Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America | Job Id: 192031

About the role

The University of Virginia’s Department of Chemistry invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in physical chemistry, with an emphasis on theoretical and computational approaches to catalysis and energy science. The position, expected to begin August 10, 2027, is part of UVA’s strategic investment in the Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals (CICLEC) and broader efforts in energy, sustainability, and data-enabled scientific discovery. The successful candidate will establish a creative, internationally recognized, and independently funded research program and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in physical chemistry and related areas. They will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community with extensive collaboration opportunities across the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Medicine, and the School of Data Science. UVA offers a highly collaborative environment spanning fundamental science, computation, artificial intelligence, energy, and translational research, supported by recent infrastructure investments including a $100 million renovation of the Chemistry building.

Responsibilities

• Establish a creative, internationally recognized, and independently funded research program in physical chemistry with emphasis on theoretical and computational approaches to catalysis and energy science.
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in physical chemistry and related areas (teaching load: one course per semester).
• Provide service to the Department, the University, and the profession.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

Qualifications

• Record of excellence and innovation in scientific research.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Expertise in theoretical and/or computational physical chemistry with potential to develop an independent research program addressing fundamental problems in catalysis, chemical reactivity, or energy science.

Skills

• Expertise in electronic structure and quantum-chemical methods, molecular dynamics, reaction kinetics, multiscale modeling, digital twins and prediction of spectroscopic observables, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or integration of computation with experimental or autonomous discovery platforms.
• Experience addressing challenges in heterogeneous, homogeneous, or electrocatalysis; interfacial and surface chemistry; energy conversion and storage; sustainable fuels and chemicals; or related areas of energy science.