Title: Assistant Professor of Forensic Chemistry

VP Area: Academic Affairs

Department: School of Chemistry, Environmental, and Geosciences

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Department of Chemistry at Lake Superior State University invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in Forensic Chemistry.  This position will begin in August 2025.

The successful candidate will contribute their academic, laboratory, and professional expertise to programs including Biochemistry, Chemistry, Cannabis Chemistry, and Forensic Chemistry. Instructional duties may include General Chemistry and the Forensic Chemistry sequence. Additionally, participation in applied research activities involving undergraduate students is required. Leadership opportunities exist for curriculum development that prepares students for graduate and professional school and/or the work force. Under the direction of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the successful candidate will provide course instruction utilizing multiple teaching formats, including lecture, laboratory, practicum and/or online delivery. Information pertaining to the ACS accredited LSSU Chemistry department, including programs and the newly updated >$3 million instrumental facilities can be found at https://www.lssu.edu/school-of-chemistry/.  

Sault Ste. Marie is uniquely situated on Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where we share the international border with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The two cities with a combined population of 100,000 pair the advantages of a larger city with the safety and comfort of a smaller town.

Lake Superior State University is ranked by US News as:

#10 in Regional Colleges Midwest (tie)

#1 in Top Public Schools

#23 in Best Value Schools

#1 in Best Colleges for Veterans

#40 in Top performers on Social Mobility

Duties and Responsibilities

1) Twelve contract hours of instruction and other assigned responsibilities per semester.

2) Provide a minimum of five hours devoted to office hours for the purpose of student support.

3) Participation in professional and scholarly activities, including but not limited to applied research with undergraduates and dissemination of knowledge through publication, community, or faculty presentations.

4) Safely design, conduct, and supervise laboratory procedures and experiments.

5) Academic advising and recruitment of students.

6) Course and program assessment.

7) University/community service.

Minimum Qualifications:    

Master’s Degree in Forensic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field.

Experience teaching at the undergraduate level.

Experience operating chemical instrumentation including mass spectrometers.

Ability to teach undergraduate students through classroom and laboratory settings that engage modern pedagogy.

Ability to work collaboratively and productively with both internal and external colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Forensic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field. Applicants may be ABD but must have a Ph.D. by the appointment start date.

Experience teaching with a variety of delivery formats including lecture, online, and/or blended.

Experience facilitating applied research activities involving undergraduate students.

Experience or interest in securing external funding to support teaching and undergraduate research opportunities

Physical Demands:

Typical demands of teaching at the university level exist, with the ability to stand for up to 4 hours in a single class session. The ability to manage the physical demands of 12 credits per semester, with the occasional possibility of overload and night classes.

The above statement reflects the general considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, contact information for three professional references, a statement of teaching interests (1 page) and a statement of research interests.

For additional information:

Contact Dr. Steven Johnson, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Review of applications will begin October 21 and continue until the position is filled.