Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Annual Wage: $73,080

Education: Doctoral degree (51%); Post-doctoral training (27%); Master's degree (18%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Instructor; Professor; Chemistry Professor; Chemistry Instructor; Chemistry Faculty Member; Assistant Professor; Associate Professor; Adjunct Instructor; Associate Professor of Chemistry; Professor of Chemistry

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary.

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  • Supervise students' laboratory work.
  • Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical separation.
  • Establish, teach, and monitor students' compliance with safety rules for handling chemicals, equipment, and other hazardous materials.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Select, order, and maintain materials and supplies for teaching and research, such as textbooks, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Serve on committees or in professional societies.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary.

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