Assistant Professor in Chemistry

ACS; Davis, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

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

in Chemistry or related field is required by Fall 2026, and the candidate will build a nationally recognized, well-funded research program and teach at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Interests spanning AI-guided catalysts, reaction design, sensors, diagnostics, spectroscopy, or related areas are

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field (required).
• Strong recommendations from referees, evidence of scholarly impact.
• Demonstrated potential to excel in research, teaching, and service.
• Ability to teach both undergraduate and graduate-level chemistry courses.
• Potential to establish an externally funded research program.
• Commitment to contributing to a diverse and inclusive department.

Skills

Teaching ability

Interdisciplinary AI/chemistry

External funding planning

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Team collaboration

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. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae with list of publications, one page teaching statement, concise five page or less research statement, at least, three letters of recommendation to:

https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07824

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