Instructor, Chemistry (Tenure-Track)

Coast Community College District; California, Costa Mesa (MO, CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community college is seeking a full-time, equity-minded Chemistry faculty member to inspire and educate students. This role involves teaching General and Introductory Chemistry, developing curricula, and engaging in professional growth. The ideal candidate will commit to fostering an inclusive environment that supports a diverse student body. With state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant campus community, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in students' lives and contribute to their academic success. Join a team dedicated to educational excellence and equity.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Professional Development Days

Qualifications

• Master's in Chemistry or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to diverse backgrounds essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in Chemistry per established course outlines.
• Participate in curriculum development and evaluation.
• Maintain regular office hours and student records.

Skills

Effective Communication

Teaching Methods

Curriculum Development

Laboratory Techniques

Sensitivity to Diversity

Education

Master's in Chemistry

Bachelor's in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Job description

Definition

THE POSITION

Orange Coast College is seeking a full-time, equity-minded, tenure-track faculty member in Chemistry, commencing with the Fall 2025 semester. The primary teaching assignment involves all areas of Chemistry with a focus on General and Introductory Chemistry. This assignment also includes curriculum and program development; participation in department, division, and college committees; participatory governance activities assuming leadership roles both within the department and in the institution as a whole; collaboration across disciplines; the leveraging of student support resources; participation in ongoing professional development; and maintaining and performing required accreditation for the program.

The assignment may be day, evening, weekend, online, hybrid, or off-campus and is subject to change as needed. The ideal candidate for this position embraces the overall mission of Orange Coast College and the Coast Community College District with a clear, focused commitment to offer inspiration, innovation, and meaningful learning experiences to its diverse and changing community and prepares students to achieve success in post-secondary, career and technical, and life-long educational opportunities.

THE COLLEGE - About Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College's 164-acre campus is located in Costa Mesa, just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches, with its main campus in Costa Mesa, and a campus in Newport Beach (Waterfront Campus). Orange Coast College (OCC) was founded in 1947 with the mission to serve the educational needs of a diverse local and global community. The College empowers students to achieve their goals by providing high-quality, culturally responsive, and innovative programs and services through pathways leading to degrees, transfers, certificates, foundational skills, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The College promotes student development, learning, and equitable outcomes by fostering a respectful, inclusive, caring, and participatory campus climate of student engagement and academic inquiry. Ideal candidates for this position will share OCC's dedication to transforming lives through education, with a strong commitment to serving a diverse and vibrant student population. We currently enroll 17,859 students, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations: 38% of OCC's students are Latinx, 2% are African-American, 23% are Asian, less than 1% are Native American, 29% are White, and 6% are multiracial. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an eligibility designation as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Orange Coast College reflects the dynamic diversity in the region.

Orange Coast College (OCC) engages in a wide range of collaborative efforts aimed at fostering a culture of educational excellence and inclusivity. With a commitment to providing high-quality academic programs and student-centered support services, OCC creates an environment where all students can thrive. As a diverse and globally-minded institution, the college takes pride in initiatives that empower student communities by promoting cultural synergy across departments, including the Office of Student Equity, the Global Engagement Center, and the Multicultural Center.

OCC is a recognized leader in preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions and holds the prestigious designations of both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The college also boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is the first community college in Southern California to offer on-campus residential housing with over 300 apartment units, further enhancing the student experience.

THE DEPARTMENT - About OCC Math & Sciences Division

The ChemistryDepartment shares Orange Coast College's commitment to equitable outcomes, inclusive practices, and racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. Ideal candidates for this position share Orange Coast College's devotion to educating and improving the lives of our representative students, employees, and community populations.

Faculty have the opportunity to enhance their classroom methods during two professional development days during the academic year, which include learning sessions that support student success.

The Chemistry department at Orange Coast College currently employs eight full-time faculty, eight part-time faculty, and two full-time staff members. In January of 2025, the chemistry department moved into a brand-new chemistry building. The building offers state-of-the-art lecture and laboratory spaces.

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College. The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services, and student support services. Coastline, Golden West, and Orange Coast colleges enroll more than 60,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs. Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. The Coast Community College District values diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism by creating a culture of inclusive excellence that uplifts employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain currency within the assigned discipline(s)
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication proficiency with students, colleagues, and staff
• Demonstrate use of effective teaching methods and materials appropriate for the course, discipline, modality, and students
• Demonstrate compliance with course outline requirements and student learning outcomes
• Maintenance of regular and timely office hours
• Ensure confidential, accurate maintenance of student records
• Adhere to the College and departmental requirements consistent with the applicable bargaining agreement
• Demonstrate appropriate respect for students by demonstrating the following characteristics: patience, fairness, promptness in the evaluation and discussion of student work, appropriate sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of individual students, support of the diversity of our students, colleagues, and staff in actions, words, and teaching and learning methods.
• Demonstrate respect for colleagues and the teaching profession characterized by the following conduct:

acknowledging and defending the free inquiry of students, colleagues, and staff in the exchange of criticism and ideas; acting in accordance with the ethics of the profession and with a sense of personal integrity; working in a spirit of cooperation to develop and maintain a collegial atmosphere among faculty and staff while upholding and respecting academic freedom; demonstrating a commitment to and an engagement with the College, the division, and/or the department (as appropriate), and the profession; having the intellectual courage to share your professional opinion constructively, even when not the popular view, in pursuit of improvement; and having willingness to challenge yourself and others to re-evaluate practices in the pursuit of departmental, College, and District excellence.

