Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Rancho Santiago Community College District

Salary Range: $75,434.18 - $124,106.29/10-month academic year, depending upon education and experience

Job Type:

Job Number: AC24-01100

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Division: SAC Science Math & Health Sciences

Closing: 1/31/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Position Details


About Rancho Santiago Community College DistrictRancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) is one of the most established districts in the state and has been in operation for nearly 50 years. Located in the heart of Orange County, it is one of the largest of California's 72 community college districts, based on the number of credit and non-credit students. RSCCD encompasses 25 percent of Orange County's total area and serves a population of more than 700,000 residents in the communities of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Santa Ana, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Tustin, and Yorba Linda. The district includes Santiago Canyon College and Santa Ana College, as well as the Centennial and Orange Continuing Education Centers, the Digital Media Center, the Joint Powers Fire Training Center, the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy, the College and Workforce Preparation Center, and the District Operations Center. RSCCD's three (3) auxiliary Foundations are actively involved in supporting both community and campus programs.
RSCCD's student population is a direct reflection of the diverse communities in the surrounding neighborhoods. As a whole, the district has the honor of serving approximately 55,537 students: 51% Hispanic/Latinx, 20% White, 9% Asian & Filipino, and 2% are African American. RSCCD is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and serves predominately historically underrepresented students. There is a commitment to foster student centered values among our employees to provide equitable student learning, academic excellence, and workforce development. By delivering high-quality educational programs and student support services, the district ensures that students have the appropriate resources to achieve their goals.

At RSCCD, our mission is to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice into all aspects of student academics and employee relations. Thus, creating transformational experiences that prepares students and employees to engage in the world with a renewed sense-of-self. Through this commitment, Rancho Santiago Community College District strives to cultivate a learning environment that prioritizes respect, to ensure that RSCCD stakeholders feel valued and supported throughout their academic and professional careers.

About the PositionThe ideal candidate will demonstrate cultural competency in serving diverse community college student populations, including those with differing abilities, AB 540 students, DACA recipients, Foreign Residents, VACA participants, and Continuing Education students. They will support RSCCD's mission to promote self-awareness, knowledge, and communication skills, enabling students to participate creatively and confidently in an ever-changing world.
Candidates will cultivate an inclusive classroom culture that engages and supports a diverse student population. They should effectively teach students from varied ethnic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those with disabilities or differing academic preparation levels. Candidates should show sensitivity to diverse learning needs and a commitment to equity and anti-racism. They will help empower students to achieve their educational and career goals while fostering creativity, confidence, and lifelong learning.
General ResponsibilitiesTeach all assigned classes, which may include evening or off-campus assignments unless excused according to Board Policy provisions. Maintain accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and academic progress. Assist in maintaining course outline for each assigned course. Be familiar with and observe the administrative regulations as they appear in the Faculty Handbook (flex calendar obligations, course overviews, etc.). Participate in department committees and activities. Will teach a variety of courses/levels within the discipline/area of study.

Qualifications


RequirementsMinimum Qualifications (Applicants must meet one of the following):

• Possess from an accredited institution: 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 valid California Community College credential, OR
• The equivalent (applicants who do not meet the above minimum qualifications must complete the Equivalencies Section in the application form.)
  • Master's degree in a chemistry-related field that required completion of coursework equivalent to a master's degree in chemistry with a bachelor's degree in chemistry.

Additional Qualifications

• Candidate must demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff, and the community.
• Demonstrates the ability to teach all General Chemistry courses, including first and second semester General Chemistry lecture and lab, with specific experience in teaching first and second General Chemistry labs, including qualitative analysis, and a minimum of 2 years of recent instructional experience at the community college level.
• Committed to working collaboratively with faculty and staff in the spirit of collegiality and innovation to enhance instruction, curriculum, and student success, while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through culturally responsive teaching in chemistry.
• Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining departmental standards to ensure students are adequately prepared for future courses and programs, with experience in designing, developing, and implementing curriculum that aligns with academic standards and promotes student engagement and success.
• Proficient in the use of Vernier laboratory apparatus and software.
• Strong commitment and ability to contribute both independently and as a team player to the success, improvement, and growth of the department and college.
• Involvement in service-related activities, such as committee work or community outreach and engagement, to advance departmental or institutional missions.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively with college students and professional colleagues.

Application Process


To ensure full consideration, all applicants must submit a complete online Rancho Santiago Community College District application that includes the items listed below by the position's closing date. Recruitment will review all applications for completeness, and only complete application packets will be forwarded to the screening committee for further review.
A Complete Application Packet Must Include the Following:

1. RSCCD Online Application
2. Cover Letter
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume - details all relevant education, training, teaching experience (including courses taught) and other work experience.
4. Academic Transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted)

Hiring Process TimelineIt is anticipated that the screening activities will be conducted as follows:

• Week of February 10: Screening Begins
• Week of March 17: Initial Interviews
• Month of April: Final Interviews with the College President
• August 18, 2025: Start of Fall 2025

Foreign Degrees
Transcripts from countries other than the United States must be evaluated by an agency that is approved by or a member of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE), or Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Application ScreeningIn addition to the specific requirements and responsibilities listed in the Job Announcement, the following criteria will be considered in selecting candidates:

• Educational experience breadth and depth
• Work experience breadth and depth
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Curriculum development
• Program development
• Community involvement
• Demonstrated experience in working with a diverse socioeconomic community
• Credential or minimum qualifications authorizing service in other areas of need
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others
• Bilingual ability (if needed)

Based on the information presented in the application materials, a limited number of candidates with qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a written test and an oral interview.

Meeting the position's minimum requirements does not guarantee advancement in the selection process. Candidate qualifications will be assessed to determine those who meet and exceed requirements and are deemed the most competitive in the applicant pool.
InterviewApplicants selected for an interview may be required to take additional tests or assessments and will be notified of such prior to the date of the interview. During the oral session, those selected for interviews will, in addition to the above, also be evaluated on the following factors:

• Oral communication skills
• Presentation
• Problem-solving skills
• Successful teaching, problem-solving, or performance demonstration
• Writing skills/demonstration

A predetermined set of questions will be asked of all applicants interviewed. Applicants are requested to provide thorough yet concise information on their related experience to ensure the correct evaluation of their qualifications. Evaluation criteria will be applied consistently to all applicants.
Disability AccommodationsIndividuals who require reasonable accommodations in the Application or Interviewing Process in accordance with ADA should notify the Recruitment Office in the Human Resources Division at least two days prior to the closing date, by calling (714) 480-7455.

Conditions of EmploymentThe selected candidate is required to complete the following before employment as part of the onboarding process:

1. Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
2. Provide a certificate of Tuberculosis Exam.
3. Fingerprints (by a Live Scan Agency at the candidate's expense, and clearance must be received before the first day of employment)
4. Submit official transcripts.
5. Submit official verification of employment letters.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/rsccd/jobs/4763649/assistant-professor-chemistry