Professor of Chemistry​/Natural Science - Oklahoma Baptist University

Professor of Chemistry/Natural Science – Oklahoma Baptist University

Purpose

OBU is a distinguished Christian university committed to integrating faith and learning. We strive to provide an education that fosters intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a commitment to service. The Science Division in the James E. Hurley School of Science and Mathematics is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and scholarship, with a particular focus on hands‑on, laboratory- and field‑based learning in a Christ-centered, liberal arts context.

Essential Functions

• Teach undergraduate courses in chemistry or natural science for majors and non‑majors, as assigned according to divisional needs and the candidate’s expertise.
• Develop and implement effective student‑centered teaching strategies that integrate faith and learning, including laboratory experiences.
• Advise and mentor students in academic planning, professional development, and spiritual formation.
• Participate in curriculum development and ongoing assessment of courses and programs, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and alignment with institutional learning outcomes.
• Engage in scholarship appropriate for a liberal arts environment, including discipline‑based research, scholarship of teaching and learning, and/or student‑mentored research.
• Integrate the Christian faith into classroom and laboratory environments, helping students consider how a Christian worldview informs the study and practice of science, including ethical dimensions of the sciences.
• Participate in university committees, governance, and campus life as assigned.
• Contribute to advising, recruitment, and retention efforts for science programs.
• Uphold and promote the Christian mission and values of the university in all professional activities.

Other Duties

• Assist in student recruitment through campus events, individual visits, and outreach activities.
• Manage or assist with the management of the Wood Science laboratories for teaching, research, and outreach purposes, as appropriate to the candidate’s expertise.
• Participate in community outreach related to the science division, including events for local schools, churches, and community groups.
• Collaborate with faculty across STEM disciplines to support interdisciplinary learning and projects.
• Assist with purchasing large equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability or strong promise to teach effective lectures and laboratories at the undergraduate level in chemistry, natural science, or a closely related field.
• Ability to thoughtfully integrate Christian faith with teaching and professional practice, including discussion of the relationship between Christian ideas and science, and the application of Christian ethics to scientific settings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with college students in advising, mentoring, and classroom settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build constructive relationships with students, staff, faculty colleagues, and community partners.
• Organizational and time‑management skills sufficient to balance teaching, advising, scholarship, and service responsibilities.
• Commitment to mentoring and supporting students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Education

• Required: Master’s degree in chemistry, natural science, biology, or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Ph.D. in chemistry, natural science, biology, or a closely related field.
• Academic preparation that supports teaching across multiple areas of the science curriculum.
• Additional training or experience in laboratory, field‑based, or interdisciplinary instruction.

Experience

• Required: Strong commitment to integrating Christian faith with academic excellence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Active involvement in a Christian church and alignment with the university’s statement of faith.
• Preferred: Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate science teaching.
• Experience teaching laboratory‑based and/or field‑based courses.
• Experience with curriculum development and academic program assessment.
• Involvement in relevant professional organizations.

Equipment

• Laboratory, field, or instructional equipment appropriate to the assigned teaching area.
• Standard instructional technology, including learning management systems (Canvas), presentation software, and classroom audio‑visual systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to teach in classroom and laboratory settings, including standing for extended periods and moving between lab stations.
• Ability to lift and move laboratory supplies and equipment, typically up to approximately 25–50 pounds.
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to safely supervise students in laboratory environments.

Special Requirements

• Must be a member of a local evangelical Christian church.