Montana Technological University

Instructor I- Chemistry & Geochemistry

Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.

The Chemistry and Geochemistry Department at Montana Technological University is seeking applicants for a tenure-track instructor position in Chemistry at the Instructor I rank. The Department seeks an individual with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and the development of laboratory skills. The position will involve both lecture and lab instruction, focused primarily on the entry level chemistry courses. Candidates who are particularly passionate about student success in entry level chemistry courses are especially encouraged to apply.

Education & Experience

Applicants must have a M.S. in Chemistry, or a closely related field by the position start date. Preference will be given to candidates that have a PhD and/or those with prior teaching and laboratory management experience. The ideal candidate will have good interdisciplinary skills and the ability to interact comfortably with colleagues in a collaborative education environment.

Montana Tech, located in Butte, Montana, is consistently recognized among America’s best values in undergraduate education and provides the highest return on investment of any institution in Montana. Montana Tech is part of the University of Montana Higher Education system. The university’s hometown is located in one of Montana’s richest historical and cultural communities and provides access to some of the country’s best outdoor recreation. Recently named a “Gateway to the Continental Divide Trail,” Butte is nestled between the Highlands and Pintler mountain ranges.

Review of applications will begin March 4, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by the review date.

Duties:

• Manage the general chemistry laboratory sequence. This includes planning and purchasing chemicals and materials for labs each semester, performing laboratory and chemical preparation prior to lab delivery, ensuring proper lab clean-up and chemical waste disposal at the end of each lab section and managing and overseeing graduate and undergraduate laboratory teaching assistants.
• Undergraduate courses to be taught will be in more than one of the following areas, as needed: general chemistry laboratory lecture, introduction to general chemistry, computational chemistry, chemistry seminar, and other introductory courses are possible.
• Participate in departmental activities, especially those focused on effective recruitment and retention of undergraduate chemistry majors.
• Participate in the campus wide chemical safety committee and coordination of yearly chemical waste disposal.
• Advise and mentor students.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned Masters of Science degree in chemistry or closely related field by the position start date of August 16, 2025.
• The ability to plan, organize and implement multiple sections of laboratory courses for the general chemistry series.
• The ability to maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment with proper waste management and an up-to-date chemical inventory.
• The ability to effectively teach general chemistry lecture and lab
• Demonstrated ability to implement strategies for outreach, recruitment/retention, and mentoring of undergraduate chemistry majors
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in chemistry or closely related field
• University level teaching experience in any area of chemistry
• Demonstrated experience with maintaining a chemical laboratory space

For full consideration application materials must be complete.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter discussing the applicant’s interest and prior experience in the position, curriculum vita or resume, copies of degree granting transcripts, contact information for three professional references, and a concise teaching philosophy.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.

For full consideration application materials must be complete.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.

Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

To claim veteran’s preference please complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.

Employment (veteran's) preference form

To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu

Why Work at Tech?

Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.

In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
• Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
• 11 Holidays per year
• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
• Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
• 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
• Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
• Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.
• Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.

Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.