"Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry"

Job Details

Union College invites applications for the position of a three-year Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, beginning September 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by January 12, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

A Ph.D in chemistry or a closely related field is required; ABD applicants will be considered if there is a clear indication that all degree requirements will be complete before the start of employment. Successful candidates will have the potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching and research, and should be committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Teaching responsibilities will be primarily in introductory chemistry courses and labs, with additional teaching responsibilities depending on the successful candidate's area(s) of expertise and departmental need. This position involves teaching, on average, two courses in each of three trimesters (six courses per academic year). It is expected that the successful hire will establish and maintain a research program that involves undergraduate students.

About the Department of Chemistry:

The Department of Chemistry comprises thirteen permanent faculty members with support from an administrative assistant and a laboratory specialist. One faculty member also serves as the Department’s dedicated instrumentation specialist. Annually, about 20 students graduate with a degree in chemistry or biochemistry, and about 40% of the students on campus take introductory chemistry courses during their time at Union. Our department has a strong collegial culture. We frequently collaborate to develop innovative approaches to undergraduate education in both teaching and scholarship. We have offices and research spaces in several connected science and engineering buildings, and maintain an exceptional suite of advanced instrumentation in support of research and teaching.

Application instructions:

Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered.

• Cover letter describing how your education, teaching and research, academic interests, and experience address the requirements of this position and in which you address how you create a sense of belonging for students both inside and outside the classroom
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of experience and interests in teaching, in which you reflect on your teaching experience, as well as how you can both contribute to diverse educational experiences and offerings and engage with students with diverse skills or backgrounds (maximum of 2 pages)
• Statement of research plans, in which you outline your specific research plans, including how you will involve undergraduate students (maximum of 3 pages)
• Graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable for the initial application)

Please send questions and other inquiries to Laura MacManus-Spencer, Department of Chemistry Chair, at chemchair@union.edu. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in teaching and research in Chemistry.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $68,500-$70,500. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition programs