Assistant Professor - Cosmetic Science

Spelman College; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Spelman College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Cosmetic Science program, starting Fall 2027. The position requires a PhD in a relevant field and a strong research background.

The successful candidate will contribute to Chemistry and Cosmetic Science curricula and help grow the program. We seek candidates who can translate scientific expertise into laboratory- and research-based teaching, mentor undergraduate students, and collaborate with colleagues and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, toxicology, pharmacology, or related field by the time of appointment.
• Strong training in chemistry and a record of research that demonstrates the potential to develop an independent, externally funded program.
• Expertise in experimental, analytical, or instrumental approaches relevant to the characterization of chemicals, materials, formulations, or biological systems.
• The ability to teach undergraduate chemistry and the interest and capacity to develop and teach courses in cosmetic science.
• A commitment to undergraduate teaching, research mentorship, and student development.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will contribute to both the Chemistry and Cosmetic Science curricula. Within Chemistry, teaching responsibilities may include foundational and advanced courses and laboratories.
• The candidate will also have the opportunity to shape the expanding cosmetic science curriculum and related co-curricular activities.
• While prior teaching experience in cosmetic science is not required, candidates must demonstrate the capacity to teach and develop innovative cosmetic science courses and laboratory experiences.
• The successful candidate will join a growing community of faculty, students, and external partners committed to expanding Spelman’s capacity in cosmetic science.

Skills

Teaching ability

Research independence

Analytical techniques

Education

PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, toxicology, pharmacology

Job description

Position Information

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United Statesat the time of hire and must maintain authorization throughoutemployment. This position is not eligible for sponsorship. This position is contingent upon the availability of sufficientfunding.

Faculty/Type Title

Assistant Professor - Cosmetic Science

Begins

Fall 2027

About the College

Spelman College seeks teacher/scholars dedicated to excellence inteaching and to the continued enhancement of the academicenvironment for students and colleagues. Founded in 1881, SpelmanCollege is a private four-year liberal arts college located inAtlanta, GA. The oldest historically Black college for women in theUnited States, Spelman is a member of the Atlanta University CenterConsortium and Atlanta Regional Consortium for HigherEducation. The Spelman College Cosmetic Science Program is aninnovative, interdisciplinary academic program designed to preparestudents to be STEM experts in the cosmetics and personal careindustry. Launched in 2024, the program offers rigorous scientifictraining focused on cosmetic ingredients, formulation, productperformance, and safety for textured hair and melanated skinscience. The curriculum draws upon expertise across naturalsciences, mathematics, and other disciplines to provide studentswith a distinctive educational experience that connects fundamentalscience with real-world applications. The program is entering an important period of growth andcurricular expansion. The successful candidate will have theopportunity to help shape the future direction of Cosmetic Scienceat Spelman, providing intellectual leadership in developinglectures, instructional laboratories, and research-basedexperiences. We are particularly interested in candidates who cantranslate their scientific expertise into a rigorous, laboratory-and research-based curricula that respond to advances in cosmeticscience.

Position Description

The Spelman College Cosmetic Science Program seeks to inviteapplicants for a tenure-track professorship starting Fall2027.

Research Expectations

The successful candidate will establish an innovative, externallyfundable research program that advances the scientificunderstanding of cosmetic ingredients, formulations, finishedproducts, and/or their interactions with biological systems. The research program should provide meaningful opportunities forundergraduate students to engage in discovery, develop technicalexpertise, and contribute to scholarly outcomes.

We particularly welcome candidates whose research uses instrumentaland analytical approaches to investigate questions related toproduct safety, performance, efficacy, formulation, hair and skinscience, ingredient characterization, or other areas relevant tocosmetic and personal care science. Candidates whosecurrent research could expand into cosmetic science applicationsare strongly encouraged to apply.

Teaching Expectations

The successful candidate will contribute to both the Chemistryand Cosmetic Science curricula. Within Chemistry, teachingresponsibilities may include foundational and advanced courses andlaboratories. The candidate will also have the opportunity to shapethe expanding cosmetic science curriculum and related co-curricularactivities. While prior teaching experience in cosmeticscience is not required, candidates must demonstrate the capacityto teach and develop innovative cosmetic science courses andlaboratory experiences.

The successful candidate will join a growing community of faculty,students, and external partners committed to expanding Spelman’scapacity in cosmetic science. In line with this, the positionoffers a unique opportunity for a faculty member who is excited notsimply to teach within an established program, but to help buildand define its next phase of growth.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, toxicology, pharmacology, or a closely related field by the time ofappointment.
• Strong training in chemistry and a record of research thatdemonstrates the potential to develop an independent, externallyfunded research program.
• Expertise in experimental, analytical, or instrumentalapproaches relevant to the characterization of chemicals,materials, formulations, or biological systems.
• The ability to teach undergraduate chemistry and the interestand capacity to develop and teach courses in cosmetic science.
• A commitment to undergraduate teaching, research mentorship,and student development.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: F739P

Open Date: 09/18/2026

Close Date: 11/23/2026

Open Until Filled

EEO Statement: Spelman College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are asmoke-free campus.