Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Location: San Diego, College of Arts and Sciences

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at USD is recognized by the American Chemical Society and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and prepares students to be the world's next chemists, biochemists, bioengineers, and educators.

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct, and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education spanning the sciences, arts, and social sciences.

About the University

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. The University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background.

About the Role

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of San Diego invites applications for a tenure-track position in Organic Chemistry at the Assistant Professor level beginning in Fall 2027. We seek a dynamic teacher/scholar with experience in organic chemistry, broadly defined, that complements our department. Interdisciplinary applications are encouraged.

Successful candidates will have a robust commitment to undergraduate research and education that engages chemistry and biochemistry majors as well as non-majors. Teaching responsibilities will include courses in the organic chemistry sequence, advanced courses in organic chemistry, courses in their area of expertise, and courses in other areas of the curriculum that enrich the liberal arts experience.

We aim to hire faculty who are committed to creating a welcoming environment that fosters each student's academic and personal development and establishing an active, externally-funded research program that mentors undergraduate students in a cohesive academic community.

Responsibilities

• Excellence in teaching via the use and development of innovative, effective pedagogical practices.
• Designing and teaching engaging courses within the curriculum.
• Providing hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students.
• Guiding undergraduate students in their research endeavors to develop critical thinking and independent research skills.
• Collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines to integrate science with broader societal issues.
• Taking full advantage of the USD STEM Initiative, which establishes a high-impact, collaborative teaching and research environment integrating the natural sciences and engineering.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field.
• Postdoctoral training is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and research.
• Experience in mentoring undergraduates.
• Commitment to fostering a welcoming environment.

Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required. Persons offered employment will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Application Materials

• Letter of Application (3 pages max).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Teaching Statement including a description of/commitment to inclusive pedagogy (3 pages max). The statement could include:
  • How teaching strategies informed by chemical education research have been or will be implemented.
  • Strategies for assessing student learning.
  • Ideas for new interdisciplinary upper-division courses.
  • Approaches for creating an inclusive teaching environment.
• Research Statement and Proposed Research Projects (4 pages max) including:
  • Brief highlights of past research accomplishments.
  • Description of proposed areas of research.
  • Research program’s relevance and significance to the field.
  • How research may be maintained and strengthened through external funding and collaborations.
  • How the proposed research projects are appropriate and tailored to the undergraduate research environment.
  • How undergraduate research students will be mentored.
• Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters.
• Optional: A fourth letter from one mentee.

Pay

$6,931.25 - $7,917 monthly

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement contribution provided by the University.
• Access to on-campus Fitness Centers.

For more details, visit the benefits section of the USD Human Resources website.