Assistant Professor - Biochemistry

UNCW; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biochemistry to begin Fall 2027. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate biochemistry courses and related classes, and develop an externally funded research program involving undergraduates and graduates.

Responsibilities include advising, mentoring students, and serving on departmental committees to support the goals of the Chemistry &

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or a closely related field is required.
• Postdoctoral experience is required.
• ABD candidates will be considered; PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027 to be eligible for employment.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate biochemistry courses and related classes.
• Develop and maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program involving undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provide academic advising and participate in departmental service such as committees and meetings.

Skills

Biochemistry

Course development

Undergraduate mentoring

Education

PhD in chemistry or related field

Postdoctoral experience

ABD candidates considered (PhD must be conferred by Aug 1, 2027)

Tools

NMR

MS instrumentation

Spectrophotometers

Job description

Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.

College College of Science and Engineering - 323 College

Dept/School

Dept/School Chemistry Admin - 32320

Vacancy Number

Vacancy Number 16F-830

Position Number

Position Number 723

Location of Workplace

Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biochemistry to begin Fall 2027.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biochemistry as well as other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. In addition, the candidate will develop and maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program that actively involves undergraduate and graduate students. The field within Biochemistry is open, but areas of special interest are Biological Catalysis, Bioinorganic, Biophysical Chemistry, Computational Biochemistry, Molecular Evolution, RNA Biochemistry, and Protein Chemistry. Some online teaching may be required for the position.

Responsibilities also include academic advising, mentoring undergraduate students, and participating in departmental service such as committees, meetings, and special projects that support the goals of the department.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• A PhD in chemistry or a related field and postdoctoral experience are required.
• Please note: ABD candidates will be considered; however, the PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027, to be eligible for employment.
• Research at the doctoral or postdoctoral level should include biochemistry or a closely related area.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated ability to establish an independent, externally funded research program in biochemistry or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated expertise in Biological Catalysis, Bioinorganic, Biophysical Chemistry, Computational Biochemistry, Molecular Evolution, RNA Biochemistry, and Protein Chemistry.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications and presentations.

Required Certifications or Licensure

No Required Certifications or Licensure

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

Chemistry & Biochemistry at UNC Wilmington offers student-oriented programs leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS, ACS Certified) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistry, a Master of Science (MS) in Chemistry, and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. A significant portion of the training takes place in laboratories associated with courses and research in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Marine and Atmospheric Science, Organic and Inorganic Synthesis, Computational and Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Education.

The Department is well equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including 300–600 MHz NMR spectrometers, several MS instruments managed by a full-time PhD scientist, absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometers, protein purification instrumentation, a CD spectrometer, and calorimeters ( DSC and ITC ). In addition to rigorous courses in all aspects of chemistry, most undergraduate students and all graduate students carry out research under the direct supervision of faculty.

College/School Information

The College of Science and Engineering offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology degrees. The college also offers combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in information technology/computer science and information systems, computer science/computer science and information systems, and B.S. in mathematics/M.S. in mathematics. To implement its academic programs, the college provides instruction and research opportunities in the natural and behavioral sciences, information technology, data science, computer science, mathematics, pre-engineering, and engineering. The eight academic departments in the college provide courses of study in each of these areas, in addition to interdepartmental programs in information technology, cybersecurity, and digital arts. A 2+2 in engineering; and 3+2 programs in computer science and electrical or computer engineering; and physics and electrical engineering, are also offered in the college. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in environmental studies, applied statistics, and geographic information science are also available.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.

A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport ( ILM ) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Position Type

Permanent

Job Posting Date

Job Posting Date 10/30/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 12/15/2026