Visiting Assistant Professor, Organic Chemistry

Position Summary

The Wilkes University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in Organic Chemistry beginning in August 2026.

The successful candidate will teach courses in the organic chemistry sequence (Organic Chemistry I and II) along with additional courses or laboratories as needed. The teaching load is expected to be equivalent to a 4/4 (24 formula hours per academic year).

This position is primarily focused on teaching. The department values structured, effective instruction that supports student success in a rigorous curriculum, including preparation for the ACS standardized examination.

Opportunities may be available for involvement in undergraduate research or other professional activities, depending on the candidate's interests, but these are not required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field (completed by August 2026)
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching
• Evidence of effective instruction or teaching potential

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching organic chemistry lecture and/or laboratory
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students
• Ability to teach a range of undergraduate chemistry courses

Key Responsibilities

• Teach Organic Chemistry I and II lectures and associated courses as assigned
• Deliver clear, organized, and effective instruction in a student-centered environment
• Contribute to a structured curriculum aligned with departmental learning goals

About Wilkes University Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and over 1,500 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels. Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a revitalized city, located on the scenic Susquehanna River, that provides an affordable cost of living and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.


Employment at Wilkes is contingent upon the results of a thorough background screening. PA Act 153 requires that persons working in positions with regular and unsupervised contact with minors complete additional clearances, including FBI fingerprinting and PA criminal and child abuse clearances.

To Apply To apply, visit: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/wilkesuniversitycareers/jobs.

Please submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Summary of course evaluations (if available)
• Graduate transcripts
• Teaching statement (teaching interests and philosophy; 1–2 page maximum)
• Names and contact information for three professional references

The position will remain open until filled, with preference given to applicants who submit all required materials by May 8, 2027.

Questions may be directed to: megan.youmans@wilkes.edu

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Employment at Wilkes is contingent upon the results of a thorough background screening. PA Act 153 requires that persons working in positions with regular and unsupervised contact with minors complete additional clearances, including FBI fingerprinting and PA criminal and child abuse clearances.