Assistant Professor in Biochemistry/Biophysics

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biochemistry/Biophysics in the Department of Molecular Biosciences, to begin August 2027 in Lawrence. We seek researchers with innovative programs; NIH-aligned focus is preferred.

The successful candidate will lead graduate student research and contribute to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must have a PhD in Biochemistry/Biophysics or related discipline and postdoctoral

Qualifications

• Requires PhD in Biochemistry or Biophysics or related discipline.
• Postdoctoral research experience required.
• Ability to establish an independent, externally funded research program with evidence in publications/preprints and a research goals statement.
• Direct graduate student research and participate in undergraduate and graduate teaching with a focus on inclusive mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent, externally funded research program in Biochemistry/Biophysics.
• Direct graduate student research and contribute to undergraduate/graduate teaching missions.
• Engage in service on departmental, college, and university committees.

Skills

Biochemistry

Biophysics

Graduate mentoring

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Biophysics or related

Postdoctoral research experience

Teaching experience / philosophy

Job description

Position Overview

The Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansas invites applications for a faculty position in Biochemistry/Biophysics at the tenure‑track Assistant level to begin August 2027. We are seeking applications from outstanding researchers with innovative research programs in Biochemistry/Biophysics. The Department of Molecular Biosciences provides a highly interactive, multi‑disciplinary research environment that includes successful researchers in biochemistry, computational biology, cell and developmental biology, genetics and genomics, and microbiology (www.molecularbiosciences.ku.edu). Preference will be given to candidates with research programs that address biochemical/biophysical aspects of infectious disease and align with the NIH mission. The University of Kansas is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. KU is a major educational and research institution located in Lawrence, a vibrant, thriving community of more than 90,000 close to Kansas City and the KU Medical Center. The Department of Molecular Biosciences faculty have comprehensive and diverse research efforts that enable innovative and cross‑disciplinary approaches. Candidates will have access to resources associated with the NIH‑supported Center for Chemical Biology of Infectious Disease (https://cbid.cobre.ku.edu/).

Applicants must have a PhD in Biochemistry/Biophysics or a related discipline, as well as postdoctoral research experience. Applicants should demonstrate the potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program, as evidenced by research products including preprints and publications, and a statement outlining research successes and future goals. The successful candidate will also direct graduate student research and participate in the undergraduate and graduate teaching missions of the University, so we are particularly interested in recruiting candidates focused on teaching and training students and lab scientists in a supportive, inclusive environment.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics. UAKU is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and it is the candidate’s right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Job Description

About the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R‑1 institution and one of just 71 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $611 million of research in fiscal year 2025). KU has 25 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top 25 among public universities, including #1 rankings for graduate programs in paleontology and special education. KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 31st in best value among public institutions in 2026. KU offers more than 8,000 courses, 460 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 200 study abroad programs. As of Fall 2025, student enrollment for the Lawrence‑Edwards campus was 27,212 representing all 50 states and 115 countries.

At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU’s strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission‑based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery.

KU’s research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally‑rich community — a quintessential college town. Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoy discovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thriving downtown, diverse local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history. Home to nearly 95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world‑class music and theatre venues, and professional sports teams.

About The College

The College emphasizes interdisciplinary, experiential learning and global awareness, houses a vibrant university wide Honors Program that highlights undergraduate research and service activities, and has created strong affiliations with outstanding cross‑disciplinary research centers. Faculty and academic staff have emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding on relationships with centers and entities including the Biodiversity Institute, Kansas Biological Survey, Kansas Geological Survey, the Hall Center for the Humanities, the Life Span Institute, the Institute for Policy and Social Research, the Spencer Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum. These relationships have brought a broad range of disciplines together to pursue and conduct sponsored research and education at the international, national, state, regional and local levels, and have created employment structures in which faculty and academic staff share appointments to emphasize collaboration. College faculty and research staff are welcomed as members in all KU’s designated research centers and institutes. The College is home to internationally recognized scholars and scientists who brought in $44M in research funding in FY 2021, nearly 30% of the total funded research at KU Lawrence.

40% RESEARCH

• Substantial and sufficient efforts to obtain external research funding,
• Publishing in peer‑reviewed scientific journals, and
• Presenting research at national or international scientific conferences.

40% TEACHING

• Educate undergraduate and graduate students in Department of Molecular Bioscience courses
• Mentor students in research, including serving as a thesis/dissertation chairperson.

20% SERVICE

• Serve on committees at the departmental, College, and University levels as opportunities arise.
• Participate in professional service.
• Participate in departmental meetings.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry or a related discipline.
• Postdoctoral Researcher experience.
• Demonstrate excellence in Biochemistry‑related research, evidenced by preprints and publications highlighting past research successes, and a research statement highlighting current and future research goals.
• Commitment to teaching courses in Biochemistry, as evidenced by educational background and statement of teaching philosophy

Collegiality: All faculty members are expected to act in a manner that promotes collegial relationships and shows respect toward students, staff, and colleagues. Faculty members are expected to meet satisfactory standards of performance in all three areas of responsibility and to carry out those responsibilities in accordance with the Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.

Contact Information to Applicants

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Erik Holmstrom
Department of Molecular Biosciences
University of Kansas
1200 Sunnyside Avenue
3007 Haworth Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

Monday November 2, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Wednesday August 18, 2027