Position Title Assistant Professor in Chemistry (Tenure Track) Special Instructions to Applicants Thank you for your interest in applying for the tenure-track faculty position in the C hemistry area at DVC ! We are eager to learn about who you are and why you are passionate about teaching Chemistry at our community college. We want to know what you are like as an instructor, colleague, and member of a campus community.
We are looking for a colleague who will demonstrate discipline expertise and show sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic backgrounds and abilities of community college students.
We are looking for instructors who share a strong commitment to social and racial justice and who use or are inspired to use anti-racist pedagogies that close equity gaps by recognizing, understanding, and respecting the perspectives of all students.
We strongly encourage those with historically marginalized and/or underrepresented identities to apply, including people of color, non-binary and transgender individuals, women, and Indigenous people.
This position requires on-campus teaching.
Desirable Qualifications and Supplemental Questions: Please use your cover letter, CV/resume and the supplemental questions to address all the minimum and desirable qualifications. It is required that all supplemental questions are answered. See Supplemental Questions section below for more information.
Note:
The disciplines listed in the minimum qualifications are determined by the statewide Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. A Doctoral degree (PhD) is considered to encompass a master's degree (MA or MS).
If the title(s) of your degree major(s) listed on your unofficial transcripts or other documents from the degree-granting institutions are not an EXACT MATCH to the degrees listed below, you MUST submit an equivalency form. Without it, your application will not be considered. The equivalency form can be downloaded here . In addition to responding to the required Supplemental Questions below, please upload the following required documents:
1. Any/all undergraduate and graduate unofficial transcripts (must show degree and the date degree was conferred).
2. Résumé/CV including information regarding preparation and experience relevant to the position and
3. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position.
Description of Position Diablo Valley College inspires, educates, and empowers a diverse community of students to transform their lives and their communities. DVC instructors close the equity gaps by fostering success among all students. To help further this work, DVC seeks a tenure-track assistant professor in Chemistry at the Pleasant Hill Campus to start in August 2025 .
We are looking for a colleague who will demonstrate discipline expertise and show sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic backgrounds and abilities of community college students.
We are looking for instructors who share a strong commitment to social and racial justice and who use or are inspired to use anti-racist pedagogies that close equity gaps by recognizing, understanding, and respecting the perspectives of all students.
We strongly encourage those with historically marginalized and/or underrepresented identities to apply, including people of color, non-binary and transgender individuals, women, and Indigenous people.
The successful applicant will be well qualified to teach courses (lectures and labs) in Chemistry to a diverse student population including but not limited to introductory, general and/or organic chemistry.
Our Vision for Social Justice We are seeking people who recognize the critical role community colleges play in social justice, who have ability in this space, enthusiasm for this work, ideas and vision to improve our approaches, and a commitment to achieving equitable academic success for the 50,000+ students attending our five beautiful colleges and centers. Our social justice work calls for employees who have a sense of social responsibility, interest in our community and world in which we live.
The intention of social justice work is to strengthen humanity by understanding that every person deserves the benefits of fully participating in our society and institutions.
Academic researchers have illustrated that crucial social justice principles are a compilation of equality, equity, diversity, inclusion, engagement, environmental sustainability and human rights. These complex principles are challenging to operationalize in higher education; yet, we are steadfast in our diligence to forge ahead to advance this vital mission.
Community colleges are uniquely positioned to lead higher education in the work of social justice. Many of our students come from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds; students of color, students with recent immigrant histories, students from cycles of low income if not poverty, students from indigenous communities, and students from first-generation families.
The idea of promoting social mobility through education is unconditionally and uncompromisingly embraced by community colleges. This is an exciting role, and it comes with a heavy responsibility. Simply put, we need to create environments where our students achieve greater academic success, so much so that we close our persistent equity/opportunity gaps.
If you are committed to social and racial justice and if you are interested in joining a community dedicated to solving these inequities through education, please apply.
Inquiries Contact Carol Trost in the Office of Instruction at ctrost@dvc.edu
Recruitment Type Faculty Location Diablo Valley College Posting Number F01161 # of Openings 2 Salary Initial salary placement for full-time, tenure track positions is based on academic degree(s), upper/graduate level units earned, teaching experience and/or qualifying related professional occupation experience which ranges from $68,136 to $112,848 per year (Up to $132k). Adjunct instructor classroom faculty pay rate is $77.87-$128.97 per hour (up to $151.16). Counseling, Librarian, Disabilities Specialist pay rate is $51.37-$87.77 per hour (up to $100.65)
Position Status Tenure- Track EEO Job Category Faculty & Other Instructional Staff Employee Group Full-Time Faculty Department D3540-Chemistry Discipline Chemistry Alternate Discipline Duties and Responsibilities In addition to contractual duties, all full-time faculty are expected to participate actively in their disciplines, department activities, and the general intellectual life and governance of the college. Part of the teaching assignment may be in the evening and/or online. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: 1. advancing equitable student learning through dedicated, exemplary instruction in accordance with established course outlines; 2. participating in the assessment of student learning outcomes for courses and programs; developing and implementing student learning outcomes assessment processes for courses and programs; 3. collaborating in the development and revision of curriculum and in program review; 4. engaging in department program improvement initiatives; 5. participating in department, division, and college committees; 6. participating in professional development activities, both departmental and college-wide; 7. maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter area and effective teaching/ learning strategies; 8. maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics; 9. informing students of course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance requirements; 10. preparing and grading class assignments and examinations and informing students of their academic progress; 11. maintaining attendance, scholastic, and personnel records and submitting them according to published deadlines; 12. posting and holding sufficient and regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy; 13. participating in College's shared governance processes.
Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience Understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and faculty.
The applicant must possess one of the following qualifications (earned degrees must be from an accredited college/university):
Master's degree or higher in chemistry;
OR
Bachelor's degree in
chemistry or biochemistry
AND
Master's degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical physics, physics, molecular biology, or geochemistry ;
OR
I have a California Community College Instructor Credential authorizing full-time instruction in chemistry;
OR
I do not meet the minimum qualifications as stated above and have applied for equivalency.
If you do not possess the EXACT minimum qualifications (i.e., you do not possess the EXACT degree title listed) and believe that you meet the minimum qualifications, fill out the equivalency petition form in the document section of the online application. If you are unsure that you meet the minimum qualifications, please fill out the equivalency petition. The equivalency form can be downloaded here
License/Certificates/Credentials Desirable Qualifications Highly qualified candidates will possess knowledge, skills, and experience that address the desirable qualifications below. Responses to the supplemental questions below allow the applicant to describe how they meet these qualifications.
Commitment to student learning in chemistry and to the success of all students in the open-access learning environment of a community college.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ability to support, motivate, teach and engage a diverse group of students with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders, cultures, and learning styles, as well as students with disabilities or varied levels of academic preparation.
Commitment to ongoing self-reflection and professional growth as a teacher.
Ability and interest in regularly teaching a variety of courses, including introductory, general, and/or organic chemistry.
Commitment and ability to contribute both independently and collegially to the functioning, improvement, and growth of the department and college.
Commitment to maintaining department standards to ensure that students are prepared for subsequent courses and programs.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Job Open Date: 10/14/2024 Job Close Date: 01/01/2025 Open Until Filled No Employment Begins: 08/18/2025 # of Months 10 Employee Benefits Membership in State Teachers Retirement System ( STRS ) District-paid benefits (employee contributes 6%) for employee and dependents/domestic partners include: - Medical (Anthem Blue Cross or Kaiser) insurance including chiropractic services - Dental and vision - Flexible spending (125) plan - Life and long-term disability insurance - Employee Assistance Program - Deferred compensation (403b and 457) - Sabbatical Leave
Additional Benefits: The District also offers eligible faculty employees, travel assistance plan, retiree benefits, and employee discounts on health memberships.
Newly hired employees may notify the respective union (Local 1 or United Faculty) if they opt to join and/or authorize payment to the union. If the newly hired employee authorizes payment to the union then the following fees apply: Local 1 has a one-time initiation fee of $45.00 and monthly contribution of 1% of gross pay +$1. United Faculty has an agency fee of .55% of gross pay plus $2.50.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit all of the application materials online to be considered for this position. We do not accept hand-delivered, e-mailed, faxed or postal mailed application packets.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all application materials are received on or before the closing date. Our application deadline time is 11:59 pm on the specified closing date.
You should submit an unofficial transcript for screening purposes. If you do not have electronic version of the transcript required for the position, you can have it scanned by a Staples, Office Max or Office Depot, etc. All applicants will have an opportunity to upload transcripts when completing our online application process. You should be prepared to provide official transcripts prior to employment start date should the position be offered.
If you do not possess the required educational degrees and are applying under the equivalency process, you bear the responsibility of submitting the District's Equivalency Application . Equivalency applications with supporting documentation should be submitted when
degrees are not in exact discipline required;
degree is in progress;
degrees were earned at a college or university outside of the United States. All applicants will have an opportunity to upload an equivalency form for evaluation by a college equivalency committee when completing our online application process.
Applicants with foreign degrees must provide official certification of equivalency to United States degrees. An approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) agency must evaluate your course work. All applicants will have an opportunity to upload a foreign degree evaluation for review by a college equivalency committee when completing our online application process. Please read more details in the Foreign Degree and Credit Statement section of the job announcement.
Documents uploaded online must be the actual documents to be considered for review. Do not upload a "placeholder" document. Applications with placeholder documents are considered incomplete and will be rejected. Only upload the required documents, other materials can be presented if you are selected for an interview.
All application materials become the property of the district and will not be returned or duplicated.
Selection Process Applications will be screened to ensure the applicant meets the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement.
