Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

About the role

The San Diego State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in AI-enabled Chemical Discovery. The role involves developing artificial intelligence applications for chemical questions, including reaction discovery and optimization, synthesis planning, catalyst and reagent design, mechanistic analysis, prediction or control of chemical reactivity and selectivity, molecular and biomolecular structure/function/design (including generative design of biological systems), chemical biology, and discovery of functional molecules and materials. Approaches integrating AI with experimental chemistry, automated or closed-loop experimentation, chemical theory, or simulation are encouraged. Candidates from across the chemical science continuum are welcome provided AI-enabled approaches are a central focus.

Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain a vigorous, independent, and externally funded research program.
• Effectively teach both undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Actively contribute to service activities within the university and the broader professional community.

Required Qualifications (by date of application)

• Strong record of original research achievements.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain a vigorous, independent, externally funded research program.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Demonstrated ability to actively contribute to service activities.
• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least three of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria.

Required Qualifications (by date of hire)

• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computer Science, or a closely related field, with all degree requirements met.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing or substantively integrating artificial intelligence, machine‑learning, or data‑driven methods to address chemical or biochemical questions.
• A research program that combines methodological innovation with chemically or biochemically meaningful discovery and validation.
• Potential to build interdisciplinary collaborations across experimental, computational, and theoretical research areas.
• Evidence of effective teaching or mentoring in chemistry, biochemistry, computation, data science, or related disciplines.

Benefits

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. (Details available via the provided benefits link.)

Pay

The anticipated salary range is from $98,000 to $102,000, based on the current CSU salary schedule. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximum may be offered in limited circumstances.