The Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University invites applications from qualified candidates for multiple academic and research positions, including a tenure-track Assistant Professor, an Assistant Professor of Instruction, and an Educational Postdoctoral Scholar. Below are the complete details regarding eligibility, job descriptions, deadlines, and application links.
Overview of Available Positions
| Position (Designation) | Track / Type | Application Deadline | Expected Base Pay Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor of Chemistry | Full-time, Tenure-Track | October 15, 2026 | $110,000 – $125,000 (9-month) |
| Assistant Professor of Instruction | Full-time, Non-Tenure Teaching Track | November 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) | $80,000 – $95,000 (9-month) |
| Educational Postdoctoral Scholar | Full-time, On-site Term Position | Rolling basis (Review begins immediately) | Competitive / Based on experience |
Position 1: Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Tenure-Track)
Designation
Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Tenure-Track, 9-month continuing faculty position with an initial three-year appointment starting September 1, 2027).
Research Area
Open to all fields of Chemistry, with a strong preference for Inorganic Chemistry or Bioinorganic Chemistry.
Location
Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Eligibility/Qualification
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related discipline (required).
- Relevant postdoctoral research experience (preferred).
- Demonstrated capacity to establish and lead an internationally recognized, externally funded research program.
- Commitment to excellence in teaching and research training at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Job Description
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Direct an active, independent, extramurally funded research group.
- Provide comprehensive research training and mentorship to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, as well as undergraduate scholars.
- Teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in chemistry.
- Participate actively in departmental governance and institutional service.
Salary and Benefits
The expected base pay range for this 9-month academic appointment is $110,000 – $125,000 (subject to negotiation and does not include summer salary). Northwestern University provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition benefits.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following materials electronically through the Northwestern faculty recruitment portal:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and full publication list.
- Description of future research plans (maximum 7 single-spaced pages total, including an executive summary and detailed descriptions of three specific research directions).
- Three confidential letters of recommendation.
Questions regarding this search may be directed to Kre Britt at chemsearch@northwestern.edu.
Last Date for Apply
October 15, 2026 (to ensure full consideration).
Apply Link
Apply Online for Tenure-Track Assistant Professor
Position 2: Assistant Professor of Instruction (Teaching Track)
Designation
Assistant Professor of Instruction (Full-time, benefits-eligible, 9-month non-tenure track continuing appointment for an initial three-year term, starting September 1, 2027).
Research Area / Academic Focus
Chemical Education, Curriculum Innovation, Laboratory Instruction, and Student Persistence in Undergraduate Chemistry.
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Eligibility/Qualification
- Ph.D. completed in Chemistry, Chemical Education, or a related field.
- Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate-level chemistry teaching.
- Hands-on experience in supervising, managing, or overseeing chemical instructional laboratories.
- Documented interest and track record in developing, assessing, and publishing educational innovations.
Job Description
- Contribute to Northwestern’s ACS-accredited undergraduate chemistry curriculum through teaching, advising, and scholarly activity.
- Design and implement inquiry-based experiments and innovative pedagogies to improve learning outcomes and student persistence in lecture and laboratory courses.
- Develop and validate assessments measuring student conceptual understanding.
- Train, mentor, and supervise Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs).
- Deliver laboratory lectures, conduct weekly office hours, assess student work, and perform related administrative duties.
Salary and Benefits
The expected 9-month base pay range is $80,000 – $95,000 (subject to negotiation; does not include summer salary), plus Northwestern’s standard faculty benefits package.
How to Apply
Applicants should compile and submit the following required materials online:
- Cover letter.
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Statement of teaching philosophy.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Inquiries may be sent to Kre Britt at chemsearch@northwestern.edu.
Last Date for Apply
November 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.
Apply Link
Apply Online for Assistant Professor of Instruction
Position 3: Educational Postdoctoral Scholar
Designation
Educational Postdoctoral Scholar (Full-time, on-site term appointment with possibility of renewal; preferred start date is January 2027, though alternative start dates will be considered).
Research Area
Chemical Education, Qualitative and Quantitative Educational Research, Undergraduate Curriculum Assessment.
Location
Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Eligibility/Qualification
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related scientific field (Ph.D. in Chemical Education is strongly preferred).
- Documented experience working with qualitative and quantitative educational data (e.g., survey design, focus groups, interview coding).
- Prior experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant is required; experience as an instructor of record is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills combined with a growth mindset.
Job Description
- Support educational operations in General Chemistry courses and the Chemistry major curriculum.
- Lead special educational research initiatives, including survey deployment, student interviews, and qualitative coding.
- Supervise and run laboratory operations during evening/after-hours sessions, supporting undergraduate students and TAs.
- Potentially serve as an instructor of record for select undergraduate courses.
- Publish findings in chemical education research journals (e.g., Journal of Chemical Education) and present at national/international conferences.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their application package directly to chemhelp@u.northwestern.edu. The application package must include:
- Comprehensive Cover Letter.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- 2 to 3 recommendation letters sent directly by the referees.
Last Date for Apply
Rolling basis — application review begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Apply Link
Submit applications via email to: chemhelp@u.northwestern.edu
About the Employer
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. For details on benefits, visit Northwestern HR Benefits.
