Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

University of Arkansas Fayetteville • Fayetteville, AR

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, invites applications for a standard nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position starting August 2027. The position is in the broadly defined area of computation, modeling, simulation, and theory, with particular interest in computational materials chemistry. The successful candidate will establish an independent, externally funded research program and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise. The candidate's work should contribute to ongoing departmental research while developing an independent program. Development and implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools in research are also of interest.

The department has expertise in solid-state materials synthesis and characterization, particularly systems relevant to electrocatalysis, photochemistry, and energy conversion. The position is intended to complement these strengths with computational materials chemistry expertise. The department is part of a thriving R1 research institution and offers an environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, state-of-the-art facilities, and a typical teaching load of one course per semester. Faculty duties are divided into 40% teaching or professional performance, 40% research/scholarly or creative activities, and 20% academic service.

This is an in-person position. Most classes are face-to-face, and in-person participation in office hours, student advising, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings is essential. Regular, reliable, non-disruptive attendance and the ability to maintain collegial working relationships are essential job duties.

The position is a Designated Research Position regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025. Before an employment offer, the University must request additional background information and may conduct an additional review. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position is benefits-eligible and includes University benefits such as insurance, tuition waivers, holidays, leave accrual, and retirement programs with University contributions.

Requirements

• Terminal degree equivalent to a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education, conferred by the date of initial appointment.
• Evidence of, or demonstrated potential for, exceptional teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Evidence of, or demonstrated potential for, externally funded research and scholarly or creative activity.
• Current knowledge in chemistry that complements the department's strengths.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and sustain an externally funded research program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and/or cross-campus collaborations.
• Significant experience in computational chemistry, broadly defined.
• Strong record of successful publication and external funding in the thematic and/or methodological areas of the position.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective undergraduate and graduate classes that complement the current course catalog.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in independent research.
• Strong evidence of ability to be an active, involved, and collegial member of a collaborative faculty team on campus and in relevant national service organizations.
• At least one year of postdoctoral research experience.

Responsibilities

• Establish an independent, externally funded research program in computation, modeling, simulation, and theory, with particular interest in computational materials chemistry.
• Develop research that contributes to ongoing departmental work while establishing an independent program.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate's area of expertise.
• Conduct research and scholarly or creative activities.
• Participate in academic service activities.
• Engage in person in office hours, student advising, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance and collegial working relationships.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with University contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of employee salary
• Workplace culture promoting a healthy work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree