Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Synthetic (Organic) Chemistry

University of North Dakota • Grand Forks, ND

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of North Dakota’s Department of Chemistry invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Synthetic (Organic) Chemistry beginning in Fall 2027. The position is based onsite at UND’s Grand Forks campus. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, establish a nationally recognized and externally funded research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to departmental, college, and university service.

The department seeks a scholar whose synthetic chemistry research complements existing strengths in synthetic chemistry, biomaterials, computational chemistry, and interdisciplinary collaborations related to health and sustainability. Research may focus on biomaterials, sustainable materials, biologically inspired materials, or related areas, including the synthesis of molecular, polymeric, bio-derived, or nanoscale materials using innovative organic and synthetic methodologies. The successful candidate will develop individual and collaborative initiatives aligned with UND’s strategic research priorities and Grand Challenge areas of Human Health and Energy & Environmental Sustainability.

The approximate distribution of effort is 30% teaching, 60% research, and 10% service. Initial teaching assignments are expected to include organic chemistry courses such as CHEM 342: Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 362: Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry II. Future assignments may include Advanced Organic Chemistry and Materials Chemistry. Other duties include advising and mentoring students, directing graduate theses and independent study projects, contributing to curriculum development and assessment, supporting recruitment and outreach, and participating in safety initiatives and the continued success of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The position requires a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field completed by August 15, 2027, and successful completion of a criminal history background check. The salary is $70,000 or more. The appointment is exempt and specifies 40 hours per week. Applications must be received by December 16, 2026, for full consideration; the position remains open until filled.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field completed by August 15, 2027.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.
• 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 diverse students and colleagues.

Nice To Haves

• Postdoctoral experience in synthetic chemistry and related fields.
• Research expertise in synthetic organic chemistry for biomaterials, biologically inspired materials, sustainable materials, or related applications.
• 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 synthetic organic chemistry and attract significant external funding.
• Develop individual and collaborative research initiatives aligned with UND strategic research priorities and Grand Challenge areas.
• Attract and support graduate students in the Chemistry Ph.D. and M.S. programs.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in organic chemistry and related areas.
• Advise and mentor graduate students and direct 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.

What This Job Offers

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