Teaching Specialist in Chemical Engineering

Position Summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (ChEMS) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a fixed-term Teaching Specialist position with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2026. This is a full-time, nine-month academic-year appointment with primary responsibilities in teaching, laboratory instruction, and service. The appointment is initially for one year with the possibility of subsequent renewal based on instructional needs, funding, performance, and departmental priorities.

This position plays an important role in supporting the department’s mission in undergraduate education. The successful candidate will contribute to delivering high-quality instruction across classroom and laboratory settings, with a particular emphasis on undergraduate laboratory education and experiential learning.

Courses may include introductory chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, process design and optimization, materials science, and other core areas within the chemical engineering curriculum. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach both lecture and laboratory courses and support laboratory operations in a collaborative instructional environment. We are seeking an individual who is committed to excellence in teaching and is interested in building a long-term academic career focused on instruction and student engagement.

Required Degree

Masters -Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field
• At least three years of relevant industrial or laboratory experience
• Demonstrated ability to effectively teach undergraduate-level engineering courses and/or laboratories
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse student populations
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants, and students

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field
• Significant academic laboratory experience and knowledge of analytical and unit operations instrumentation
• Experience in laboratory module development and hands-on instructional environments
• Prior teaching experience in a higher education setting

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• A cover letter summarizing qualifications and interest in the position
• A teaching vision statement, including mentoring and outreach philosophy
• Names and contact information for at least three professional references

Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.