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Assistant Professor - Physical Chemistry

Universities of Wisconsin · La Crosse, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 4, 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

How would you involve undergraduates in your research in their first or second year?

What they are checking: Whether their research model works with novice students at a teacher-scholar institution.

The posting talks about regular, substantive feedback on student work. What does that look like in your courses?

What they are checking: Whether they have practical feedback habits that fit large problem sets and lab reports.

Could you teach general chemistry as part of your load? How would you approach it?

What they are checking: Whether they are willing and ready to teach service courses that many departments rely on.

How do you keep your courses and teaching current in your content area?

What they are checking: Whether they maintain currency in the field, which the posting lists as part of teaching.

What would you do

A student comes to office hours after failing the first exam and says they are thinking about changing majors. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they can advise honestly and supportively at a moment that shapes a student's path.

How do you handle lab safety training for students using hazardous chemicals or high-powered instruments?

What they are checking: Whether they take responsibility for a safe research and teaching lab.

About the work

The department wants expertise in experimental physical chemistry. Walk us through your experimental work and the instruments you use.

What they are checking: Whether their research is truly experimental and feasible with equipment at a primarily undergraduate institution.

How would you teach quantum mechanics or thermodynamics to chemistry majors who are uneasy with the math?

What they are checking: Whether they can make physical chemistry approachable without skipping the mathematics that defines it.

How would you design a physical chemistry lab so students learn error analysis and data interpretation, not just procedure?

What they are checking: Whether their labs build real experimental judgment in undergraduates.

What external funding would you pursue for your research, and how realistic is it at a primarily undergraduate institution?

What they are checking: Whether they know funding sources suited to undergraduate research, like NSF RUI or foundation grants.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Assistant Professor - Physical Chemistry Job Category: Faculty Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant Professor Job Duties: The Department of Chemistry &Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is seeking applicants for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor with the start date of 8/23/2027. We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in experimental physical chemistry. Come join a community of teacher/scholars committed to student success. Applications received prior to the first review date will receive full consideration, and the search will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Under general supervision of the department chair, successful candidates will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses (if applicable) and advising students. In addition to preparing for and holding classes, teaching involves maintaining currency in the content area related to the teaching assignment, evaluating students' work, assessing student outcomes, providing regular and substantive feedback on student work, maintaining appropriate records, and holding office hours. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an active, on-going program of scholarship appropriate to their discipline. In addition, faculty provide service to the department, college, university, community and/or professional organizations. Other duties may be assigned by the chair or dean. The College of Science & Health (CSH) is the largest academic unit at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, bringing together diverse disciplines across the natural, physical, computational, and health sciences. Home to 11 academic departments and nationally recognized professional programs, CSH is known for its strong tradition of faculty mentorship, hands-on undergraduate research, and graduate education that prepares students for leadership in science, healthcare, and industry. Faculty and students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities such as the Prairie Springs Science Center and the Health Science Center, which support innovative teaching, collaborative research, and community engagement. The college also hosts interdisciplinary centers and institutes that connect scholarship with real-world challenges, ranging from river studies to disability health. With robust instrumentation, collaborative partnerships -- including ties with the Mayo Clinic Health System -- and potential start-up support, CSH provides new faculty with an environment that fosters both scholarly excellence and student success. The review of applications starts on October 9,2026 . Applications received on or before October 9th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. Key Job Responsibilities: Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry Required Qualifications: • Doctorate in chemistry discipline or related field. The degree must be earned by the end of the first academic year. • Evidence of the ability to be an effective instructor. • Evidence of clear and effective communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Prior teaching experience and ability to teach General Chemistry and Physical Chemistry lecture and laboratory courses. • A research plan in experimental physical chemistry that is appropriate for a Primarily Undergraduate Institution, and that complements the needs of the department. • A demonstrated record of, or strong potential for, publication in peer-reviewed academic journals. How to Apply: Required Application Materials: • Submitted in a single .pdf file: a cover letter (that addresses the required, preferred qualifications a statement of research plan involving undergraduate students, and a statement of teaching philosophy) • CV/Resume • References and contact information (minimum of 3) Contact Information: Keith Beyer kbeyer@uwlax.edu Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: • Paid vacation for 12-month positions. • Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. • Paid holidays and paid sick days. • After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. • Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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