Job Description
Laboratory Instructor - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Open Date: Oct 9, 2025
DescriptionThe Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry invites applications for two Laboratory Instructors (LIs). Each LI will teach under the general supervision of the Faculty member who is responsible for the course and report to the Chair of the Department. One position can begin as soon as possible and both should start no later than January 5, 2026.
The department seeks to attract two individuals who are passionate bench scientists with expertise in chemical methods and instrumentation and would like the opportunity to engage in teaching at the undergraduate level. These individuals should be self-motivated, enthusiastic about hands-on laboratory work, and demonstrate a high level of organizational skills. Most of the teaching will be in the undergraduate chemistry laboratories (e.g. general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and analytical chemistry) with each LI responsible for a subset of these courses, though other assignments may be possible. Primary responsibilities are preparing for the lab sessions, including preparation of the lab reagents, testing instrumentation, lab set-up and clean-up, and assisting the Faculty member or Lecturer leading the lab section, and sharing responsibility for instruction in the lab. Each LI also shares administrative duties in the department such as participating in department meetings, maintaining records about student grades and enrollments, monitoring and ordering supplies and equipment for lab and classroom use, and supervising student teaching assistants. This instructional staff position is not eligible for tenure but is of a continuing nature. A full job description is available upon request and additional information about the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry can be found at [
The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Swarthmore College consists of 9.5 faculty, one lecturer, four lab instructors, one academic support coordinator and one instrument specialist. All together, we have ~20 Chemistry and Biochemistry majors per year. The curriculum is typical of many Chemistry departments but is unique in offering a one-semester General Chemistry course, a variety of upper level topic-specific seminars, and close research collaborations between students and faculty. Major classes are small, students are motivated and ambitious, and the opportunity for collaboration with students as well as colleagues is real and constant.
Swarthmore is a coeducational, top ranked liberal arts college with ~1600 students. The campus is located 16 miles southwest of Center City Philadelphia, 15 miles northeast of Wilmington, Delaware, and is a stop on the SEPTA Media/WAWA line.
Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable experience effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body. For more information available to all faculty at Swarthmore, see [ QualificationsBachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Three years of experience in a laboratory setting, preferably an academic laboratory setting. Teaching experience is highly preferred. The strongest candidates will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to creative teaching that speaks to and motivates undergraduates from diverse backgrounds.
Application InstructionsApplicants should include a brief cover letter describing their interest in Swarthmore College, their primary area(s) of expertise, and their openness to teaching in another area, along with a current curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation. For consideration, applicants must upload their information via Interfolio: [apply.interfolio.com/175438]().
Applications will not be considered until letters of recommendation have been submitted. Please address any questions you may have to Lauren Nuttle, Administrative Coordinator, at [lnuttle1@swarthmore.edu](mailto:lnuttle1@swarthmore.edu).
All applications received by October 21st, 2025 will receive full consideration, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Job Tags
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