Visiting Professor, Chemistry
Location: Hickory, North Carolina
Faculty Position: One-semester, nine-month, non-tenure track position with the possibility of extension for additional years. Appointment begins January 2027.
Position Summary
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Lenoir-Rhyne University invites applications for a Visiting Professor of Chemistry to teach introductory, freshman-level courses in organic, biochemical or physical chemistry. This position is intended for a student-centered educator who is committed to providing undergraduate students with a strong foundation in the fields of chemistry.
This position is a five-month teaching contract involving coursework for undergraduate students in the spring semester, with the potential for additional teaching assignments. A minimum of a master’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field is required, but a terminal degree is preferred. The degree must be awarded prior to the start date of this position, Jan. 4, 2026. Teaching will include courses in organic, biochemical and/or physical chemistry, along with evaluating student success and achievement and providing timely student feedback within those courses.
Evidence of exemplary college teaching experience and the ability to develop and deliver both lecture and laboratory courses is highly preferred. Candidates must be able to conduct their assigned courses of instruction in the best manner possible to achieve student learning, which includes presenting ideas in ways that are appropriate to a variety of learning styles and demonstrate sensitivity to a diverse student population. Successful candidates will display a commitment and capacity for teaching excellence, student mentorship, collaborative work, scholarly and professional engagement and a dedication to strong institution-wide citizenship.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate chemistry courses, potentially including general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and physical chemistry.
- Prepare and deliver engaging lectures, laboratory activities and other instructional experiences.
- Provide appropriate assessment of student learning through examinations, assignments, laboratory reports, projects, and other methods.
- Maintain accurate course records and communicate course expectations, learning outcomes, and student progress clearly.
- Provide appropriate academic support through office hours and individual student consultations.
- Maintain appropriate laboratory safety standards and ensure compliance with university and departmental policies.
All position requirements outlined above reflect the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the role competently. This description is not intended to be exhaustive. Faculty may be assigned additional responsibilities and are expected to acquire new skills as needed. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify position responsibilities as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
- A master’s degree or doctorate in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated ability or potential to teach undergraduate chemistry effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline.
- College-level teaching experience in one or more of the following areas: general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and/or physical chemistry.
- Experience teaching laboratory courses.
- Experience working at a small college or undergraduate-focused institution.
Compensation
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary transparency is a priority; detailed information will be provided to candidates during the interview process.
Application Process
While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit a:
- Letter of Application, specifically discussing how the candidate meets the needs of the position
- Curriculum Vitae, including the names and addresses of three references
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy as it relates to LR’s Teaching Scholar Model
The university’s mission, vision, and values statements may be reviewed using About LR.
Questions regarding the position or search process may be directed electronically to Dr. Scott Schaefer , at scott.schaefer@lr.edu.
Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university's commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience nurturing a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff and/or students from all walks of life and/or incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good.
About the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics provides current and practical knowledge and skills that prepares students for a successful STEM career. The college offers eleven undergraduate degrees: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science (including a cyber-security track), engineering physics (system integration & automation and traditional focuses), environmental science and policy, information technology, mathematics, medical studies, pre-engineering, and pre-medical science. At the graduate level, the college offers an MS in Sustainability Studies.
About Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private, comprehensive institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of more than 40,000. The university has additional graduate centers in Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir- Rhyne is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 365,000. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build community, and promote responsible leadership for service to the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy
Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
LR is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the LR community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming. To that end, LR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program, activity and employment, LR has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment, and for allegations of retaliation.
LR values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all those involved.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.