Associate/Full Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology

Indiana University; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University School of Medicine invites applications for Associate or Full Professor in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology with a focus on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. The successful candidate will build and lead a high-impact program identifying and optimizing small molecules across disease areas, while contributing to graduate education.

The role includes strategic leadership as Director of Medicinal Chemistry in the Chemical Genomics Core Facility, enabling

Qualifications

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field.
• Track record of lead identification and optimization with publications/patents.
• Willingness to collaborate across disease centers and IUSM.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an internationally recognized medicinal chemistry program.
• Identify, design, synthesize, and optimize novel small molecule therapeutics.
• Serve as Director of Medicinal Chemistry in the Chemical Genomics Core Facility and drive collaboration.

Education

PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or closely related field

Job description

Title Associate/Full Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology Specific Title Appointment Type Tenure Track Faculty Department IUSM - Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology Campus IU School of Medicine Indianapolis

The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology (BMBP) at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) invites applications for an Associate or Full Professor position with expertise in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. This senior faculty position is part of a major expansion of BMBP’s therapeutic discovery capabilities and offers an outstanding opportunity to join a newly established group of investigators working across multiple disease areas.

The successful candidate will establish and lead an internationally recognized research program focused on the identification, design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecule therapeutics. Applications are welcomed from accomplished medicinal chemists working in any therapeutic area. We especially value candidates who are highly collaborative and eager to work with investigators across many different diseases. Candidates are expected to maintain a robust, externally funded research program and contribute to graduate and professional education at IUSM. The successful candidate will also provide strategic leadership as a Director of Medicinal Chemistry in the Chemical Genomics Core Facility. This leadership role offers significant opportunities to shape institutional strategy in drug discovery and develop interdisciplinary collaborations, backed by institutional investments in expanding and strengthening the Core’s capabilities.

IUSM is strongly committed to the success of this recruitment and offers competitive start-up and relocation packages, with the possibility of an endowed position for exceptional candidates. Generous laboratory space and access to core facilities for compound synthesis, purification, structural characterization, and high-throughput screening will support an ambitious drug discovery program.

Applicants should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field, and have a record of accomplishment consistent with a tenured associate or full professor appointment. Candidates with significant achievements in industrial drug discovery are also encouraged to apply. Interested individuals should submit a CV, cover letter, research statement with future plans (3 pages), and the names and contact information for at least three references.

IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the State of Indiana. It is growing economically thanks to a strong corporate base anchored by the life sciences. Indiana is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of health sciences companies. Indianapolis has a sophisticated blend of charm and culture with a wonderful balance of business and leisure. The growing residential base is supported by rich amenities and quality of life – the city possesses a variety of professional sports, arts venues, and outdoor recreation areas. Residents of this dynamic city and surrounding suburbs enjoy leading educational systems and top-ranked universities paired with a diverse population. Indianapolis International Airport is a top-ranked international airport that has been named “Best Airport in North America” by Airports Council International for many years. For additional information on life in Indy: https://faculty.medicine.iu.edu/relocation

Basic Qualifications

• Education: PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field

Department Contact for Questions

Jonah Vilseck at [e-mail]

Additional Qualifications

• Track Record: Demonstrated success in lead identification and optimization, evidenced by patents, high-impact publications, or compounds moved into preclinical development.
• Philosophy: A “target agnostic” mindset with a willingness to provide medicinal chemistry expertise to the most promising biological targets identified by collaborators and colleagues in the BMBP department, Disease Centers and across the IUSM.

Special Instructions Priority Application Review Deadline Expected Start Date Posting Number IUSM-02484-2026