SCOPE OF WORK
The Native Environmental Science Department invites applicants for a full-time faculty position in Environmental Chemistry, to begin September 2026 (or earlier if available). The responsibilities of this position include teaching introductory chemistry series, organic chemistry, and upper division courses in their field. Related teaching sub-disciplines may include toxicology, food safety, environmental health, water quality, soil chemistry, or related areas. Student advising, community engagement, and supporting student capstone projects are also key elements of the position. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in undergraduate chemistry education and curriculum development that supports Indigenous-focused, place-based, experiential, and inquiry driven pedagogies. The faculty will be able to engage in place-based and Indigenous-rooted pedagogy in the STEM field. It is possible for the position to be supplemented by grant funds and summer teaching.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The main components of work as faculty are teaching, academic student advising (optional club advising), committee work, community service, grant support and research.
• Instruction. Instruction is a primary focus of this position. The successful candidate will teach 15 hours of courses quarterly, with adjustment to the teaching based on course development. The faculty member is expected to support students in completing the B.S. in Native Environmental Science degree program and is responsible for course preparation, curriculum design, and assessment of course and program outcomes.
• Academic advising and mentoring. Student academic advising and mentoring is another central focus of the position. The faculty member is expected to meet regularly with and provide academic advising to students as well as serve on senior capstone committees, for both the Environmental Science Option (ESO) and Interdisciplinary Concentration Option (ICO) of the B.S. in Native Environmental Science (BSNES) degree.
• Scholarship and research. BSNES faculty members are expected to support student-centered research through capstone projects. Full-time faculty members will support student research through advising, mentoring, and committee work. All research should be framed within an Indigenous Research Methodology which supports the priorities of the tribes and communities that we serve at NWIC.
• Committee work and service is the fourth major component. The faculty member is responsible for contributing to the overall functioning of the college through participation on committees and teams.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May supervise student interns who are conducting research.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. or MS degree in Environmental Chemistry or related discipline (in progress degrees considered).
• Advanced coursework in organic chemistry and ability to teach organic chemistry
• Strong teaching background in the sciences and interest in pedagogy
• Evidence of effective teaching in diverse classroom settings
• Familiarity with distance education technology (CANVAS, Webinars, Zoom, etc.)
• Ability and willingness to teach a variety of courses
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Research experience
• Experience working in diverse settings, including Indigenous communities
Preferred Qualifications
• PhD in Environmental Chemistry or related discipline
• Experience teaching college courses in environmental chemistry or biology or related disciplines
• Experience teaching at a Tribal college or knowledge of using Indigenous, and local materials in teaching Chemistry or Biology
• Experience working with Tribal organizations on environmental issues
• Experience leading independent research
• Experience in developing courses
• Experience implementing and/or administering research projects and facilities or
• Any combination of the above that the initial screening committee deems appropriate.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested individuals should submit the following application materials directly to the NWIC
Human Resources Office only.
1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the position qualifications
2. NWIC Application
3. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) form
4. Current and complete professional resume
5. Copies of colleges transcripts (official copy requested at time of hire)
6. Three letters of recommendation from persons, who not members of your immediate family, who have firsthand knowledge of your qualifications for the position
7. If applicable to the position, provide copies of certificates/licenses/credentials
The job announcement and application forms are available online at www.nwic.edu/aboutnwic/employment or may be requested from and submitted directly to:
Northwest Indian College
Human Resources
2522 Kwina Road Building 26
Bellingham, WA 98226-9278
Telephone/Fax: (360) 392-4230
Email: employment@nwic.edu
Through education, Northwest Indian College promotes Indigenous self-determination and knowledge. We are committed to our students, the Tribes we serve, and advancing Tribal sovereignty for the protection and enhancement of our homelands and future generations.