Assistant or Associate Professor in Medicinal Chemistry

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Lexington, KY, is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor in Medicinal Chemistry. This tenure-track position offers a collaborative environment emphasizing research in cancer biology and teaching responsibilities. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in a related field and core expertise in medicinal chemistry. The ideal candidate will mentor students and develop a strong research profile while contributing to the department's teaching mission.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including medical coverage

Retirement plans

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Core expertise in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery preferred.
• Experience in a research environment is essential.
• Strong communication and teaching skills required.

Responsibilities

• Build an innovative research program in cancer medicinal chemistry/chemical biology.
• Collaborate with researchers and mentor students.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Chemical biology

Drug discovery

Research mentoring

Education

Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in chemistry or related field

Job description

Overview

Assistant or Associate Professor in Medicinal Chemistry. Tenure-track, 9-month position with anticipated start date August 1, 2026. Located in Lexington, KY. Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Kentucky.

Type of Position: Faculty; Position Time Status: Full-Time. Department: 8E030:Chemistry. Work Location: Lexington, KY. Requisition Number: FE04635.

Job Summary

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky invites applicants for a tenure-eligible faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Medicinal Chemistry. The department, along with the Markey Cancer Center, offers a collaborative environment with research interests spanning chemical biology, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cancer biology, systems pharmacology, cell biology, immunology, materials science, protein engineering, and medicine. This is a 9-month position in the regular title series. The first year distribution of effort is 35% Teaching, 55% Research, and 10% Departmental service.

Responsibilities

• Build an innovative research program in cancer medicinal chemistry/chemical biology.
• Collaborate with researchers within the Department of Chemistry and the Markey Cancer Center.
• Mentor Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in organic and/or biological chemistry.
• Contribute to a safe, creative, collegial, responsible, rigorous, and ethical lab and departmental environment.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical biology, pharmacology, or a related field is required.
• Core expertise in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, drug discovery, development and design, especially as it pertains to cancer, is preferred.
• Applicants should provide: 1) cover letter, 2) CV, 3) Research Statement, 4) Teaching Statement, 5) Current Transcripts, and the names/contact information of three references when prompted in the academic profile.

Application Details

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and offers comprehensive rewards focused on well-being and career development. Benefits include retirement plans, medical coverage, life insurance, and optional dental/vision insurance and other retirement plans. Learn more at the university benefits page: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits

Questions about this search should be addressed to Dr. Samuel G. Awuah, Search Committee Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky ([e-mail]).

Applications will be considered starting now until November 1, 2025.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Preferred Education/Experience

Core expertise in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, drug discovery, development and design, especially as it pertains to advancing understanding and treatment of cancer, is preferred.

Deadline to Apply

11/01/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

Our University Community

We value well-being and strive to create a healthy place to work, learn, and live. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The university follows applicable nondiscrimination laws and provides equal opportunities in all aspects of institutional operations. Candidates may be subject to pre-employment screenings, including background checks or drug screens.