Instructor - Instrumentation Specialist

Instructor - Instrumentation Specialist

Chemistry & Physics

Western Carolina University (WCU), one of the 17 campuses of the University of North Carolina system, invites applications for an Instrumentation Specialist in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Anticipated begin work date August 1, 2021. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

The Instrumentation Specialist position is a 10-months per year fixed-term faculty position. In addition to teaching two laboratory courses per semester at the undergraduate level, the individual in this position will 1) be responsible for the maintenance of major instrumentation in the department, including various types of chromatographic (HPLC, IC, GC, etc.) and spectroscopic (NMR, ICP-OES, UV-Vis-NIR, FT-IR, Raman, etc.) equipment as well as an electron microscope (SEM); 2) serve as a resource for faculty and both graduate and undergraduate students by training users and offering guidance on sample preparation and data analysis; 3) be responsible for management and upkeep of computerized systems related to the instruments (e.g. control computers, scheduling systems, and departmental data servers); 4) ensure compliance with State and University safety regulations; and 5) manage student workers who assist with instrument upkeep. This position also requires the moving of cryogenic dewars and gas cylinders as part of instrument upkeep.

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship.

The minimum educational/professional requirement for the position is a M.S. degree in chemistry or a closely related field.

Prior instrument maintenance experience, and/or prior teaching experience are preferred.

Application materials must be submitted online, and must include:
1) a letter of intent;
2) curriculum vitae;
3) statement of teaching philosophy;
4) list of at least three professional references (including contact information);
5) unofficial transcripts from terminal degree.

The submitted teaching philosophy statement (ca. 2 pages) should include a discussion on the applicant’s views on the pedagogical value of instrumentation use in the chemistry curriculum.

Review of application materials will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Jamie Wallen (jamiewallen@wcu.edu)

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.