Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

What the job really is

Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

At a glance

• Sector: Education & Library
• O*NET-SOC code: 25-1052
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical separation.
• Establish, teach, and monitor students' compliance with safety rules for handling chemicals, equipment, and other hazardous materials.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory performance, assignments, and papers.
• Supervise students' laboratory work.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.

Tools and technology

Google Docs, Learning management system LMS, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Atomic absorption AA spectrophotometers, Atomic emission spectroscopes, Auto3DEM, Automated polarimeters, Benchtop muffle furnaces

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
• Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
• Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
• Biochemists and Biophysicists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.