Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Grand Valley State University
Allendale Charter Twp, MI, USA
USD 71,228-71,228 / year
Posted on Sep 27, 2025
Summary: The Department of Chemistry at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor position to start in Fall 2026. Applicants are expected to hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field, with an emphasis on green and sustainable chemistry. The department seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to quality undergraduate education and who are interested in teaching green chemistry, organic chemistry, and related courses. Individuals from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be capable of engaging effectively with students, colleagues, and community members from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Required Qualifications and Education:
Ph.D. in Chemistry, or closely related field with an emphasis in green and sustainable chemistry; ABD candidates will be considered for a two-year contract with the provision that the Ph.D. must be completed by December 2027.
Potential for successful college-level teaching and research that includes/involves undergraduate students.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect, empathy, and cultural humility.
Interest in teaching upper-level courses in green and sustainable chemistry.
Preferred Qualifications and Education:
Demonstrated experience in teaching undergraduate science courses.
Experience in teaching green and organic chemistry courses, including upper-level laboratories.
Provide undergraduate research opportunities in green and sustainable chemistry or related interdisciplinary fields.
Responsibilities: Duties each semester include a 9-credit-hour teaching load, baseline scholarship and service, and a significant focus (equivalent to 3-credit hours) of additional responsibilities that can be in the areas of teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and/or service depending on the successful candidate's interests and the department’s needs. Teaching responsibilities will include courses in the organic chemistry and green chemistry curriculum, such as CHM 421 (Green Chemistry for a Sustainable Environment) and CHM 427 (Green and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory). Opportunities to teach advanced courses in the successful candidate’s area of specialty are available. Faculty are expected to maintain an active scholarship program that includes mentoring undergraduate research students. We support opportunities for collaboration with other GVSU faculty and are interested in new and emerging fields that can contribute to the diversity of our department and the university. Faculty are also expected to contribute service to the Department, College, University, and/or the community.
Minimum Starting Salary: $71,228; commensurate with experience.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package. Including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
Department: The GVSU Department of Chemistry in Allendale, Michigan, is committed to providing high-quality undergraduate education. It emphasizes teaching excellence through inclusive strategies, active scholarship with diverse student populations, and fair service to the university and community. We offer bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry, a Green Chemistry Certificate, and an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in Geology-Chemistry. Our more than 40 full-time faculty and staff support over 200 chemistry and biochemistry majors, as well as students from various other science disciplines. Numerous collaborative opportunities are available for faculty and students to work with multiple partners within the department, across campus, and in the community. The department maintains state-of-the-art equipment and laboratory facilities that are accessible to faculty and students.
College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.
University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public, comprehensive institution located in West Michigan, with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, as well as centers in Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is situated within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and numerous other superb summer and winter recreational destinations. Information can be found at Community Resources page on Grand Valley State University Human Resources website.
How To Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following items to the online application:
A cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU
Curriculum vitae
Teaching philosophy statement
A brief overview (2-3 pages excluding references) of proposed scholarship and research activities, including projects suitable for undergraduate students, along with a statement of facilities, equipment, and instrumentation needs. (Detailed equipment requirements are not necessary for the initial application).
Graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts issued to students are acceptable)
The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for an interview will be required to submit official transcripts before the interview. If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources (hro@gvsu.edu). Questions about the position may be directed to Matthew Hart (hartm@gvsu.edu).
Applicants must also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to the Search Committee. Letters should be sent as email attachments to chmdept@gvsu.edu (use “Green Chemistry Reference Letter” as the subject line). If necessary, letters may be sent by regular mail to: Green Chemistry Search Committee, Chemistry Department, 312 Padnos Hall, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401.
Application Deadline: Consideration of applicants will begin on October 10th, 2025. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
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