1. The applications, cover letters, answers to required supplemental questions, resumes, unofficial college transcripts, and other supporting materials submitted by all qualified applicants will be reviewed by a screening committee. Those who are deemed to possess the highest degree of desirable qualifications will be invited to an interview at their own expense. The interview will be conducted on campus during the week of February 3rd .
2. During the campus visit, each applicant will be interviewed and may be asked to conduct a 15-minute teaching demonstration appropriate to the discipline.
3. Based on the overall rating after the initial interview, selected interviewees will be invited back to present a 50-minute lecture in front of a class. Responses to the interview questions and demonstration will be rated by the interview committee. The classroom demonstration will occur on campus on February 21st - 22nd.
3. Based upon the overall rating, a small number of applicants will be invited to the campus at their own expense for an interview with the college president, vice president of equity and instruction, and vice president of equity and student services. We estimate these interviews will be scheduled for the week of March 3rd . Out-of-area applicants, for whom travel is a hardship, may request a final interview via Zoom.
4. After consultation with the interview committee, the college president will make the final recommendation for employment to the chancellor and the governing board of the Contra Costa Community College District.
5. Upon hire, the successful candidate must meet the conditions of employment. Finalists must provide verification of transcripts. TB test, physical examination, fingerprinting/conviction clearance and proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Foreign Degree and Credit Statement In accordance with the United Faculty Contract, Article 20.3.1.3.2, all foreign degrees and credits used to meet the minimum qualifications must be evaluated by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) agency www.naces.org prior to the implementation of the equivalency process. Please upload your evaluation with your application when you apply for this position. We cannot accept foreign degree evaluations after the closing date
ADA Accommodations: Request For Reasonable Accommodation
Medical Verification
Candidates with legally defined disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by notifying the Human Resources Department by the deadline date. Candidates will be required to supply documentation supporting the need for the accommodation when the request is made. Please complete the forms provided in the links above and email to slever@4cd.edu
COVID-19 Information Quick Link https://www.4cdcareers.net/postings/10893 Diversity Statement It is the District's policy to ensure that all qualified applicants for employment and employees have full and equal access to employment opportunity, and are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the District on the basis of ethnic group identity, race, color, ancestry, religion, marital status, sex, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, parental status, citizenship or because an individual is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The supplemental question section of this application is an opportunity for us to learn about your strengths and how your unique background, experiences, and skills will help achieve the goals of the college and enhance our community. The information provided by your responses guides the decision on which individuals will be invited for an interview. Please respond to the following required supplemental questions addressing minimum and desirable qualifications. Make sure to answer all parts of each question, even if you repeat information provided elsewhere in the application. 1. Describe the way(s) in which you meet the minimum qualifications Important Note: The disciplines listed in the minimum qualifications are determined by the statewide Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. If the title(s) of your degree major(s) listed on your unofficial transcripts or other documents from the degree-granting institutions are not an EXACT match to the degrees listed below, please submit an equivalency form. Without it, your application will not be considered. I have a: A) Master's degree or higher in chemistry; OR B) Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry AND Master's degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical physics, physics, molecular biology, or geochemistry; OR C) I have a California Community College Instructor Credential authorizing full-time instruction in chemistry; OR D) I do not meet the minimum qualifications as stated above and have applied for equivalency. (Please upload the equivalency form in the attachment section of the application.) (Open Ended Question)
* What evidence indicates that you will be an effective chemistry professor at an open-access community college, teaching students with diverse abilities and backgrounds? Be sure to describe how you have or would like to motivate, teach, and support students with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders, cultures, and learning styles, as well as students with disabilities or varied levels of academic preparation. (Open Ended Question)
* There are populations of students underrepresented in science majors who can struggle to feel fully included in a chemistry classroom. Describe one approach you would use to create an inclusive learning environment that engages those students, helps them feel valued, and promotes their conceptual understanding. Explain why you feel this approach would be effective. (Open Ended Question)
* Describe a situation in which you realized your professional skills were insufficient, how you worked to improve your skill set, and how those improvements benefited your work. (Open Ended Question)
* Select a topic in general or organic chemistry that you think is important, and an appropriate student laboratory experiment that would support the learning of the concepts associated with it. Briefly outline the experiment and explain why you feel that topic is important and how the experiment reinforces the learning process. (Open Ended Question)
* Give two examples that illustrate how your expertise could contribute to the continuing development of Diablo Valley College and/or the chemistry program over the next five years. (Open Ended Question)
* Suppose you are teaching a course at Diablo Valley College that is a prerequisite for another science course. You have five weeks of material left to cover, but only four weeks remain in the semester. Describe how you would develop a plan to manage this situation. (Open Ended Question)
Required Documents Required Documents
Unofficial Transcript (must show degree(s) conferred)
Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Optional Documents
Application for Equivalency
Foreign Degree Evaluation Form (NACES Approved Agency)