Assistant Professor - AI/ML/Data Science in Biochemistry

University of Utah; Utah; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position focused on AI/ML-enabled biochemistry. The candidate will join a vibrant Department of Biochemistry on the Utah Health Sciences Campus in Salt Lake City, mentoring PhD and medical students and building collaborations across disciplines.

We welcome applicants across ranks who can advance protein design, structural biology, and multimodal analyses toward human health applications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry or related field is required.
• Strong background in AI/ML with applications to biochemistry is desired.
• Proven ability to lead an externally funded research program and manage a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a strong externally funded research program.
• Contribute to PhD and medical student education.
• Provide service and leadership to the Department and University; mentor students and junior faculty.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Mentorship

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Assistant Professor - AI/ML/Data Science in Biochemistry

The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.

Position Information

Position/Rank

Position/Rank Assistant Professor - AI/ML/Data Science in Biochemistry

Department

Department 01502 - Department of Biochemistry

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Track

New Position to Begin

New Position to Begin 6/01/2026

Details

The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah ( https://medicine.utah.edu/biochemistry ) invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position with a focus on data-driven and AI-enabled biochemistry, as broadly defined. We anticipate hiring at the Assistant Professor level, although applications at all ranks (Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor) will be considered.

We welcome applicants who use AI and machine learning to drive the discovery and analysis of important biochemical mechanisms. Areas of study may include, but are not limited to: protein design and engineering; molecular structure, dynamics, and interactions of proteins and nucleic acids; functional proteomics; protein–ligand interactions and chemical biology; membrane and lipid biochemistry; and multimodal analysis of biochemical and cellular pathways. We are particularly interested in investigators who can transform fundamental biochemical research by opening new ways to discover, interrogate, and manipulate molecular mechanisms, with the potential to ultimately impact human health and medicine.

Job Summary

Successful candidates will join a vibrant and growing research community with a strong commitment to building a broad and excellent research and teaching environment. The Department of Biochemistry is located on the Utah Health Sciences Campus in Salt Lake City and currently has 25 tenure-track faculty. Areas of research expertise amongst our faculty are diverse, and range from structural, chemical, and cell biology, to metabolism, RNA biochemistry and genetics. Faculty in our Department benefit from the tight-knit, supportive and collaborative research environment at the University of Utah, including state-of-the-art research facilities and access to a talented pool of PhD students from the University of Utah’s Bioscience PhD programs.

Candidates will be expected to lead a strong externally funded research program, contribute to PhD and medical student education, and provide service and leadership to the University and their scientific field. Successful candidates will also have the ability to teach and mentor our range of different students successfully.

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.

Priority Deadline

November 1st, 2026.

The anticipated starting date is June 1, 2027, but may be negotiable.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/ .

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu .

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• One measure of faculty diversity at the School of Medicine is the proportion of faculty members who come from a rural background. Did you graduate high school from a town with less than 10,000 persons?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Applicant Document – Other

Optional Documents

• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only