Assistant Professor in Biochemistry/Biophysics

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 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 at KU Lawrence. Successful candidates will develop an independent, externally funded research program and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching.

The department fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and offers access to NIH-supported resources; candidates should demonstrate potential for high-impact research and a

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry or Biophysics or related discipline.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrate excellence in biochemistry/biophysics research evidenced by publications/preprints.
• Commitment to teaching courses in biochemistry/biophysics, evidenced by teaching philosophy.

Responsibilities

• Direct graduate student research in Biochemistry/Biophysics.
• Participate in undergraduate and graduate teaching missions.
• Develop an independent externally funded research program.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers and NIH centers (e.g., CBID).

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or Biophysics

Job description

Job Title

Assistant Professor in Biochemistry/Biophysics

Department

Molecular Biosciences

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Job Description

About the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1institution and one of just 71 invited members of the prestigiousAssociation of American Universities. Our university consistentlyearns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premierresearch university (engaging in $611 million of research in fiscalyear 2025). KU has 25 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top25 among public universities, including #1 rankings for graduateprograms in paleontology and special education. KU has 65 rankedgraduate programs and is ranked 31st in best value among publicinstitutions in 2026. KU offers more than 8,000 courses, 460 degreeand certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. TheUniversity values global engagement with more than 150 programs ofinternational study and cooperative research and offers more than200 study abroad programs. As of Fall 2025, student enrollment forthe Lawrence-Edwards campus was 27,212 representing all 50 statesand 115 countries.

At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthycommunities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspireto be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other andadvances society. KU’s strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused onobjectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-basedpriorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities,research, and discovery.

KU’s research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant andculturally-rich community — a quintessential college town.Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoydiscovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thrivingdowntown, diverse local and regional events, area lakes, vibrantarts and music scenes, and an indelible history. Home to nearly95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas Cityand 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with themusic, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and inLawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access tohistoric jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theatre venues,and professional sports teams.

About the College

The College emphasizes interdisciplinary, experiential learning andglobal awareness, houses a vibrant university wide Honors Programthat highlights undergraduate research and service activities, andhas created strong affiliations with outstanding cross-disciplinaryresearch centers. Faculty and academic staff have emphasized theimportance of continuing and expanding on relationships withcenters and entities including the Biodiversity Institute, KansasBiological 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 HistoryMuseum. These relationships have brought a broad range ofdisciplines together to pursue and conduct sponsored research andeducation at the international, national, state, regional and locallevels, and have created employment structures in which faculty andacademic staff share appointments to emphasize collaboration.College faculty and research staff are welcomed as members in all KU’sdesignated research centers and institutes . The College ishome to internationally recognized scholars and scientists whobrought in $44M in research funding in FY 2021, nearly 30% of thetotal funded research at KU Lawrence.

40% RESEARCH

• Substantial and sufficient efforts to obtain external researchfunding,
• Publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and
• Presenting research at national or international scientificconferences.

40% TEACHING

• Educate undergraduate and graduate students in Department ofMolecular Bioscience courses
• Mentor students in research, including serving as athesis/dissertation chairperson.

20% SERVICE

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

Req ID(Ex: 10567BR)

33740BR

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis ofrace, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age,ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation,marital status, parental status, gender identity, genderexpression, and genetic information in the university's programsand activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by universitypolicy. The following person has been designated to handleinquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the TitleIX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate ViceChancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX,[e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

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]

Position Number

00000000

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in Biochemistry or a related discipline.
2. Postdoctoral Researcher experience.
3. Demonstrate excellence in Biochemistry-related research,evidenced by preprints and publications highlighting past researchsuccesses, and a research statement highlighting current and futureresearch goals.
4. Commitment to teaching courses in Biochemistry, as evidenced byeducational background and statement of teaching philosophy

Collegiality:

All faculty members are expected to act in amanner that promotes collegial relationships and shows respecttoward students, staff, and colleagues. Faculty members areexpected to meet satisfactory standards of performance in all threeareas of responsibility and to carry out those responsibilities inaccordance with the Faculty Code of Rights,Responsibilities, and Conduct .

Employee Class

F-Faculty

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Position Overview

The Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansasinvites applications for a faculty position inBiochemistry/Biophysics at the tenure-track Assistant level tobegin August 2027.

We are seeking applications from outstanding researchers withinnovative research programs in Biochemistry/Biophysics. TheDepartment of Molecular Biosciences provides a highly interactive,multi-disciplinary research environment that includes successfulresearchers in biochemistry, computational biology, cell anddevelopmental biology, genetics and genomics, and microbiology (www.molecularbiosciences.ku.edu). Preference will be given to candidates with research programsthat address biochemical/biophysical aspects of infectious diseaseand align with the NIH mission.

The University of Kansas is a member of the prestigious Associationof American Universities. KU is a major educational and researchinstitution located in Lawrence, a vibrant, thriving community ofmore than 90,000 close to Kansas City and the KU Medical Center. The Department of Molecular Biosciences faculty have comprehensiveand diverse research efforts that enable innovative andcross-disciplinary approaches. Candidates will have access toresources associated with the NIH-supported Center for ChemicalBiology of Infectious Disease ( https://cbid.cobre.ku.edu/).

Applicants must have a PhD in Biochemistry/Biophysics or a relateddiscipline, as well as postdoctoral research experience. Applicantsshould demonstrate the potential to establish an independent,externally funded research program, as evidenced by researchproducts including preprints and publications, and a statementoutlining research successes and future goals. The successfulcandidate will also direct graduate student research andparticipate in the undergraduate and graduate teaching missions ofthe University, so we are particularly interested in recruitingcandidates focused on teaching and training students and labscientists in a supportive, inclusive environment.

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

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

Reg/Temp

Regular

Application Review Begins

02-Nov-2026

Anticipated Start Date

18-Aug-2027

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete online application includes the following 5 items: (1)Cover letter describing your doctoral and postdoctoral experiences;(2) Curriculum vitae including a record of accomplishments andproductivity; (3) A description of current and future researchinterests that includes potential synergy with the Department ofMolecular Biosciences. Full consideration will be given to thosethat limit length to less than four pages; (4) A statement ofeducational and mentoring plans (2 pages); and (5) the names, emailand contact information for at least three professionalreferences.

Initial review of applications begins November 2nd and continuesuntil a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Work Location Assignment

On-Site