CAREERS AT EASTERN

Job Title:

Assistant Professor - Chemistry, Biochemistry & Physics - Forensics - F99167

Location:

Cheney

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Schedule Type:

Regular

Work Schedule:

M-F 8am-5pm

Term of Appointment:

9 Months

Job Summary:

The Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics has 12 tenure-track faculty and roughly 110 undergraduate majors. The department boasts world class research and teaching facilities. Faculty offices and research labs are located in the Science building, which has just completed a major renovation in 2026 while our teaching labs are primarily located in the adjacent Interdisciplinary Science Center which opened in 2021 and is connected to the Science building by sky bridges. The Washington State Patrol Crime Lab is located on the EWU campus, and the department has a robust relationship with Crime Lab staff. The successful candidate is expected to maintain this relationship and participate in management of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Washington State Patrol.  The department is well equipped with modern instrumentation (much of it newly purchased) and includes mass spectrometry, CD spectroscopy, gas chromatography, FPLC, HPLC, fluorescent plate readers, 400 MHz NMR, qPCR and capillary electrophoresis. 

We are seeking broadly trained candidates who will be inspirational teachers, role models, and mentors who complement the strengths of our faculty to engage in instructionally intensive undergraduate programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and to the development of a strong externally funded research program involving undergraduates. Candidates must show a high degree of interest in human and cultural diversity with a demonstrated ability to apply a culturally responsive and flexible approach to teaching and scholarship that is supportive to the diverse needs, including universal access, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public. Additionally, all faculty are expected to actively participate in curriculum development and assessment of student learning.

Teaching responsibilities include lower and upper-division courses in forensic science, lower-division chemistry courses, and electives in the faculty member's area of interest.  Preference will be given to candidates with a background in forensics science or chemistry with a focus on forensic science and who demonstrate a robust potential for scholarly activity with undergraduates.

The salary for this position is $79,552.00. In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers fringe benefits such as tuition waiver for employees, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee, and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page: Inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits-briefing/benefits/.

Eastern Washington University provides an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.

Applications are open and accepted until recruitment is closed. To be considered for full review, submit your application by October 22, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.  All materials will be held in strictest confidence; references will not be contacted until candidates have been notified.

About Eastern Washington University:

Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. As the region’s polytechnic, we are recognized for our distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. EWU’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington’s second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a ’26 -’27 College of Distinction (CoD), the second consecutive year it has received the national recognition.

Tribal Land Acknowledgement:

At Eastern Washington University, we are proud to recognize the land of the Spokane Tribe and other tribes that shared the land for fishing and trading. The Spokane Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe, and the Nez Perce Tribe are integral to the cultural heritage and traditional ethnological knowledge of the land.

Native American heritage is woven into the fabric of our institution, enriching our community through tribal culture, historical teachings, and tribal language, and is embraced daily by students, staff, faculty, and the Eastern Washington community.

At EWU, we are committed to reflecting on and acknowledging the historical injustices of genocide and the forced removal of tribal peoples and all our relatives. EWU recognizes and honors tribal sovereignty and government to government relationships with tribes.

From here forward, EWU will remain committed to supporting, honoring, and recognizing the Native American community and the dynamic contributions that are shared with our university.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.

Conditions of Employment:

This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently. Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

This position is covered by the United Faculty of Eastern Washington University Collective Bargaining Agreement: SPRES-SHW1126081011160.

After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas. The Office of Employee Belonging, Development, and Leadership will reach out to you concerning Workplace Belonging training and asynchronous New Employee Orientation.

Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.

Physical Demands:

Contact Human Resources at jobs@ewu.edu to obtain a copy of the Essential Functions Analysis which will describe conditions of employment, such as physical demands.

Protective Equipment:

Close-toe shoes, Lab coat, Goggles, Face mask and Gloves. University, local, regional and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in forensics science, chemistry or a related field by start date. ABD applicants are welcome but must complete their Ph.D. by the time of appointment.
• Excellent communication skills to meet the needs of our diverse student body.
• Demonstrated ability to apply a culturally responsive and flexible approach that is supportive to the diverse needs, including universal access, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in forensic science or chemistry with a focus on forensic science
• Demonstrated potential for teaching undergraduates
• Demonstrated potential for applied scholarly activities with undergraduates
• Demonstrated ability to publish scholarly literature
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to forensic science and chemistry curriculum
• Desire to pursue external funding

Special Instructions to Applicants:

It is strongly recommended that you print a copy of these instructions and the position posting before you begin to complete the online application, as the instructions will not be viewable once you begin the application process.

Required documentation includes all of the items listed below.

1. Attach a detailed cover letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required qualifications [and preferred qualifications, if applicable]. It is preferred that you provide the information in a bulleted list or as a table within your cover letter.
2. Attach a chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and any specialized training or skills related to the position. List at least 3 professional references including: names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and connection to you (these can be identical to the references listed on the application).
3. Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable.
4. Mission Statement Response - EWU’s mission is to provide an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence. We are committed to serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students. How would you contribute to this mission?
5. Please do not upload resumes that include photos of yourself.

Proposed Job Duties & Responsibilities

A Faculty Activity Plan will be developed by the end of the first quarter of the selected candidate’s appointment and will consist of a combination of teaching, service and/or release time to perform duties, as negotiated and as needed to meet the business needs of the department. Additionally, all faculty are expected to: Engage in effective teaching and assessment of student learning; Meet all scheduled classes; Plan, organize and inform students of the course content, texts, readings, assignments, attendance regulations and methods of evaluation including grading scales; Schedule and attend office hours; Turn in grades according to established deadlines; Advise students who are declared majors on department, college and University requirements and career opportunities.