Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Biochemistry

About the role

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UTEP invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level, with an anticipated start date of Fall 2027. Rank and tenure status will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate will join a growing biochemistry program and contribute to UTEP’s mission of advancing discovery, increasing student participation in research, and preparing a diverse scientific workforce. The position is expected to broaden the Department’s research portfolio, expand its biochemistry curriculum, strengthen graduate education and research mentorship, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations across UTEP and beyond.

Research focus

The Department seeks a biochemist whose research focuses on post-translational modifications (PTMs) or closely related areas. Relevant research may include, but is not limited to:

• Protein phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination
• Other chemical and enzymatic modifications that regulate protein function, stability, localization, signaling, and cellular physiology
• Work incorporating proteomics, mass spectrometry, chemical biology, structural biochemistry, molecular and cellular biochemistry, or complementary emerging approaches

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an innovative, externally funded research program
• Publish significant scholarly work
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biochemistry, including core Biochemistry I and Biochemistry II, as well as advanced courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise
• Develop specialized courses in areas such as post-translational modifications, proteomics, chemical biology, and contemporary biochemical methods
• Mentor undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students
• Contribute service to the Department, College, University, profession, and community

Requirements

All applicants must have:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline by the anticipated start date
• A record of research accomplishments in biochemistry or a closely related field appropriate to the applicant’s career stage
• The ability to develop and sustain an independent, externally funded research program
• The ability to teach biochemistry effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• The ability and commitment to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in coursework and research
• The ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and students across academic disciplines and backgrounds
• Effective oral and written communication skills

For appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, applicants must demonstrate:

• Evidence of the potential to establish a productive, independent, and externally funded research program
• Evidence of the potential for effective undergraduate and graduate teaching and student mentorship

For appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, applicants must also demonstrate:

• A sustained record of significant scholarly achievement and peer-reviewed publication
• A record of effective undergraduate or graduate teaching and student mentorship
• A record of obtaining external research support
• Accomplishments sufficient to meet UTEP’s requirements for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor with tenure

For appointment at the rank of Professor, applicants must also demonstrate:

• A sustained and distinguished record of scholarly achievement and national or international recognition in their field
• A sustained record of effective teaching and mentorship of undergraduate or graduate students
• A sustained record of external research support and leadership of an independent research program
• Accomplishments sufficient to meet UTEP’s requirements for appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure

Preferred qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Research expertise in post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, or related mechanisms that regulate protein function and cellular processes
• Expertise in proteomics, mass spectrometry, chemical biology, molecular and cellular biochemistry, structural biochemistry, or other modern biochemical and analytical methods
• A research program addressing important questions related to human health or disease, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, immune regulation, or other areas of fundamental or translational biomedical significance
• A record of, or strong potential for, collaboration with UTEP researchers in biochemistry, chemistry, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, pharmacy, materials science, data science, or other health-related disciplines
• Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent advanced professional research experience
• Evidence of success in, or strong potential for, securing competitive external research funding
• A record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications appropriate to the applicant’s career stage
• Evidence of effective and innovative teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level
• Experience developing advanced courses, laboratory modules, or research-based learning activities in biochemistry or related fields
• A strong record of mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers
• Experience supporting the academic and professional success of students from a broad range of educational and personal backgrounds, including first-generation college students
• The potential to contribute to the continued growth of UTEP’s undergraduate and graduate programs in biochemistry