Assistant Professor - Physical Chemistry

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine‑month, tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in Physical Chemistry to begin August 2027. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate physical chemistry, including labs, and build an externally funded research program with undergraduate and graduate involvement.

Responsibilities include academic advising, mentoring students, and service to the department. Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field; postdoctoral experience required.
• ABD candidates considered; PhD must be conferred by Aug 1, 2027.
• Research in experimental physical chemistry or a closely related area.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate physical chemistry courses and labs.
• Develop and maintain an externally funded research program with undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provide academic advising and participate in departmental service.

Skills

Experimental physical chemistry

Research funding ability

Scholarly publications

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

ABD considered; PhD conferred by 2027-08-01

Job description

Assistant Professor - Physical Chemistry

Position Type: Permanent

Location: Main UNCW Campus

Job Closing Date: 12/01/2026

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Physical Chemistry to begin in August 2027. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physical chemistry, including associated laboratory courses, as well as other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. In addition, the candidate will develop and maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program that actively involves undergraduate and graduate students. Some online teaching may be required for the position.

Responsibilities also include academic advising, mentoring undergraduate students, and participating in departmental service such as committees, meetings, and special projects that support the goals of the department.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• A Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field and postdoctoral experience are required.
  • Please note: ABD candidates will be considered; however, the PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027, to be eligible for employment.
• Research at either the doctoral or postdoctoral level should include experimental physical chemistry or a closely related area.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Research experience in the broad area of nanochemistry, energy conversion and storage, and materials science.
• Demonstrated ability to establish an independent, externally funded research program in experimental physical chemistry or a closely related area.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications and presentations.

Required Certifications or Licensure

No Required Certifications or Licensure

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

Chemistry & Biochemistry at UNC Wilmington offers exciting, student-oriented programs that award Bachelor of Science (BS, ACS Certified) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistry, a Master of Science (MS) degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. A significant portion of the training takes place in our laboratories, both those associated with courses, and those involving research in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Marine and Atmospheric Science, Organic and Inorganic Synthesis, Computational and Physical Chemistry and Chemical Education. The Department is well equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation (http://www.uncw.edu/chem/) including 300-600 MHz NMR spectrometers, several MS instruments managed by a full-time PhD scientist, absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometers, protein purification instrumentation, CD spectrometer, and calorimeters (DSC and ITC). In addition to rigorous courses in all aspects of chemistry, most of our undergraduate students and all of our local graduate students carry out research under the direct supervision of our outstanding faculty.

College/School Information

The College of Science and Engineering offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology degrees. The college also offers combined bachelor's/master's degree programs in information technology/computer science and information systems, computer science/computer science and information systems, and B.S. in mathematics/M.S. in mathematics. To implement its academic programs, the college provides instruction and research opportunities in the natural and behavioral sciences, information technology, data science, computer science, mathematics, pre-engineering, and engineering. The eight academic departments in the college provide courses of study in each of these areas, in addition to interdepartmental programs in information technology, cybersecurity, and digital arts. A 2+2 in engineering; and 3+2 programs in computer science and electrical or computer engineering; and physics and electrical engineering, are also offered in the college. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in environmental studies, applied statistics, and geographic information science are also available. CSE students work with distinguished faculty and scientists, use cutting edge technology, and conduct impactful research. Faculty-directed research projects empower CSE students to apply what they learn inside the classroom and laboratory to real-world situations and prepares them for a variety of careers or advanced study.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world‑class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation. A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate‑and graduate‑level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN‑to‑BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus. UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UN Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Special Notes to Applicants

Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM EST on November 16, 2026, which is the posting close date.

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Teaching Philosophy (2-page maximum)
4. Research Plan – Provide a detailed description of the research plan to be conducted at UNCW, including a statement explaining how the applicant could make use of the department's expertise and resources.
5. List of 3 Professional References. **If ABD at time of application one reference must be from Dissertation Chair
6. If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the "Other" category.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Christy Langdon ([e-mail]), while questions regarding the position can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Hee-Seung Lee ([e-mail]).