Tenure Track Assistant Professor – Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

James Madison University (JMU) is a selective, public institution located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. With approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines. The university is recognized for its high-quality academic programs, strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at James Madison University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position beginning in Fall 2027. The department is undergraduate-only, serving approximately 200 majors and 3,000 students annually, and offers ACS-certified B.S. degrees. With 29 full-time faculty, the department provides courses in all major areas of chemistry and supports active student involvement in organizations like SAACS and AXE, as well as undergraduate research.

The department is committed to increasing student success, fostering a welcoming environment, and mentoring undergraduates to achieve their personal and professional goals. It houses over $10 million in state-of-the-art instrumentation, including facilities for nuclear chemistry, materials science, high-performance computing, NMR, and mass spectrometry. Learn more at JMU Chemistry Instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory and upper-division chemistry courses and laboratories.
• Establish and maintain an externally funded undergraduate research program.
• Mentor undergraduates in research during the academic year and summer.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field (required).
• Postdoctoral appointment (preferred).
• Demonstrated potential to teach and conduct research in a way that increases the success of all students at a primarily undergraduate institution.
• Preference will be given to candidates who can contribute to existing environmental data science or nuclear chemistry cohorts.

Application Process

For the initial review, candidates must submit a cover letter (3 pages or less) addressing:

• Interest in the position.
• Outline of proposed research and the role of undergraduates.
• Preferred courses to teach.
• Commitment to a welcoming work and learning environment, including examples.
• Vision for contributing to the department’s mission.

Personal information should be minimized in the cover letter. Candidates must also submit a curriculum vitae and the names of three references. Selected candidates will be asked to provide a research plan and a statement on teaching and excellence.

Questions about the search can be directed to the candidate liaison at chemsearch@jmu.edu.

Additional Information

JMU offers a Dual Career and Community Resources Program for candidates relocating to the area. More information is available at JMU Dual Career Program.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. New hires must complete an I-9 form and present documentation of identity and work eligibility.