Chemistry & Biology Instructor

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and delivering effective instruction in a range of chemistry and biology courses, including biology for non-science majors, general chemistry, and related laboratory courses, as needed. Instructional responsibilities include establishing clear learning expectations, engaging students through evidence-based teaching strategies, and assessing student learning to support continuous improvement.

In addition to teaching, the instructor is expected to actively participate in curriculum development, assessment of student learning outcomes, and program improvement efforts, ensuring alignment among course outcomes, instructional activities, and assessments. The role includes maintaining current course syllabi aligned with master syllabi, incorporating inclusive and innovative instructional practices to support diverse learners, and adhering to institutional and accreditation requirements.

The position also involves meaningful engagement in departmental and college service, collaboration with colleagues, and ongoing professional development to remain current in the discipline and in effective teaching practices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor, effective instruction in both lecture and laboratory settings, and reflective practice. Experience teaching at the community college level and the ability to teach across disciplines within the life and physical sciences are highly valued.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Required:

Candidates must meet one of the following minimum education requirements:

• A master’s degree or higher in Biochemistry; or
• A master’s degree or higher in Chemistry (or closely related field), with a minimum of 18 graduate semester credit hours in Biology; or
• A master’s degree or higher in Biology (or closely related field), with a minimum of 18 graduate semester credit hours in Chemistry.

Graduate coursework must be sufficient to support assigned teaching responsibilities in both lecture and laboratory settings, consistent with institutional, accreditation, and disciplinary standards.

Experience Required:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats appropriate for instruction, student interaction, and professional collaboration.
• Demonstrated basic proficiency with instructional and educational technologies, including learning management systems and standard productivity tools, sufficient to support course delivery, communication, and assessment.

Experience Preferred:

• Experience teaching in secondary or post-secondary education, with a strong preference for experience at a community college.
• Experience teaching in multiple instructional modalities, such as face-to-face, online, hybrid, or hyflex environments.
• Experience participating in curriculum development or course revision, including alignment of learning outcomes, instructional activities, and assessments.

Essential Functions & Position Duties

• Plan and deliver effective, high-quality instruction in assigned chemistry and biology courses, including lecture and laboratory components, with a primary focus on student learning and success.
• Establish and maintain a professional, collegial learning environment that supports student engagement, academic rigor, and collaboration with colleagues.
• Develop, revise, and maintain courses and instructional materials to meet the needs of a diverse student population and to respond to changes in curriculum, pedagogy, and disciplinary standards.
• Fulfill all contractual teaching, service, and professional responsibilities during the academic year, which consists of fall and spring semesters, in accordance with the Full-Time Faculty Contract.
• Teach a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester and hold eight (8) scheduled office hours per week during fall and spring semesters to support student consultation and academic progress.
• Maintain flexibility in teaching assignments, including availability to teach day, evening, and/or weekend classes based on institutional scheduling needs.
• Participate in additional instructional opportunities, such as overload or summer teaching, when available and as mutually agreed, with compensation in accordance with contractual provisions.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities defined in the FT Faculty Contract document on the jalc.edu website.

Non-Essential functions of the position

• Participate in optional college activities, such as commencement, recognition events, open houses, or community outreach activities, as available and appropriate.
• Serve on departmental or college committees, task forces, or work groups beyond required service expectations.
• Engage in professional development activities, conferences, workshops, or training opportunities beyond minimum contractual requirements.
• Assist with special projects or initiatives related to curriculum, accreditation, recruitment, or student engagement, as needed.
• Support adjunct faculty mentoring, onboarding, or peer collaboration activities when requested.
• Participate in grant-related activities or pilot programs when opportunities arise and align with departmental goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope of the faculty role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge

• Knowledge of chemistry and biology concepts sufficient to teach assigned lecture and laboratory courses.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, instructional methods, and student learning assessment.
• Knowledge of community college mission, student populations, and accreditation expectations.

Skills

• Skill in planning and delivering effective instruction in lecture and lab settings.
• Skill in communicating scientific concepts clearly to diverse learners.
• Skill in designing and assessing coursework, including alignment of outcomes, activities, and assessments.
• Skill in using instructional technologies to support learning and assessment.

Abilities

• Ability to adapt instruction to support varied student preparation while maintaining academic standards.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues on curriculum, assessment, and service activities.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment, engage in continuous improvement, and meet contractual responsibilities.

Personal Attributes

• Student-focused and accountable, with a demonstrated commitment to student learning, persistence, and success.
• Professional and collegial, contributing positively to department and college working relationships.
• Reflective and improvement-oriented, using feedback and evidence to refine instruction and practice.
• Adaptable and flexible, responding effectively to diverse learners, instructional modalities, and scheduling needs.
• Ethical and responsible, upholding academic integrity, safety standards, and institutional policies.
• Collaborative, willing to engage in shared curriculum, assessment, and service responsibilities.

Salary: Per JALC Faculty Contract. The salary schedule can be found on page 57.

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

• Resume
• All college transcripts
• Any relevant licenses or certifications
• Cover letter
• Three references

John A. Logan College offers a variety of benefits to employees. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• State Universities Retirement System (SURS)
• Health, vision, and dental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, and sick)
• Paid holidays
• JALC tuition waiver after 6 months of employment

JALC Mission: “To enrich lives through learning and community engagement.”