally, 32% of LBC students are members of the Honors College. Faculty work closely with students in small classes and with student groups such as the LBC Inclusivity Committee Student Group and Women in Science. LBC is also a leading center for research on teaching and learning and for interdisciplinary scholarship. The college boasts a dynamic community of students, staff and faculty who make LBC an exceptional place to learn and work. As part of the LBC 2032 Strategic Plan, the college is committed to recruiting a diverse community of faculty, staff, and advisors that represent to our students and the larger community a wide range of identities, experiences, and fields of expertise. As such, applicants from all identity groups are welcome to apply.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.