Instruction Specialist

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University’s College of Science - Chemistry in West Lafayette seeks an Instructional Specialist to support and coordinate undergraduate chemistry lab courses. The role blends teaching, mentorship, and lab management to help students build hands-on skills.

Responsibilities include preparing lab materials, serving as instructor of record for two courses per semester, supervising teaching assistants, and handling grading and assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• Two years of chemistry instruction experience required.
• Knowledge of chemical hygiene and safety practices in instructional labs.
• Experience with analytical and physical chemistry instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory materials.
• Serve as instructor of record for two laboratory courses each semester.
• Coordinate and supervise graduate and/or undergraduate teaching assistants.
• Manage grading and assessment activities.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Physical chemistry

Laboratory safety

Chemical hygiene

TA supervision

Laboratory instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's or PhD preferred

Job description

Job Summary

College of Science - Chemistry | West Lafayette, Indiana

The College of Science is seeking an Instructional Specialist to support and coordinate advanced undergraduate laboratory courses in analytical and physical chemistry. This role offers the opportunity to combine teaching, mentorship, and laboratory management while helping students build hands‑on scientific skills in a collaborative academic environment.

Key responsibilities include preparing laboratory materials, serving as instructor of record for two laboratory courses each semester, coordinating and providing functional supervision to teaching assistants, and managing grading and assessment activities. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about student learning and laboratory instruction. Join Purdue and play a vital role in delivering high-quality educational experiences that prepare the next generation of scientists.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree, required. Graduate degree (master's or PhD) preferred.

Two (2) years of chemistry instruction experience also required.

Skills Required:

• Demonstrated knowledge of analytical and physical chemistry sufficient to support and teach undergraduate laboratory course content
• Knowledge of chemical hygiene, laboratory safety practices, and applicable regulations for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals in instructional laboratories
• Ability to train, coordinate, and functionally supervise graduate and/or undergraduate teaching assistants assigned to laboratory sections
• Familiarity with the operation, maintenance, and instructional use of common analytical and physical chemistry laboratory instrumentation

Additional Information:

Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.

A background check will be required for employment in this position.

FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)

Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days - Summary of Benefits for Professional levels 1-3, Management levels 1-2 - Human Resources - Purdue University.

Career Stream

Professional 2

Pay Band S055

Job Code #20003613

Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.