Description

The School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Chemistry to begin August 2026. 

This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman’s campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University’s core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed. 

Position: Truman State University has an opening for a tenure-track Chemistry faculty member, beginning August 2026, for outstanding candidates with expertise in organic chemistry.

Successful candidates will provide classroom instruction in organic chemistry, introductory chemistry, courses that support the liberal arts and sciences, as well as other courses compatible with expertise; conduct research with and mentor undergraduate students; and provide service to the department and University.

Evaluation of Applicants: All applicants will be evaluated on:

• academic qualifications,
• support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University,
• teaching philosophy and experience,
• demonstrated potential for success in teaching chemistry courses,
• research plan and the degree to which it complements or diversifies current directions in the department and the level to which it is amenable to involving undergraduate students,
• evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills,
  demonstrated alignment with the department’s needs. 

Benefits: Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses.  Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year.  More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/. 

Program: The Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology programs are accredited by the American Chemical Society and graduate approximately 30 majors yearly. Both programs are housed within the Department of Physical Sciences, part of the School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University. The Department has 15 faculty members with specialties across chemistry, physics, and astronomy. The Department also offers a Physics major, a Dual Degree Engineering program, various minors, and classes that support more than 600 students with biology, agriculture, and health-related majors. Physical Sciences faculty also offer courses in the Dialogues, Truman’s liberal studies core curriculum. Faculty are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research within the School and across the University. For more information about the Chemistry program, visit http://chemistry.truman.edu/. 

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about. 

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com. 

Application: Applications must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/174810

For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.  

Completed applications must include: 

• A letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above,
• A current curriculum vitae,
• A statement of teaching philosophy that reflects on our liberal arts and sciences mission,
• A sustainable research/scholarship plan that includes a mentorship philosophy for engaging undergraduate students in your scholarly pursuits,
• Contact information for at least three references, and 
• Official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire  

Review of applications will begin 11/20/2025 and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to the chair of the Department of Physical Sciences, Tim Wiser, at tdwiser@truman.edu. 

Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law.  We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment.  Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu. 

Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.  To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:  

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field, awarded by the starting date;
• Demonstrated potential for success in teaching introductory chemistry courses;
• Demonstrated potential for success in teaching foundational and in-depth courses in organic chemistry;
• Ability to develop a successful and sustainable research program involving undergraduate students;
• Support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral research and/or teaching experience,
• Plans to develop a successful, externally-funded research program in organic chemistry,
• Demonstrated potential to teach foundational and advanced courses in at least one other chemistry subdiscipline (organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry),
• Demonstrated experience in academic service roles such as curriculum development, program visioning, etc.