Job Description

Working/Functional Title

Teaching Specialist in Chemical Engineering

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (ChEMS) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a fixed-term Teaching Specialist position with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2026. This is a full-time, nine-month academic-year appointment with primary responsibilities in teaching, laboratory instruction, and service. The appointment is initially for one year with the possibility of subsequent renewal based on instructional needs, funding, performance, and departmental priorities.

This position plays an important role in supporting the department’s mission in undergraduate education. The successful candidate will contribute to delivering high-quality instruction across classroom and laboratory settings, with a particular emphasis on undergraduate laboratory education and experiential learning.

Courses may include introductory chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, process design and optimization, materials science, and other core areas within the chemical engineering curriculum. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach both lecture and laboratory courses and support laboratory operations in a collaborative instructional environment. We are seeking an individual who is committed to excellence in teaching and is interested in building a long-term academic career focused on instruction and student engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field
• At least three years of relevant industrial or laboratory experience
• Demonstrated ability to effectively teach undergraduate-level engineering courses and/or laboratories
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse student populations
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, graduate teaching assistants, and students

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field
• Significant academic laboratory experience and knowledge of analytical and unit operations instrumentation
• Experience in laboratory module development and hands-on instructional environments
• Prior teaching experience in a higher education setting

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• A cover letter summarizing qualifications and interest in the position
• A teaching vision statement, including mentoring and outreach philosophy
• Names and contact information for at least three professional references

Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

07/01/2026

Website

https://engineering.msu.edu/departments/chems

Department Statement

About The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University is recognized for excellence in research, innovation, and engineering education. The department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, and the development of solutions to complex challenges in energy, health, sustainability, manufacturing, and advanced materials.

About The College of Engineering

For more than 130 years, the MSU College of Engineering has advanced, shared, and applied engineering knowledge to address society’s most pressing challenges. Our mission is to prepare exceptional engineering graduates, conduct cutting-edge research, and drive innovation that benefits communities locally and globally.

The college pursues this mission through educational and research programs across eight departments, with interdisciplinary strengths in computational sciences, energy, health, manufacturing, materials, mobility, security, and sustainability. By fostering collaboration and discovery, the MSU College of Engineering equips students and faculty to shape the technologies and solutions of the future.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.