Postsecondary Chemistry Teacher

Career Guide

A Postsecondary Chemistry Teacher teaches chemistry at colleges and universities. They deliver lectures and labs, assess student learning, advise students, and often contribute to research, grant writing, and academic service.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate chemistry courses
Teach graduate chemistry courses
Design course syllabi
Prepare lesson plans
Deliver lectures
Lead laboratory sessions
Maintain laboratory safety standards
Create exams and assignments
Grade student work
Hold office hours
Advise students on academic progress
Supervise student research projects
Conduct scholarly research
Write research proposals
Publish research findings
Serve on academic committees
Participate in curriculum development

Top Skills for Success

Chemistry Subject Expertise

Lecture Delivery

Laboratory Instruction

Curriculum Design

Assessment Design

Student Advising

Research Design

Scientific Writing

Grant Writing

Public Speaking

Clear Communication

Mentoring

Time Management

Classroom Management

Laboratory Safety

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Lecturer in Chemistry

Teaching Professor of Chemistry

Adjunct Chemistry Instructor

Transition Opportunities

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Professor of Chemistry

Department Chair Program Director Academic Dean

Research Scientist

Curriculum Developer Instructional Designer

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Active Learning TechniquesInclusive Teaching PracticesCourse DesignLearning AssessmentGrant WritingStudent MentoringLaboratory Risk ManagementEducational Technology

Development SuggestionsBuild teaching experience through guest lectures, teaching assistant roles, and short courses in college teaching. Create a teaching portfolio that includes sample syllabi, assessments, and evidence of student learning. For research-focused roles, strengthen publications and pursue small grants to demonstrate funding potential.

Market Intelligence Report

Postsecondary Chemistry Teacher is part of the Higher Education category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 50,000 to 75,000

Mid LevelUSD 75,000 to 120,000

Senior LevelUSD 120,000 to 200,000

Growth Trend

Stable overall. Hiring varies by institution type, location, and department needs. Teaching-focused colleges and community colleges hire steadily, while research universities hire more selectively based on funding and research fit.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

University of CaliforniaCalifornia State UniversityThe University of Texas SystemState University of New YorkCity University of New YorkFlorida State College SystemPeralta Community College DistrictMaricopa County Community College DistrictUniversity of MichiganArizona State University

Industry Sectors

Public UniversitiesPrivate UniversitiesCommunity CollegesLiberal Arts CollegesMedical SchoolsEngineering SchoolsResearch Institutes

Recommended Next Steps

Create a teaching portfolio

Prepare a research statement

Prepare a teaching philosophy statement

Collect teaching evaluations and peer observations

Develop a sample syllabus

Practice a job talk presentation

Apply for teaching fellowships

Apply for postdoctoral positions if targeting research universities

Join a professional chemistry association

Network with department faculty at target institutions