Description
Job Summary
The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Oberlin College invites applications for up to two full-time tenure-track faculty positions in the College of Arts and Sciences. Expertise in organic chemistry, broadly defined, is required; candidates specializing in polymer, organometallic, or bioorganic chemistry are especially desirable. Initial appointment of these positions will begin in fall of 2027.
About
Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, highly selective national liberal arts college that is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. The College views a diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational environment as contributing to the excellence of its academic program and was the first college in the US to admit Black Students and women. 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 graduates about 25 majors each year. Faculty members teach at all levels of the curriculum and actively involve undergraduate students in original research. With outstanding facilities for research and teaching in Oberlin’s Science Center, the Department pursues cutting-edge research and innovative pedagogy. Instrumentation includes 400-MHz and 600-MHz multinuclear FT-NMR spectrometers, 80 MHz teaching NMR spectrometer, x-ray powder diffractometer, microscopy (SEM, confocal fluorescence), thermal analysis (TGA/DTA, DSC, bomb calorimetry), FT-Raman/IR, atomic absorption, fluorescence and UV-Vis-NIR spectrometers and plate readers, as well as chromatographic (GC, GC-MS, LC-MS), electrochemical, and biochemical instrumentation, and a supercomputer cluster with computational chemistry software. Cross-disciplinary collaboration in research and teaching is encouraged and supported. Additional information about the Department can be found at: https://www.oberlin.edu/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry.
Responsibilities
The incumbent(s) will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year) in the general area of organic chemistry. Oberlin’s organic sequence (CHEM 205 (Organic Chemistry), 254 (Bioorganic Chemistry), 325 (Organic Mechanism and Synthesis)) includes introductory biochemistry as a component of CHEM 254. Incumbent(s) will teach CHEM 205 and CHEM 325, and, dependent on background and training, CHEM 254. Incumbent(s) will also have the opportunity to teach general chemistry, non-majors’ courses, and advanced courses such as Synthesis Laboratory (CHEM 327 (Synthesis Laboratory)).
The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly research and/or other creative work appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research and service on committees. The Department and College actively support new faculty with mentoring and professional development opportunities, including a paid pre-tenure leave for those on the standard six-year track, startup support, and internal grants for conference travel and research.
Qualifications
Among the qualifications required for appointment is the PhD degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2027-28). Postdoctoral experience is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Oberlin is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the distinctiveness and excellence of our academic community through their research, teaching, and service.
Additional Information for the Candidate
Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive benefits package.
Oberlin College is committed to creating and sustaining a vibrant, welcoming community where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, and where every member has an equal opportunity to learn, work, and contribute based on their talents, skills, and merit. We value a campus environment that draws on a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and ideas to enrich education, scholarship, and daily interactions. The College adheres strictly to all applicable federal and state civil rights laws, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Equal Protection Clause, and related regulations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic in employment, admissions, or educational programs. Hiring and advancement decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, and job-related criteria. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence, free inquiry, respectful dialogue, and equal opportunity under the law to apply. The Office for Institutional Equity plays a key role in supporting a fair, compliant, and inclusive workplace and learning environment for the entire Oberlin community.
To Apply: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/17616
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 comprise:
1) A cover letter describing your teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service, detailing how you contribute to an inclusive learning environment;
2) A Curriculum Vitae;
3) unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts;
4) Statement(s) on your teaching philosophy and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
5) research plans, including how you will incorporate undergraduate students into your research program; and
6) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.*
*By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers.
Review of applications will begin on September 14, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the September 14, 2026 deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.
Questions about the position can be addressed to: Lisa Ryno, Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry, at lryno@oberlin.edu, or by phone at 440-775-8238.
