Chemistry Instructor - UCLA Extension

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Extension is seeking an Instructor to teach General Chemistry for Life Scientists courses within the Pre-Medical and General Sciences certificate. The role involves course development, delivery of content, and alignment with program objectives.

You will use Canvas LMS to manage online materials, assessments, and feedback, collaborating with the Program Director to maintain rigorous standards and up-to-date curriculum.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a master's or doctoral degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) instructional technology and online learning.

Responsibilities

• Update course syllabus in consultation with Program Director using an approved syllabus template.
• Prepare and deliver course materials and learning assessments in assigned format.
• Communicate Teaching Objectives and Learning Outcomes to students and review grading policies.
• Provide timely feedback on learning assessments and post scores on Canvas LMS.

Skills

Teaching

Oral & written communication

Instructional technology

Canvas LMS

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in chemistry/biochemistry or related field

Tools

Canvas LMS

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Instructor

Salary range: $3,000-$3,600 per course/quarterly

Application Window

Open date: August 24, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

Course / Program Description

General Chemistry for Life Scientists
CHEM XL 14A

General Chemistry for Life Scientists I
This course provides an introduction to physical and general chemistry and is geared towards pre-medical and pre-health students. This course is the first course in the general and organic chemistry series.

CHEM XL 14B
General Chemistry for Life Scientists II
This course is the conclusion of general chemistry and introduces organic chemistry. This course is geared towards pre-medical and pre-health students and is the second course in the general and organic chemistry series.

CHEM XL 14BL
General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
This chemistry laboratory course accompanies Chemistry 14B and provides the general chemistry lab component necessary for pre-medical and pre-health students. This is the first lab course for the chemistry series.
Structure of Organic Molecules

CHEM XL 14C
Structure of Organic Molecules
This course is a continuation of organic chemistry in the organic chemistry series. This course is geared towards pre-medical and pre-health students and is the third course in the general and organic chemistry series

CHEM XL 14CL
General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
This chemistry laboratory course accompanies Chemistry 14C and provides the organic chemistry lab component necessary for pre-medical and pre-health students. This is the second lab course for the organic chemistry series.

CHEM XL 14D
Organic Reactions and Pharmaceuticals
This course is the conclusion of the organic chemistry series. This course is geared towards pre-medical and pre-health students and is the fourth and final course in the general and organic chemistry series.

Job Description

The Department of Public Health and Sustainability at UCLA Extension offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses including transfer-credit (XL) and post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (X-400 level). UCLA Extension courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who hold advanced degrees, are passionate about teaching and impart knowledge within their field of expertise. All courses are offered using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).

Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool.

A current opening is available for an instructor to teach general chemistry and/or organic chemistry courses in the Pre-Medical and General Sciences certificate. Qualified applicants possessing a minimum of a doctoral degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field, with teaching experience are encouraged to apply.

Instructor Duties

• Update course syllabus in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director using an approved syllabus template
• Prepare and deliver course materials and learning assessments in assigned format
• As clearly outlined in the syllabus, communicate the Teaching Objectives and Specific Learning Outcomes to students and review the grading policies of the course
• Throughout the quarter, provide timely feedback on outcome of all learning assessments. Post individual student scores on secure Canvas LMS no later than one week from the date of exam/assignment
• Evaluate student achievement of Specific Learning Outcomes and assign grades
• Post final student grades to the transcript system in a timely manner no later than 2 weeks after the last date of course meeting
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner
• Communicate about administrative matters with Program Director and Program Representative in a timely manner
• Utilize the Canvas LMS as the platform for this course which is offered in the online learning format
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed
• Keep final exams/papers for up to 13 weeks following the last class session of each course and allow students to access them during that time period
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: complete all hiring paperwork; submit updated quarterly syllabus; post bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website; review and sign quarterly contract; order required texts
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field
• Employ cultural humility and competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of a diverse domestic and international student population

General Employment Information

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies.

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges

Instructor Resources

Instructor Resources: https://instructor.uclaextension.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• Minimum of a master's or doctoral degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field
• Must be committed to maintaining the highest level of academic standards and integrity
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills
• Highly effective interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) the use of instructional technology and online learning
• Management systems including but not limited to the Canvas Learning Management System

Preferred qualifications

• College-level teaching experience required; laboratory teaching experience preferred

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae/Resume - Your most recently updated Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

References are requested from candidates after the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists via SkillSurvey system.

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Los Angeles, CA