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Postsecondary Chemistry Teachers

Overview

Chemistry teachers at colleges and universities help students explore everything from basic chemical reactions to cutting-edge research in labs. They create course materials, teach classes both in-person and online, grade assignments, and guide students toward their career goals. Many also conduct their own research experiments and publish their discoveries in scientific journals. This career requires strong communication skills, a graduate degree in chemistry, and the ability to work collaboratively with other faculty members in modern academic environments.

Did you know?

A Ph.D. in chemistry or closely related field is typically required for most postsecondary teaching positions in American colleges and universities.

At a Glance

$87,202.08 Avg/yr

Median Wage

Stable

Growth

Management of Financial Resources

Top Skill

Key Responsibilities

  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Select, order, and maintain materials and supplies for teaching and research, such as textbooks, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
  • Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Establish, teach, and monitor students' compliance with safety rules for handling chemicals, equipment, and other hazardous materials.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Clean laboratory facilities.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as serving as a department head.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory performance, assignments, and papers.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Supervise students' laboratory work.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Serve on committees or in professional societies.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Write letters of recommendation for students.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical separation.
  • Prepare and submit required reports related to instruction.

Career Considerations

Advanced Degree Requirement

A Ph.D. in chemistry or closely related field is typically required for most postsecondary teaching positions in American colleges and universities.

Competitive Job Market

The academic job market for chemistry faculty positions is highly competitive, with many qualified candidates competing for limited tenure-track openings.

Tenure Track Considerations

Success in American higher education often depends on securing tenure through research productivity, teaching excellence, and service contributions within a probationary period.

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New York

25 Kent Ave, Suite 401
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North Carolina

204 N Person
Street. Raleigh, NC
27601

Australia

Level 4/80
Wentworth Ave,
Surry Hills,
Sydney, 2010