Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Chemistry

University of North Dakota•Grand Forks, ND

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of North Dakota’s Department of Chemistry seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Physical Chemistry, beginning in Fall 2027. The position is a 9-month appointment contingent on available funding and is based onsite at UND’s Grand Forks campus. The department seeks a scholar whose research is rooted in experimental physical chemistry and who integrates computational chemistry, quantum chemical methods, artificial intelligence, or other data-driven approaches to address challenges in molecular and materials discovery related to energy, sustainability, and advanced technologies. Candidates using these approaches to complement experimental research are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will establish a nationally recognized, sustainable, externally funded research program; teach undergraduate and graduate courses; mentor undergraduate and graduate students; and contribute to departmental, college, and university service. The anticipated effort distribution is approximately 30% teaching, 60% research, and 10% service. Initial teaching assignments are expected to include physical chemistry fundamentals and sequences, such as CHEM 466: Fundamentals of Physical and Biophysical Chemistry and CHEM 531: Chemical Dynamics, along with associated laboratories. The candidate will also contribute to curriculum development, assessment, recruitment, outreach, safety initiatives, and the continued success of the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs. The Chemistry Department is part of UND’s College of Arts & Sciences and offers ACS-certified B.S. degrees, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The research program is expected to align with UND’s strategic research priorities, Grand Challenges in Energy & Environmental Sustainability and Computational & Data Science, and the UND LEADS Strategic Plan, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. Applications must include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, three letters of recommendation with contact information, and unofficial transcripts. Recommendation letters should be sent separately to [email protected], attention of the Physical Search Chair. The selected candidate must submit official transcripts upon hire. For full consideration, applications must be received by December 16, 2026; the position remains open until filled. Questions may be directed to Department Chair Guodong Du at [email protected]. UND supports dual-career assistance, and this position supports visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field completed by August 15, 2027.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students.
Effective interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students.
Ability to develop and sustain an externally funded research program.
Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses.
Competence with educational technology and willingness to adopt innovative teaching approaches, including online delivery.
Ability to work effectively with students and colleagues with a broad range of backgrounds.
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.
Must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Postdoctoral experience in physical chemistry or related fields.
Demonstrated expertise in experimental physical chemistry.
Research experience incorporating computational chemistry, molecular modeling, quantum chemistry, or artificial intelligence.
Demonstrated ability to disseminate scholarly research through peer-reviewed publications.
Evidence of potential to secure external research funding.
Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching and mentoring students.
Experience developing or delivering online coursework.
Experience working in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers.

Responsibilities

Establish a nationally recognized, sustainable research program in experimental physical chemistry that attracts significant external funding.
Develop individual and collaborative research initiatives aligned with UND strategic research priorities and Grand Challenges.
Serve as a catalyst for attracting and supporting graduate students in the Chemistry M.S. and Ph.D. programs.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physical chemistry and related areas, including expected fundamentals and physical chemistry sequence courses and associated laboratories.
Advise and mentor graduate students, including directing graduate theses and independent study projects.
Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.
Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, recruitment, outreach, and safety initiatives.
Support the continued growth and success of undergraduate and graduate programs.