Position Overview

The Department of Medicinal Chemistry located within the School of Pharmacy at the University of Kansas (KU) seeks exceptional candidates for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level to commence by August 18, 2025.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate excellence in research, teaching and service and will contribute to the Department's expertise by having a background and research interests in Medicinal Chemistry, Broadly Defined and whose research aligns with the NIH mission. We are particularly interested in individuals who will develop chemical tools to probe the pathophysiology of disease processes and who will use this knowledge as a foundation for therapeutic development. However, the search is not limited to this area. Applicants with strong backgrounds and future plans in synthetic organic chemistry, synthetic medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and biocatalysis are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field. Applicants should demonstrate the potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program, as evidenced by research products including preprints and publications, and a statement outlining research successes and future goals. As excellence in education and mentoring is a priority for our academic scientists, applicants should convey approaches and interests in these areas.

The candidate should have a strong record of basic research interfacing chemistry and/or biology and a commitment to graduate and undergraduate education in the field. The department is especially interested in candidates who have a developed research plan for externally sponsored research in a field that complements current research activities at the University (https://medchem.ku.edu/).

The University of Kansas is a Carnegie doctoral/research-extensive R-1 university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). KU is a major educational and research institution located in Lawrence, a vibrant, thriving, and progressive community of more than 90,000 close to Kansas City and the KU Medical Center. The Department of Medicinal Chemistry faculty engage in comprehensive and diverse research efforts that enable innovative and cross-disciplinary approaches. KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment


Job Description

40% RESEARCH
Initiate, organize and maintain a vigorous and productive program of research in medicinal chemistry (broadly defined) that includes:
Obtaining external research funding from federal agencies (e.g. NIH, NSF, etc.)
Publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and
Presenting findings at professional conferences.
40% TEACHING/ADVISING
Teach and mentor pharmacy students and graduate students in formal medicinal chemistry or chemical biology courses,
Participate in the academic advising of pharmacy students and graduate students, and
Mentor students in research, including serving as a dissertation/thesis director and professional mentor for students.
20% SERVICE
Serve on committees at the Departmental, School, and/or University levels as the opportunities arise,
Participate in professional service activities, and
Participate collegially in departmental and school meetings.
Collegiality:
All faculty members are expected to act in a manner that promotes collegial relationships and show respect toward students, staff, and colleagues.