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Working/Functional Title

Teaching Specialist in Chem Eng & Materials Sci

Position Summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (ChEMS) at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking qualified candidates for a Specialist-Teacher position to teach materials science and engineering and chemical engineering undergraduate courses with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2024. This is a full-time, fixed-term, academic year (9-month) position with an initial appointment until August 15, 2025, and is renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding.  

Courses will include classroom and laboratory sections involving introductory materials science and engineering, characterization methods, spectroscopic and diffraction analysis, polymer and composite processing, design and failure analysis, or other topics that constitute a rigorous curriculum in the materials science and engineering and chemical engineering programs. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to teach both lecture and laboratory courses, with a focus on laboratories at the introductory and advanced undergraduate levels.  A strong laboratory and practical operational experience with analytical instruments in academic settings is an asset.

In support of teaching activities, this role involves several key responsibilities. These include implementing a proactive maintenance program and maintaining an inventory of instructional laboratory equipment within the Engineering and STEM buildings. It also entails collaborating with fellow teaching faculty to provide recommendations for equipment acquisitions, managing the procurement and storage of consumables, and ensuring the upkeep of experimental materials, chemical supplies, inventories, and instructional manuals for laboratory facilities. Furthermore, the role serves as the primary liaison for Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) requests related to the maintenance of instructional laboratories within the STEM building.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -materials science or chemical engineering

Desired Degree

Doctorate -materials science or chemical engineering

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree in materials science and engineering or chemical engineering, along with at least five years of industrial experience. A dedication to achieving excellence in teaching and outreach is essential.

Desired Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in materials science and engineering or chemical engineering. Strong candidates will have significant academic laboratory experience with a deep understanding of the operational principles of analytical instruments relevant to the characterization and processing of materials or will have extensive analytical laboratory experience in characterization and material processing at the workplace. Experience in laboratory module design for different academic levels and interest in developing outreach programs to attract and broaden awareness in the departmental disciplines at the K-12 level is desirable.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit 1) a detailed resume/vita, 2) a cover letter summarizing their qualifications, 3) a vision statement for teaching, 4) a statement on their philosophy related to DEI, including awareness/education, examples of work conducted, the assessment outcomes, and demonstrated impact of that work, 5) the names and contact information for at least three professional references.

Special Instructions

Application review will begin on October 20, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis ther