Claremont, CA
Job Posting Title:
General Chemistry Lab CoordinatorJob Description:
Candidates must upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), and statement describing approach to teaching including how to make learning accessible to all students, regardless of preparation, life experience, and scientific background, and the names and e-mail addresses of three references. We recommend notifying references that recommendation letters will be requested should the candidate advance to the semifinalist stage.
Review of applications will begin January 20, 2026. This position is scheduled to begin between May 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026.
PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Dean of Natural Sciences, the General Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for the set-up, preparation, continuing improvement, maintenance and management of the general chemistry laboratory curriculum. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, teaching of general chemistry lab sections, the development and updating of the general chemistry laboratory curricula to match best practices in chemistry pedagogy, the management of the general chemistry laboratory teaching spaces and preparation room, and the coordination of the faculty and teaching assistants in the program.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This information is intended to be a descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Perform other duties as assigned.
Preparation, Maintenance, and Management of Laboratories & Lab Equipment
Coordinate general chemistry lab sections, manage enrollments, electronic laboratory notebooks, course management software, assignments, grading, and TA instruction.
Set-up, test, and tear down of experiments for all general chemistry lab sections.
Prepare, set-up and tear down classroom lecture demonstrations.
Regularly check, maintain, repair (when feasible), and order replacement equipment on an ongoing basis to ensure that classroom laboratory equipment and demonstrations are ready for use and functioning properly. Arrange for repair of instruments by outside vendors when needed.
Organize, inventory, curate, and maintain general chemistry prep room in excellent and safe working order.
Handle purchase orders and deliveries of instructional supplies and equipment for the general chemistry laboratory curriculum, and appropriately document such transactions.
In coordination with the Department of Natural Sciences Safety Officer, document and maintain all hazardous materials such as chemicals and chemical laboratory waste.
Hire, train, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate undergraduate assistants, as needed
Laboratory Development, Design, and Pedagogical Innovation
Research, develop, and, in consultation with the chemistry faculty, modernize instructional chemistry laboratory experiments (and demonstrations) to match with best current pedagogical practices. After the first year, a normal pace would be the replacement or modernization of two experiments per year (typically in the summer) or the equivalent.
In consultation with the chemistry faculty, develop and design new protocols and instructional materials for the chemistry lab curricula.
Maintain, curate, update, and disseminate (on an appropriate learning management system) these instructional materials/lab manuals on an ongoing basis, to ensure continuity from year to year and easy accessibility for all chemistry faculty and students.
Attend conferences and workshops as necessary to maintain continuing familiarity with modern experiments, pedagogical developments and practices.
Regularly participate in Chemistry Discipline meetings and update the chemistry faculty on these new pedagogical laboratory developments and options.
It is anticipated that work responsibilities in the summer months, when classes are not in session, will be heavily focused on lab development.
Laboratory and Classroom Teaching
Teach 15 teaching units per year, on average. Depending on the interest of the General Laboratory Coordinator and Chemistry Discipline needs, teaching in lecture courses is a possibility at some point, but is not required.
Keep informed of developments in chemistry laboratory pedagogy, and work with faculty to design and implement new curricula that align with best practices in chemistry education.
Disseminate pedagogical findings to the rest of the chemistry faculty.
Active support for the College’s Principles of Community and Institutional Values in the performance of job duties.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Working knowledge of electronics, instrumentation, and chemistry equipment as typically used in teaching introductory labs.
Ability to create and follow written and oral laboratory instructions.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Ability to take constructive criticism.
Ability to follow Scripps policies and procedures. Ability to perform routine tasks efficiently.
Ability to respond to common inquiries.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and familiarity with basic laboratory record-keeping systems.
Ability to effectively communicate with students, staff, and faculty.
Ability to demonstrate leadership skills, organizational and time management skills.
Ability to be detail oriented to complete tasks.
OTHER:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Education, Chemical Engineering, or related fields is required.
Prior experience teaching and/or designing chemistry labs and/or developing chemical pedagogy is preferred.
HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:
This is a regular status, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt staff position.
The regular hours for this position are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm, but hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department, and holiday, weekend, and evening work hours (particularly teaching evening labs) may be required. Travel may be required. This position is not normally eligible for remote or hybrid work.
Salary rate range: $68,640-$75,000 annualized. The salary rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Will supervise undergraduate student assistants.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Ability to maintain good concentration while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.
Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken and written word. Ability to see within normal parameters.
Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.
At-Will Employment
Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time. Scripps College is an At-Will employer. Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.