Assistant Professor of BioChemistry
Content + Source + Freshness • 15 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
The role provides solid value with a defined salary range and development opportunities, though the competitive nature may deter some.
- Salary range of $60,000-$65,000/year.
- Supportive environment for tenure-track faculty.
- Focus on teaching excellence within a liberal arts context.
Pros
- Clear pathway to tenure with supportive infrastructure.
- Location in a dynamic educational environment.
- Commitment to liberal arts education enhances teaching profile.
Cons
- Salary may be less competitive compared to research-focused institutions.
- Intensive teaching load could impact research time.
- Potential for limited resources at a smaller institution.
Who it's for
Entry to Mid-Career • Full-time, on-site
Good fit
- Biochemistry PhD graduates.
- Educators passionate about undergraduate teaching.
- Those looking for a supportive academic community.
Not recommended for
- Candidates without advanced degrees.
- Those seeking primarily research-focused roles.
- Individuals wanting to work in larger institutions.
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Overview: Illinois Wesleyan University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of BioChemistry (Tenure Track). The start date for this position is August 15, 2026. The person hired into this position should have expertise in biochemistry and will be expected to teach courses in biochemistry, chemistry for nursing majors, general chemistry and an upper level capstone lab for seniors. Descriptions of these courses can be found here. https://www.iwu.edu/chemistry/courses/course-descriptions.html
About the Tenure Track: At Illinois Wesleyan, Tenure Track faculty engage students through six teaching assignments each year, pursue productive scholarly or artistic work, serve as academic advisors, and engage in departmental and campus-wide service. After receiving feedback on formative reviews in the second, third, and fourth years of employment, a case for tenure and promotion is submitted in the fall of the sixth year.
Tenure track faculty are eligible for sabbatical following six complete academic years of full-time service and every seven years thereafter. Additional professional development opportunities include the possibility of start-up funds, the potential for junior faculty leave, and support for the development of external grants . The Thorpe Center for Curricular and Faculty Development supports faculty in their teaching and scholarly or artistic work including peer-to-peer mentoring, workshops, internal grants, and assistance with instructional design and technology.
About IWU: Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a nationally ranked, small, private undergraduate liberal arts university with highly selective admission criteria and a tradition of teaching excellence emphasizing the integration of the liberal arts and professional education . We are located in Bloomington, IL, a metro area of 190,000 people, which is about a two or three hour drive from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. We are strongly committed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds.
Assistant Professor of BioChemistry
About the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
The department prides itself on close student-faculty interactions and the research opportunities provided to students. More information about the department can be found at https://www.iwu.edu/chemistry/
Responsibilities of Tenure-Track Faculty:
- 6-course units teaching load per year, a lecture counts as 1 unit and a lab 0.5 unit.
- Academic advising in the discipline
- Scholarly (or artistic) achievement
- Departmental and University service
Qualifications: The successful candidate should have a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education and a PhD in biochemistry or a closely related field. Candidates who have attained all but dissertation (ABD) status are welcome to apply but must complete their PhD before the start date.
Application Information: Please submit the following:
- a cover letter addressing qualifications
- a curriculum vitae
- a statement of one’s teaching philosophy (1 page)
- A research plan that includes how you will include undergraduates in research and a summary of equipment needs (3-4 pages max)
- a statement that:
- addresses how your philosophy and practice have contributed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds and
- notes how you would collaborate at IWU to embrace a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.
- Three letters of reference that should be sent directly to biochemsearch@iwu.edu
- unofficial copies of all academic transcripts
Review of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.
Applications and questions should be directed to: Dr. Ram Mohan, Chair ( biochemsearch@iwu.edu )
Illinois Wesleyan University may offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Nine-month appointment
- Salary Range: $60K-$65K, and based on experience
- The final candidate will pass a pre-employment background investigation.
- An overview of IWU benefits can be found here .
Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy may be accessed at www.iwu.edu/human-resources/SexualMisconductPolicy.html . Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints.
The successful candidate should have a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education and a PhD in biochemistry or a closely related field. Candidates who have attained all but dissertation (ABD) status are welcome to apply but must complete their PhD before the start date.
