Assistant Professor in Chemistry

UC Davis Department of Chemistry; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis Department of Chemistry invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position whose research bridges artificial intelligence (AI) and chemistry. The candidate must have a Ph.D.

by Fall 2026 and show potential for a funded research program, teaching excellence at graduate and undergraduate levels, and service to the department and profession. Applicants from all subfields are welcome; proposals combining AI with catalysts, reaction design, polymers, sensors, and predictive

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with strong potential in research, teaching, and service.
• Strong recommendations and a track record of scholarly achievement.
• Commitment to teaching across undergraduate and graduate levels with inclusive practices.

Responsibilities

• Establish a nationally recognized, well-funded research program bridging AI and chemistry.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses and contribute to curriculum development.
• Provide service to the department, university, and broader chemistry communities.

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Job description

The Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position whose research bridges artificial intelligence (AI) and chemistry.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry or a related field by Fall 2026. Successful candidates are expected to establish a nationally recognized well-funded research program and must demonstrate the potential to achieve exceptional scientific excellence. The candidate is expected to be firmly committed to excellence in teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels in chemistry.

Candidates from all subfields of chemistry are welcome to apply. Proposals involving development of AI methods to design new catalysts or reaction conditions, polymers, biosynthetic pathways, or semiconductor-relevant chemistries; optimize chemical processes (e.g., plastics, photoresist, or etch chemistries); create AI-guided sensors, diagnostics, and instrumentation; or create predictive models for spectroscopy/spectrometry are especially encouraged to apply.

This position will remain open until filled, but applications should be submitted for full consideration by Friday, October 30, 2026.

Department:

https://chemistry.ucdavis.edu/about/employment-opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field.
• Strong recommendations.
• Demonstrated potential to achieve a strong record in the areas of research, teaching, and service.
• Ability to teach both undergraduate and graduate-level chemistry courses with an awareness of methods that address the needs of our increasingly diverse state and student population and help advance UC Davis’ strategic goal of improving access and building an inclusive community.
• Demonstrated potential to achieve an externally-funded research program.
• Strong commitment to providing service to the department, university, and chemistry communities.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. including a list of publications.
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement - Discuss your past research accomplishments and an integrated research plan for the first three to five years of an assistant professorship that describes a distinctive research program that bridges artificial intelligence (AI) and chemistry. The statement should not exceed 5 pages excluding references.
• Statement of Teaching - A brief description of teaching experience and teaching philosophy not exceeding one page.
• Authorization to Release Information Form - A reference check will be completed only if you are selected as the first-choice candidate. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form: https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk2376/files/media/documents/authorization-release-form.pdf

Reference requirements:

• 3 letters of reference required