Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Date Posted: 7/29/2025

The Science and Mathematics Program at Soka University of America (SUA) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position as Assistant Professor of Chemistry, beginning August 1st, 2026. Although applications from any field of Chemistry are welcome, priority will be given to applicants whose chemistry specialization broadens and diversifies the existing chemistry expertise of our faculty.

The successful candidate will demonstrate their ability to excite and engage classes of 16 or fewer students, to develop a productive program of research and scholarship, and to engage in service. The program would favor candidates with an interest in interdisciplinary teaching and research.

Responsibilities:

As part of a five-course annual teaching load between August 1st and May 31st, the new Assistant Professor will teach introductory Chemistry courses as part of our General Education program as well as foundational chemistry courses for students intending to study chemistry and biology in our Life Sciences or Environmental Studies Concentrations or to prepare for post-graduate study in the health professions. These courses may include flexible-topic General Education courses for non-science students, CHEM 150 Foundations of Chemistry, IBC 200 Integrated Biology and Chemistry(co-taught with a biologist; Introductory Chemistry II for science students), as well as one or more of the following General Education courses: Learning Cluster, Modes of Inquiry, or Enduring Questions of Humanity (Core I/II) (see our Undergraduate Catalog.)

The candidate will develop a productive program of research and scholarship involving undergraduates and will contribute to service roles within their academic unit and faculty governance. The program is supported by a state-of-the-art science teaching and research facility. SUA provides resources to support faculty research year-round through institutional research funds and student research assistantships. All SUA graduates complete a Capstone (senior thesis), and successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to mentor student Capstones.

Qualifications

Applicants from all fields of chemistry are welcome and must hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry by August 1st, 2026.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.

Soka University of America:

Soka University of America (SUA), located in Aliso Viejo, California, is a private, non-sectarian liberal arts college founded on the values of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life. It offers a unique and global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts degree with five Concentrations, and has a commitment to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding. SUA’s small and multinational student body, approximately 450 undergraduates, ensures personalized attention and a close-knit academic community. The university’s curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts tradition and incorporates a strong international perspective, requiring students to study abroad for a semester. Faculty members at SUA have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary teaching and research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to faculty development and academic freedom. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture, serene environment, and a culture that values dialogue, diversity, and the holistic development of its students.

Soka University is committed to a dynamic teaching pedagogy that prioritizes active learning through experiential projects, group discussions, and real-world applications. We place a strong emphasis on inclusive pedagogy, fostering a classroom environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel acknowledged, respected, and empowered. Our instructional approach aims to not only disseminate knowledge but also to cultivate critical thinkers and compassionate leaders.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials: (1) letter of application addressing the requirements and preferences of the position; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a teaching statement that describes the applicant’s experience teaching relevant courses and how their teaching would address the needs of our liberal arts curriculum (maximum two pages, single-spaced;) (4) statement of research interests and plan, detailing how undergraduate students would be involved (maximum two pages, single-spaced;) and (5) contact information for three references. Three letters of recommendation will be requested prior to the phone interview through the Interfolio platform.

SUA welcomes all candidates and encourages those from historically underserved communities.

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please submit your application by October 1, 2025.

Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.

Benefits and Salary

SUA offers an excellent benefits package for full-time faculty that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, dependent tuition remission, and faculty home loans. The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $98,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please apply by submitting your application through Interfolio using this link:

Email: [email protected]

Soka University of America is an equal-opportunity employer.