"Assistant Professor - Chemistry"

Job Details

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Position Title: Assistant Professor - Chemistry

Job Category: Faculty

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Assistant Professor

Job Duties:

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is seeking applicants for an academic year (9-month) tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor with the start date of August 2026. We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in experimental Physical Chemistry. Come join a community of teacher/scholars committed to student success.

Applications received prior to the first review date will receive full consideration, and the search will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Under general supervision of the department chair, successful candidates will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses and advising students. In addition to preparing for and holding classes, teaching involves maintaining currency in the content area related to the teaching assignment, evaluating students’ work, assessing student outcomes, providing regular and substantive feedback on student work, maintaining appropriate records, and holding office hours. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an active, on-going program of scholarship appropriate to their discipline. In addition, faculty provide service to the department, college, university, community and/or professional organizations. Other duties may be assigned by the chair or dean.

The College of Science & Health (CSH) is the largest academic unit at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, bringing together diverse disciplines across the natural, physical, computational, and health sciences. Home to 11 academic departments and nationally recognized professional programs, CSH is known for its strong tradition of faculty mentorship, hands-on undergraduate research, and graduate education that prepares students for leadership in science, healthcare, and industry. Faculty and students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities such as the Prairie Springs Science Center and the Health Science Center, which support innovative teaching, collaborative research, and community engagement. The college also hosts interdisciplinary centers and institutes that connect scholarship with real-world challenges, ranging from river studies to disability health. With robust instrumentation, collaborative partnerships—including ties with the Mayo Clinic Health System—and potential start-up support, CSH provides new faculty with an environment that fosters both scholarly excellence and student success.

The review of applications starts on January 5, 2026. Applications received on or before January 5th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Chemistry or related field. ABD will be considered. The degree must be earned by the end of the first academic year.
• Evidence of the ability to be an effective instructor.
• Evidence of clear and effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior teaching experience and ability to teach Physical Chemistry and General Chemistry lecture and laboratory courses.
• A research plan that is appropriate for a Primarily Undergraduate Institution, and that complements the needs of the department.
• A demonstrated record of, or strong potential for, publication in peer-reviewed academic journals.

How to Apply:

Required application documents

• Submit as a single .pdf file: a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred qualifications, a statement of research plan involving undergraduate students, and a statement of teaching philosophy.
• CV
• References contact information
• Note: Additional application materials may be requested by the search chair at a later date.

Contact Information:

Aric Opdahl aopdahl@uwlax.edu

Special Notes:

Application deadlines
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:

• paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• paid holidays and sick days after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.