Professor/Chair, Department of Chemistry

Nevada System of Higher Education • Reno, NV

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) College of Science is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the rank of Professor. This is a tenured position, with an anticipated hire date of July 1, 2027. Exceptional candidates at the Associate Professor rank will also be considered. The Department, one of ten in the College of Science, plays a foundational role in research and education across the University. It comprises two dozen academic and administrative faculty with expertise spanning various fields of chemistry. The Department offers a reputable B.S. in Chemistry with multiple emphases, maintaining continuous American Chemical Society (ACS) certification since 1941. It also offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry and participates in an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Chemical Physics with the Department of Physics. The graduate programs support approximately 65-75 graduate students working with research-active faculty, who benefit from extensive faculty-mentored research opportunities and advanced research infrastructure. Departmental research is supported by over $10M in extramural grants for FY25-26, covering experimental and theoretical chemistry. Shared instrumentation includes NMR spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, optical and laser spectroscopy, and materials characterization capabilities. The Department also operates ChemStores, a research stockroom. Strong interdisciplinary research is fostered through the Hitchcock Center for Chemical Ecology and the Chemical Physics Ph.D. program. The Chair will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and leadership to advance the Department's research, education, and service missions, strengthen extramural funding, recruit and retain faculty and students, and strategically manage resources. An innovative, externally funded research program is expected, with competitive startup support available. The Chair will enhance the Department's visibility and impact.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field.
• Eligible for tenure upon arrival.
• Demonstrate skills in strategic planning and administration.
• Demonstrated excellence in research, teaching and mentoring in chemistry or related fields.
• Candidates currently at the rank of Associate Professor are encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate a record of accomplishment sufficient to support appointment at the rank of Professor upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Vision and values aligned with UNR, COS, and the Department of Chemistry.
• Academic leadership; prior experience as an academic leader is desirable.
• Teaching, curricular development, mentoring, and faculty development.
• Relationship building, collaborative leadership, and team development.
• Growth of research and scholarly activity, including securing extramural, private and donor funding.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Commitment to inclusive excellence and the ability to foster a welcoming and collegial academic environment.
• Professionalism and communication/interpersonal skills.
• Entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Experience overseeing research infrastructure, laboratory operations, safety, compliance, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to represent and advocate for the Department effectively within COS, UNR and with external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the Department.
• Strengthen the Department's research enterprise.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the College of Science and University.
• Recruit, retain, mentor and support outstanding faculty and staff.
• Sustain and advance excellence in undergraduate education.
• Strengthen graduate education and training.
• Expand opportunities for undergraduate research and experiential learning.
• Support strategic management and development of research and instructional infrastructure.
• Advance a strong culture of laboratory safety and responsible research.
• Develop and support effective mentoring and professional-development programs.
• Oversee and strategically manage the Department's budget, personnel, space and other resources.
• Advance external engagement and resource development by working with College and University leadership.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of the Department.
• Foster a collegial and inclusive academic environment.
• Align departmental priorities with the College of Science Strategic Plan and UNR's strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to the academic mission of the Department through teaching, research and/or scholarly engagement appropriate to the successful candidate's expertise.

Benefits

• Health insurance options including dental and vision
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers an annual or semester membership and family membership options.
• Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments.
• No state income tax!
• Grants-in-aid for Faculty Employees
• Reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents.
• Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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