Assistant Professor - Cosmetic Science

Spelman College (Old); Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spelman College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Cosmetic Science program, beginning Fall 2027. The successful candidate will develop lectures, instructional laboratories, and research-based experiences for undergraduates.

The program aims to expand curricular offerings and establish a strong, lab- and discovery-based curriculum, with emphasis on cosmetic ingredients, formulation, safety, and student mentorship in a growing academic setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by appointment start date in Fall 2027.
• Strong chemistry background with research potential for independent funding.
• Ability to teach undergraduate chemistry and contribute to cosmetic science courses.
• Commitment to undergraduate teaching, research mentorship, and student development.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate chemistry and develop cosmetic science curricula.
• Lead lectures, labs, and research-based experiences for students.
• Contribute to program growth and curricular expansion in cosmetic science.

Skills

Chemistry teaching

Undergraduate mentoring

Research development

Grant/funding pursuits

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry or related field

Job description

Position Information

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain authorization throughout employment. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

This position is contingent upon the availability of sufficient funding.

Employment Status

Faculty/Type Title

Faculty/Type Title Assistant Professor - Cosmetic Science

Area of Study

Begins

Begins Fall 2027

About the College

Spelman College seeks teacher/scholars dedicated to excellence in teaching and to the continued enhancement of the academic environment for students and colleagues. Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a private four-year liberal arts college located in Atlanta, GA. The oldest historically Black college for women in the United States, Spelman is a member of the Atlanta University Center Consortium and Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education. The Spelman College Cosmetic Science Program is an innovative, interdisciplinary academic program designed to prepare students to be STEM experts in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Launched in 2024, the program offers rigorous scientific training focused on cosmetic ingredients, formulation, product performance, and safety for textured hair and melanated skin science. The curriculum draws upon expertise across natural sciences, mathematics, and other disciplines to provide students with a distinctive educational experience that connects fundamental science with real-world applications.

The program is entering an important period of growth and curricular expansion. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help shape the future direction of Cosmetic Science at Spelman, providing intellectual leadership in developing lectures, instructional laboratories, and research-based experiences. We are particularly interested in candidates who can translate their scientific expertise into a rigorous, laboratory- and research-based curricula that respond to advances in cosmetic science.

Position Description

The Spelman College Cosmetic Science Program seeks to invite applicants for a tenure-track professorship starting Fall 2027.

Research Expectations

The successful candidate will establish an innovative, externally fundable research program that advances the scientific understanding of cosmetic ingredients, formulations, finished products, and/or their interactions with biological systems. The research program should provide meaningful opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in discovery, develop technical expertise, and contribute to scholarly outcomes.

We particularly welcome candidates whose research uses instrumental and analytical approaches to investigate questions related to product safety, performance efficacy, formulation, hair and skin science, ingredient characterization, or other areas relevant to cosmetic and personal care science. Candidates whose current research could expand into cosmetic science applications are strongly encouraged to apply.

Teaching Expectations

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.

The successful candidate will join a growing community of faculty, students, and external partners committed to expanding Spelman’s capacity in cosmetic science. In line with this, the position offers a unique opportunity for a faculty member who is excited not simply to teach within an established program, but to help build and define its next phase of growth.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, toxicology, pharmacology, or a closely 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 research 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.

Posting Number

Posting Number F739P

Open Date

Open Date 09/18/2026

Close Date

Close Date 11/23/2026

EEO Statement

Spelman College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a smoke-free campus.

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts (unofficial)
• Research Statement
• Teaching Philosophy
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

350 Spelman Lane S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314-4399