Chemistry & Biology Instructor
John A. Logan College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Chemistry & Biology Instructor position within
the Department of Life and Physical Science. Located in southern Illinois, John A. Logan College is a comprehensive community college
committed to academic excellence, student success, and meaningful engagement with the region it serves.
The successful candidate will
be responsible for planning and delivering effective instruction in a range of chemistry and biology courses, including biology for
non-science majors, general chemistry, and related laboratory courses, as needed. Instructional responsibilities include establishing clear
learning expectations, engaging students through evidence-based teaching strategies, and assessing student learning to support continuous
improvement.
In addition to teaching, the instructor is expected to actively participate in curriculum development, assessment of
student learning outcomes, and program improvement efforts, ensuring alignment among course outcomes, instructional activities, and
assessments. The role includes maintaining current course syllabi aligned with master syllabi, incorporating inclusive and innovative
instructional practices to support diverse learners, and adhering to institutional and accreditation requirements.
The position also
involves meaningful engagement in departmental and college service, collaboration with colleagues, and ongoing professional development to
remain current in the discipline and in effective teaching practices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor,
effective instruction in both lecture and laboratory settings, and reflective practice. Experience teaching at the community college level
and the ability to teach across disciplines within the life and physical sciences are highly valued.
Education &
Experience Requirements
Education Required:
Candidates must meet one of the following minimum
education requirements:
- A master’s degree or higher in Biochemistry; or
- A master’s degree or higher in Chemistry (or
closely related field), with a minimum of 18 graduate semester credit hours in Biology; or - A master’s degree or higher in Biology
(or closely related field), with a minimum of 18 graduate semester credit hours in Chemistry.
Graduate coursework must be
sufficient to support assigned teaching responsibilities in both lecture and laboratory settings, consistent with institutional,
accreditation, and disciplinary standards.
Experience Required:
- Demonstrated ability to communicate
effectively in oral and written formats appropriate for instruction, student interaction, and professional collaboration. - Demonstrated basic proficiency with instructional and educational technologies, including learning management systems and standard
productivity tools, sufficient to support course delivery, communication, and assessment.
Experience
Preferred:
- Experience teaching in secondary or post-secondary education, with a strong preference for experience at a
community college. - Experience teaching in multiple instructional modalities, such as face-to-face, online, hybrid, or hyflex
environments. - Experience participating in curriculum development or course revision, including alignment of learning outcomes,
instructional activities, and assessments.
Essential Functions & Position Duties
- Plan
and deliver effective, high-quality instruction in assigned chemistry and biology courses, including lecture and laboratory components, with
a primary focus on student learning and success. - Establish and maintain a professional, collegial learning environment that
supports student engagement, academic rigor, and collaboration with colleagues. - Develop, revise, and maintain courses and
instructional materials to meet the needs of a diverse student population and to respond to changes in curriculum, pedagogy, and
disciplinary standards. - Fulfill all contractual teaching, service, and professional responsibilities during the academic year,
which consists of fall and spring semesters, in accordance with the Full-Time Faculty Contract. - Teach a minimum of 15 credit hours
per semester and hold eight (8) scheduled office hours per week during fall and spring semesters to support student consultation and
academic progress. - Maintain flexibility in teaching assignments, including availability to teach day, evening, and/or weekend
classes based on institutional scheduling needs. - Participate in additional instructional opportunities, such as overload or summer
teaching, when available and as mutually agreed, with compensation in accordance with contractual provisions. - Perform additional
duties and responsibilities defined in the FT Faculty Contract document on the jalc.edu website.
Non-Essential functions of the
position
- Participate in optional college activities, such as commencement, recognition events, open houses, or
community outreach activities, as available and appropriate. - Serve on departmental or college committees, task forces, or work
groups beyond required service expectations. - Engage in professional development activities, conferences, workshops, or training
opportunities beyond minimum contractual requirements. - Assist with special projects or initiatives related to curriculum,
accreditation, recruitment, or student engagement, as needed. - Support adjunct faculty mentoring, onboarding, or peer collaboration
activities when requested. - Participate in grant-related activities or pilot programs when opportunities arise and align with
departmental goals. - Perform other related duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope of the faculty role.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge
- Knowledge of chemistry
and biology concepts sufficient to teach assigned lecture and laboratory courses. - Knowledge of laboratory safety practices,
instructional methods, and student learning assessment. - Knowledge of community college mission, student populations, and
accreditation expectations.
Skills
- Skill in planning and delivering effective instruction in
lecture and lab settings. - Skill in communicating scientific concepts clearly to diverse learners.
- Skill in designing and
assessing coursework, including alignment of outcomes, activities, and assessments. - Skill in using instructional technologies to
support learning and assessment.
Abilities
- Ability to adapt instruction to support varied
student preparation while maintaining academic standards. - Ability to collaborate with colleagues on curriculum, assessment, and
service activities. - Ability to exercise professional judgment, engage in continuous improvement, and meet contractual
responsibilities.
Personal Attributes
- Student-focused and accountable, with a
demonstrated commitment to student learning, persistence, and success. - Professional and collegial, contributing positively to
department and college working relationships. - Reflective and improvement-oriented, using feedback and evidence to refine
instruction and practice. - Adaptable and flexible, responding effectively to diverse learners, instructional modalities, and
scheduling needs. - Ethical and responsible, upholding academic integrity, safety standards, and institutional policies.
- Collaborative, willing to engage in shared curriculum, assessment, and service responsibilities.
Salary: Per
JALC Faculty Contract. The salary schedule can be found on page 57.
The following documents must be
submitted with the application:
- Resume
- All college transcripts
- Any relevant licenses or
certifications - Cover letter
- Three references
John A. Logan College offers a variety of
benefits to employees. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- State Universities Retirement System
(SURS) - Health, vision, and dental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off (vacation, and sick)
- Paid
holidays - JALC tuition waiver after 6 months of employment
JALC Mission: “To enrich lives through learning and community engagement.”