• Provide instruction in Chemistry in accordance with established course outlines.
• Provide leadership in the development and revision of the Chemistry curriculum responsive to the students served.
• Participate in curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation; participate in and develop programs to measure student performance.
• Continuously enhance and develop course materials to optimize classroom time, maximize student learning, and stay current with emerging technologies.
• Demonstrate effective Chemistry laboratory techniques while promoting and enforcing safety protocols in the lab environment.
• Maintain appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics.
• Fulfill the professional responsibilities of a full-time faculty member including, but not limited to the following: teach all scheduled classes unless excused under provisions of Board Policy; follow the department course outlines; keep accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and progress; submit student grades according to established deadlines; post and maintain scheduled office hours; participate in departmental meetings and college and/or district-wide activities and committees as assigned.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid California Community College instructor credential, appropriate to the subject, per Education Code 87355 (issued before July 1, 1990); OR
• 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
• Possess a combination of education and experience that is at least the equivalent to the above. Candidates making an application on the basis of equivalency must submit an Application for Equivalency in addition to all other required materials. Please see "Additional Information" below to determine if you need to submit an Application for Equivalency.

How to determine if you need Equivalency? Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements as stated in the job posting, but feel they have a combination of education and experience that would be equivalent to the State Minimum Qualifications, must attach a completed Application for Equivalency Form. This form must be included as an attachment to their online application, along with supporting documents, in addition to all other required materials.

AND

• Evidence of demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, geographic, gender, gender identity, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. (California Code of Regulations Title 5 53022; Education Code Section 87360; Coast Community College District EEO Plan)

Conditions of Employment

For a full-time, two-semester position, a maximum starting range of ($66,899-$159,488) is offered, based on the salary schedule of AA. In addition, an annual stipend of $3,902 is offered for possession of an earned doctorate from an accredited institution. The District provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents, and life insurance for the employee.

• Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
• The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910)

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following before employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense. (Clearance must be received before the first day of employment)
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Participate in a new hire onboarding appointment with an Employment Services Representative.
• Official transcripts will be requested by Human Resources during the 'new hire' process.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A complete application may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• District Application Form
• Responses to Supplemental Questions (as required)
• Cover letter addressing the applicant's qualifications, including preferred qualifications, for the subject(s) to be taught (not to exceed two pages).

• Resume (not to exceed two pages)
• All unofficial transcripts. (PDF file recommended)
• Equivalency Application (if applicable)

*Documents not requested in the job announcement will not be considered

The deadline to apply is May 2, 2025, @ 11:59 pm. Incomplete applications and application materials submitted by U.S. mail will not be considered. You may seek in-person assistance with the online application by making an appointment with human resources. All applications must be submitted online before the deadline to be considered.

Apply online at http://www.cccd.edu/employment

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA should notify the Human Resources Office for assistance or email at [e-mail].

Additional Information

SELECTION PROCEDURE

• All online applications received by the deadline date will be screened to determine which applicants meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who are also deemed to possess the highest degree of desirable qualifications will be invited to discuss their qualifications in an interview at the college. If any travel is required for an applicant to participate in person during the interview process, this will be done so at the candidate's own expense.

• During the campus visit, each candidate will be interviewed and may be asked to conduct a short teaching demonstration/presentation on a previously announced topic as well as participate in a writing exercise and/or hands-on practical. The search committee will rate the candidate's responses to the interview questions, the demonstration/presentation, and the applicable writing exercises and/or hands-on practical. Based on this rating, several candidates will be recommended to move forward and will be invited to the campus for a second-level interview.

• The campus President will make the final recommendation for employment to the Board of Trustees. The successful candidate will be offered the position and placed on the current salary schedule based on their education and experience.

• The start date will be determined by the hiring manager, depending on the needs of the campus and the conditions of employment as posted in the job announcement/recruitment.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

• To be considered in the initial committee review, all materials requested in this vacancy notice must be received no later than the filing deadline. Submission of all application materials is the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants wishing to apply for more than one position must submit separate application materials for each desired position.

• Applicants who are eliminated from consideration will be notified by email. All applicants are requested to provide an email address in their online application. Candidates should not expect official notification of the status of their candidacy until the Board of Trustees has acted upon the College's recommendation for employment.

• The District reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and to investigate past employment records of applicants selected for interviews. The District reserves the right to extend the deadline, re-advertise the position or delay filling this position based on the needs of the District and the student population we serve. The College does not return materials submitted in the application for a position. (Copies of original supporting documents are acceptable). Official transcripts will be requested by Human Resources during the 'new hire' process.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. We are committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

TITLE IX NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

The 2024 Coast Community College District Annual Security and Fire Safety Report provides the crime statistics for calendar years 2021, 2022, and 2023 were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A hard copy can be obtained from one of the Campus Safety Offices. Please contact any of the Campus Safety Offices for any questions. https://www.cccd.edu/employees/hr/title9/Pages/Staff-and-Faculty-Resources.aspx