Description
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time, non-continuing faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in the area of physical chemistry. Appointment to this position will be for a term of one year, beginning Fall 2026, and will carry the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor.
Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, selective liberal arts college near Cleveland, Ohio and is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. Oberlin College was the first college in the US to make interracial education and co-education central to its mission. The College continues to view a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational environment as valuable to the excellence of its academic program. Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD programs.
Oberlin is situated on the outskirts of Cleveland, combining a cozy small-town atmosphere with the cultural amenities of a major city. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cinematheque, Karamu House, several educational institutions, and scores of restaurants, bars, music venues, and theaters add to the cultural and educational opportunities of the region.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has about 25 majors in each graduating class. Faculty members teach at all levels of the curriculum and are active in original research that provides opportunities for undergraduate participation. Housed in the Science Center, the department is well equipped for teaching and research. Instrumentation includes 400-MHz and 600-MHz multinuclear FT-NMR spectrometers, chromatographic (GC-ECD/FID, GC-MS, LC-MS), and biochemical instrumentation, X-ray powder diffractometer, SEM, thermal analysis (TGA/DTA, DSC, bomb calorimetry), FT-IR, atomic absorption, fluorescence and UV-Vis-NIR spectrometers and plate readers, as well as a supercomputer cluster with computational chemistry software. Additional information about the department can be found on the departmental web site at: http://new.oberlin.edu/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry/
The incumbent will teach five courses over two semesters. Primary teaching responsibilities include:
Chemical and Statistical Thermodynamics (CHEM 349): Lecture, laboratory, and laboratory preparation
Quantum Chemistry and Kinetics (CHEM 339): Lecture, laboratory, and laboratory preparation
General Chemistry: one laboratory section
To Apply: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/17053
All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory’s online application process at https://jobs.oberlin.edu. A complete application will be comprised of 1) a Cover Letter describing your teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service, detailing any connections to supporting an inclusive learning environment; 2) a Curriculum Vitae; 3) an unofficial graduate transcript; 4) a statement (or statements) on your teaching philosophy and expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion; 5) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.* All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory’s online application process at: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/
*By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers.
Review of applications will begin on January 31, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the January 31 deadline will be guaranteed full
consideration.
Questions about the position can be addressed to: lisa.ryno@oberlin.edu or Lisa Ryno, Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry, at 440-775-8238.
Requirements
Among the qualifications required for appointment is the Ph.D. degree (in hand or ABD). Candidates must demonstrate interest and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Successful teaching experience at the college level is desirable. Oberlin College values diversity, equity and inclusion. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin is interested in candidates who can contribute to the excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service. Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran’s status, and/or other protected status as required by applicable law.
