Chemistry Instructor

College of the Desert; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 12,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

College of the Desert invites applications for a part-time adjunct instructor to participate in planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that foster student growth and support the college's mission. Courses may be at the Palm Desert Campus or other local sites and could be scheduled day, evening, or weekends.

Responsibilities include meeting classes, developing syllabi, evaluating students, and ensuring timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Master’s in chemistry is required.
• OR Bachelor’s in chemistry or biochemistry.
• AND Master’s in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical physics, physics, molecular biology or geochemistry.
• Equivalency requests may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Meet classes/lab on assigned days.
• Develop and implement instruction aligned with course outlines.
• Develop and distribute the first week syllabus communicating course objectives, grading, and policies.
• Evaluate students’ progress toward course objectives and assign grades as per policy.
• Refer students to tutoring and related student services when appropriate.

Skills

Diversity awareness

Communication skills

Education

Master’s in chemistry

Bachelor’s in chemistry or biochemistry

Master’s in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical physics, physics, molecular biology or geochemistry

Equivalent degree or foreign equivalency evaluation

Job description

Under administrative leadership, it is the responsibility of the adjunct instructor to participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs, courses, and other experiences that will directly result in the educational growth of the students and support advancement of the vision, mission, and values of the community college district.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Classroom environment and unassigned faculty office environment. Classes may be at the Palm Desert Campus or one of our sites in Indio, Mecca/Thermal, Desert Hot Springs, or Palm Springs. Classes may be scheduled during the day, evening or weekends.

a. Classroom Responsibilities

• a. Meet classes/lab on day and times assigned
• b. Develop and implement instruction for each class/lab period which is consistent with the official course outline
• c. Develop and distribute the first week of class, a written syllabus for each course to communicate to students course objectives, grading criteria, and classroom policies
• d. Demonstrate respect for student rights as specified in District policy and applicable laws
• e. Ensure course textbooks and instructional materials are made available to students in a timely manner
• f. Refer students to tutoring and related student services when appropriate
• g. Supervise student in off-campus activities when participation is part of the instructor’s load

b. Evaluation of Students

• a. Evaluate students’ progress toward meeting course objectives; advise the students of course objectives, methods of evaluation and the results of the evaluation
• b. Return assignments and examination results in a timely fashion
• c. Assign grades to students in the manner provided by District policy and administrative procedure and prescribed by Ed Code and Title V regulations for the State of California
• d. Submit grade report forms and other reporting forms, including but not limited to census, progress reports, attendance records, and proctoring forms, in a timely and accurate manner

c. Curriculum – Responsibility of Full-Time Faculty

d. Student Advising – Responsibility of Full-Time Faculty

e. Professional Development – Responsibility of Full-Time Faculty

Additional Responsibilities:

• a. Abide by department regulations concerning the proper use, care, and security of equipment
• b. Advise Supervisor of unsafe conditions or potential hazards and recommend solutions
• c. Fulfill all obligations as established in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement
• d. Keep official records required by District policy and administrative procedures and submit them in accordance with college procedures

Optional Duties*:

• a. Advise enrolled students on such matters as: Learning skills, collateral or enrichment reading or experience opportunities for further understanding of the courses or subject field, career alternative/opportunities related to the subject field
• b. Provide academic assistance and related services to students during office hours
• c. Participate in the credit by examination program where applicable
• d. Participate in the development and review of curriculum as needed
• e. Participate in the development of alternative teaching modalities
• f. Schedule, announce to students in all classes, and maintain office hours
• g. Participate in advisory committee meetings as required
• h. Participate in professional development activities
• i. Attend and participate in department/center meetings when assigned by the District or shared governance
• j. Participate in the process of shared governance by contributing to the academic community through committee work on the department division, college and/or district level, or participate in other significant non-classroom college, district, or community activities
• k. Consult with Supervisor on personnel needs; assist with position announcements, recruitment, and screening/interviewing committees
• l. Participate in mentoring of new faculty as assigned

* All optional duties are on a voluntary basis, but some may have compensation attached per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Consult with departmental Dean for clarification.

• Master’s in chemistry
• OR Bachelor’s in chemistry or biochemistry
• AND Master’s in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical physics, physics, molecular biology or geochemistry
• OR the equivalent.

Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

EQUIVALENCY REQUESTS & FOREIGN EQUIVALENCY EVALUATIONS:

• If you do not clearly meet the minimum qualifications as they are defined, you must submit an Equivalency Request Form and narrative with your application.
• Degrees earned outside of the U.S. require that a Foreign Equivalency Evaluation be uploaded in addition to the foreign transcripts.
• Additional Equivalency Information is available by clicking here.

• This posting is for a part-time instructor (adjunct) applicant pool.
• Applicants from this pool may also be considered for temporary emergency appointments, as permitted by California Education Code. Emergency appointments are generally limited to one semester. Individuals appointed on an emergency basis who wish to be considered for continued employment beyond the emergency appointment period must successfully participate in the District’s regular recruitment and selection process.
• College of the Desert Adjunct Association (CODAA) Bargaining Unit
• The primary teaching modality for this adjunct role is in-person.

SALARY PLACEMENT:

• Salary Placement is according to the CODAA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• For information on salary placement, please see the CODAA Collective Bargaining Agreement and Adjunct Salary Schedule.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
• Employment is contingent on residence in California.

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, please apply by November 30, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled on January 28, 2027.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.