Department: Biology
Position: Full-time (10-month), tenure-track position with complete benefit package
Salary: Negotiable within the range established in the CBA ($44,000-$54,000)
Union Affiliation: MFPE
Posting Date: November 2021
Start Date: August 1, 2022
The Biology Department at the University of Montana Western seeks an innovative, passionate, science educator/researcher in the area of chemistry. The position is a full-time, tenure-track appointment at the assistant or associate professor level. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a teaching approach that will take advantage of Montana Western’s unique immersion scheduling model (Experience One). This model, where students take and faculty teach a single 3.5 week course at a time, is the mission of the campus and an unparalleled opportunity for a talented and creative educator to merge research with undergraduate learning.
This position fills a critical role at the University of Montana Western and supports students from many different areas of study including biomedical sciences, ecology, environmental science, kinesiology, psychology and equine science. Initial teaching responsibilities will include science majors’ courses in College Chemistry I, II (General Chemistry) and Organic Chemistry I & II using the Experience One model where lectures and lab are integrated in classes that meet for a minimum of 3 hours each day. There will also be opportunities to develop courses in the chosen candidate’s area of interest. Additional responsibilities will include advising, writing student recommendation letters and providing student research opportunities, as well as maintaining the chemistry stockroom. The teaching load is 12 credits per semester, which are taught during three of the four blocks offered during a semester. The fourth block is for conducting required professional development activities, such as research with undergraduate students, attending meetings or writing grant proposals and research papers. As mentioned above, this position will support various academic programs, but it is especially important for students in our pre-professional health programs.
The successful candidate will hold a doctorate in organic chemistry or closely related field (ABD considered). The candidate should be an engaging and dedicated teacher who is committed to undergraduate student learning and success. The research interests of the candidate should be able to accommodate students from various scientific fields, but a background in biomedical research is highly preferred. In addition, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability, or strong interest in experiential learning and innovative undergraduate education using Montana Western’s block scheduling model. College-level teaching experience (including general and organic chemistry courses) is highly preferred. The University of Montana Western values diversity, so applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
Application materials should include a letter of interest responding to this position description, a statement of teaching philosophy (< 2 pages), a statement of research interests (< 2 pages), a curriculum vitae including contact information for at least three professional references, and official or unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts. All application materials should be submitted as a single PDF file. Teaching evaluations may be requested at a later time. Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Application materials should be sent to:
Patti Lake
Payroll & Benefits Supervisor
The University of Montana Western
710 South Atlantic Street
Dillon, MT 59725
[email protected]
Inquiries can be made to Dr. Michael Gilbert at (406) 683-7041; [email protected]. Review of applications will begin by December 15 and will continue until the position is filled.
The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate university with over 65 full-time faculty and 1,300 students. It is located in Dillon, Montana in the scenic Rocky Mountains and has been awarded numerous top national rankings for delivering high quality, affordable education.
Montana Western is the only public four-year college in the nation offering Experience One (X1), experiential learning delivered on the block schedule. Class sizes are small and students take a single course at a time, three hours each day for 18 days, before moving on to the next course. Each course is four credits and four blocks are offered each semester. The block schedule facilitates field and lab work, undergraduate research, study travel, and interdisciplinary teaching. Montana Western’s faculty strongly believe in mentoring and inspiring students and assisting them in the transition from university life to professional careers.
The University of Montana Western is an integral part of the Dillon Community. With a population of 5,000 people, Dillon is known for outstanding public schools, safe environments, recreational opportunities, and an excellent quality of life.
The University of Montana Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from qualified women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. Qualified candidates may request veterans‚ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. Finalists for any position will be subject to a criminal background investigation.
