"Chemistry - Full-Time, Tenure-Track Assistant Professor"

Position Overview

Teaches, advises and mentors students, evaluates student performance, and maintains department and student records in accordance with university policies. Adheres to the educational philosophy of the university. Works in a collaborative manner with colleagues and professional peers. Teaching, research, departmental/school and university service are expected. Engages in teaching, service, and scholarly and/or creative activities as defined by the tenure and promotion policy in the UCO Employee and Faculty Handbook. This position is a full-time, tenure-track position. Anticipated start date is August 2026.

College/Department Overview

The College of Mathematics and Science currently has 127 full-time and over 70 part-time faculty in 6 academic departments and the School of Engineering. The College serves more than 3,300 undergraduate students in 30 majors and provides graduate programs in Biology, Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Applied Mathematical Science, Engineering Physics, and Nursing. Accreditation/Certification is held by ABET, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the American Board of Funeral Service Education, and the American Chemical Society. UCO is an institutional member of the Council on Undergraduate Research. For further information, see our website at www.uco.edu/cms.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions

The Chemistry Department at the University of Central Oklahoma, as a metropolitan institution serving a diverse student body, has a strong commitment to undergraduate education through transformative learning experiences. The department is seeking a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor with expertise in biochemistry who is committed to innovative teaching and collaborative student-centered undergraduate research. Duties include teaching day/evening undergraduate classes including lectures and laboratories, research and scholarly activities, and service to the department, college, and university. Primary teaching responsibilities could include the two-semester biochemistry sequence, and experimental biochemistry laboratory. The candidate will teach additional courses as needed in line with their area of expertise. The successful applicant will have a clear plan for cultivating discipline-specific research involving undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds. There are opportunities available for course release-time to better engage undergraduate researchers. The candidate will be part of a collaborative faculty. The candidate will willingly engage in professional development to improve teaching and mentorship skills.

Qualifications/Experience Required

An earned doctorate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field awarded by a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution in the field specified in the position announcement (exceptions require Academic Affairs approval). ABD considered, but the doctorate must be completed by August 1, 2026. NOTE If the doctorate is not obtained and submitted by the time of employment, the position rank will change to TT-Instructor, until completion of the doctorate.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

Previous experience teaching and mentoring research at the undergraduate level; experience with modern teaching technologies. Experience with or willingness to develop undergraduate laboratories and update curriculum.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to work collaboratively with other faculty and staff. Reports to the Chair of the Department and the Dean of the College.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.