The Department of Chemistry at Knox College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Chemistry beginning September 1, 2027. We seek candidates with a focus on Physical Chemistry. Candidates with expertise in closely related fields are encouraged to apply, such as Theoretical or Computational Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Materials/Nanochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, etc.
The position involves a six-course teaching load (typically two courses in each of three 10-week terms) that includes courses in physical chemistry, general chemistry, and upper-level electives in an area of the candidate’s expertise with associated laboratories. Candidates should have asincere interest in quality undergraduate teaching at an institution that values diversity and close interactions among faculty and students, as well as a desire to maintain an active research program.
Establishing a research program that involves undergraduates is expected. Substantial institutional resources are provided to support the supervision of undergraduate research, including start-up funding, laboratory space, paid summer research programs for undergraduate students and faculty, conference travel funds, one term of junior faculty leave, regular sabbaticals, and an office of college grants. Indeed, Knox Chemistry ranks in the top 4% of institutions producing PhD candidates relative to institutional size.
Knox offers an ACS-certified program with BA/BS degrees in chemistry and biochemistry (~16 majors/year). The chemistry department has excellent instrumentation (400 MHz NMR, FT-IR, GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLCs, DSC, AES, voltammetry, potentiometry, calorimeters and various spectrometers–Raman, Luminescence, UV/Vis). The Chemistry wing of the Umbeck Science and Math Center is currently undergoing substantial renovations with planned opening for Spring 2027. Facilities also include a Makerspace with a machine shop, along with an SEM with EDS for elemental analysis, Mössbauer spectrometer, confocal microscope, pXRF, a colorimeter, and a 24-core server suitable for chemical computations.
Professional development opportunities for the candidate include mentoring in teaching and undergraduate research in a supportive community of four full-time faculty in the Chemistry Department, a stockroom manager/chemical hygiene officer, a laboratory coordinator/radiation safety officer, and a Makerspace/science technician.
Knox College is an independent, selective liberal arts institution with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. Knox is included in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and a member of the prestigious consortium of Associated Colleges of the Midwest.
Knox College provides a competitive salary and a strong benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, and access to a retirement plan; a tuition remission benefit is available after a two-year waiting period. Additional information can be found on our Human Resources webpage at https://www.knox.edu/employment-at-knox/faculty.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field by the start date (September 1, 2027) is required.
Post-doctoral research or teaching experience are desirable.
Candidates should submit:
1. A cover letter addressing how the candidate’s teaching interests and experiences are suited to a selective, diverse liberal arts college;
2. A statement of teaching philosophy and research interests (inclusion of chemical instrumentation needs is also helpful);
3. A curriculum vitae;
4. Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable);
5. The names and contact information of three references to provide confidential letters of recommendation.
Submission via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/194949
Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Questions may be addressed to chemistrysearch@knox.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from so discriminating on the basis of sex.
The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of Non-Discrimination is the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance. Any inquiries regarding Title IX or the College's policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment should be directed to the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance identified below. The coordinator will be available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College’s policies and procedures.
Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: cultureofrespect@knox.edu
Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance, the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for additional information.
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office
500 W Madison St., Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661-4544
Phone: 312-730-1560
Email: ocr@ed.gov
Inquiries regarding the College’s policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) should be directed to the ADA/504 Coordinator identified below.
Knox College ADA/504 Coordinator
Jennie Hemingway, PhD
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: jhemingway@knox.edu
Employees requesting accomodations may contact:
Human Resources
52 W South St., Alumni Hall, Suite 100 | Campus Box K-200
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7162 or 309-341-7543
Email: hr@knox.edu
Students requesting accommodations may contact:
Director of Disability Support Services
Patricia Harden
Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183
340 South West Street
Phone: 309-341-7478
Email: pharden@knox.edu
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in certain aspects of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a human.