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Adjunct Instructors - Physical Chemistry

St. Norbert College · De Pere, WI · Part time

Posted May 12, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your experience teaching physical chemistry or a related course to undergraduates.

What they are checking: Whether they have real classroom experience, since the posting prefers it and considers ABD candidates only with some teaching.

What research, publications or professional work have you done in chemistry in the last five years?

What they are checking: Whether they meet the college's requirement for current activity in the field at the time of appointment.

What would you do

If you were brought in mid-planning to cover a section because another instructor left, how would you get up to speed on what the students already learned?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the last-minute openings the posting describes without losing continuity for students.

A student who has done well in general chemistry is failing your first physical chemistry exam. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they reach out early and diagnose the gap, rather than letting a capable student quietly drop.

How would you handle a class where half the students are chemistry majors and half are from biology or physics?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach to a mixed background without losing either group.

About the work

Physical chemistry covers thermodynamics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and kinetics. If you had to cut time from one of those topics in a semester, which would it be and why?

What they are checking: Whether they can make reasoned curriculum tradeoffs instead of trying to cover everything at the same depth.

How would you explain the difference between Gibbs free energy and enthalpy to a student who keeps confusing them?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain core thermodynamics clearly at the undergraduate level, not just state the equations.

Students often hit a wall with the math in quantum mechanics. How do you help them get through the particle-in-a-box and harmonic oscillator material?

What they are checking: Whether they can support students whose calculus and linear algebra are weaker than the course assumes.

How do you connect electrochemistry or spectroscopy to something students will actually use in a lab or a career?

What they are checking: Whether they can make abstract physical chemistry feel relevant to chemistry, biochemistry and pre-med students.

How do you write exam problems that test understanding of equilibrium rather than plugging numbers into a formula?

What they are checking: Whether their assessments measure conceptual understanding, which shows how seriously they think about learning.

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The full job description

As published by St. Norbert College.

St. Norbert College, a nationally-ranked, private, Catholic, liberal arts college, is accepting applications on a continuing basis for instructors who are qualified to teach Physical Chemistry. A PhD is preferred in Chemistry or a related field, with a preference for candidates with experience teaching students at the undergraduate level. Candidates who are ABD with some experience teaching Physical Chemistry may be considered. This pool will be utilized on an as-needed basis, should an opportunity arise, and applications submitted will remain active for up to two years. Topics covered include thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, phase equilibrium, electrochemistry, quantum mechanics, basic spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and an introduction to chemical kinetics. As staffing needs arise, the dean of arts and sciences will review the pool and contact those applicants they are interested in interviewing. There are also times when adjunct faculty are needed to fill a last-minute void. Therefore, disciplines are better able to communicate their most recent teaching needs at the time of interviews. Minimum Professional Experience: At least five years of professional experience in the field with demonstrated currency in the field at the time of appointment (work experience, publications, licensure, presentations, or equivalent within the last five years). All decisions are made at the discretion of the dean. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements are not automatically accepted to teach at St. Norbert College. As this is for a pool of applicants, it may take time before you hear anything. If a dean or coordinator of a discipline has already reached out to you to teach, please continue with the application process to confirm your interest. Interested applicants are invited to submit a current curriculum vitae and introductory cover letter. St. Norbert College (SNC), a Catholic, Norbertine, and Liberal Arts College, provides an educational environment that fosters intellectual, spiritual, and personal development. As the only Norbertine institution of higher learning in the world, our roots, traditions, and commitments create a unique and enriching educational experience for our students. At SNC, our commitment to communio – the Norbertine ideal of a community united as one – is grounded in the principles of dignity, truth, and justice. Consistent with these principles, St. Norbert is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We seek those who will embrace our mission and commitment to building a vibrant, diverse, and spiritually engaged community ( https://snc.edu/mission ). Exempt Scheduled Weekly Hours: 20 The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the job if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the job. Percentage of time may vary widely depending on the needs of the position during any particular time period. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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