Tenure-track Assistant Professor

ACS; Murray (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Murray State University’s Department of Chemistry invites applications for a teaching‑scholar position focused on foundational organic chemistry, labs, and upper‑level courses for undergraduates and Masters students.

Ideal candidates will establish an externally funded research program and mentor student researchers while engaging in service within the department and university. ABDs with a completion plan are welcome; expertise in materials science or polymer chemistry is valued.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or related field; ABDs with plan to complete will be considered.
• Experience teaching undergraduate organic chemistry and teaching laboratories.
• Candidates with expertise in materials science and/or polymer chemistry are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 3/2 course load including foundational organic chemistry courses and teaching laboratory courses, plus advanced courses in sub-discipline for undergraduates and Masters students.
• Establish and supervise a viable research program with external funding.
• Participate in department, college, and university service and collaborate with faculty and students.

Skills

Organic chemistry teaching

Laboratory supervision

Research funding

Curriculum development

Education

PhD in Chemistry

ABD (with plan to complete by appointment date)

Chemical Engineering (related field)

Job description

The Department of Chemistry invites applications from individuals committed to being excellent teacher-scholars at a primarily undergraduate institution. The successful candidate will be expected to teach a 3/2 course load including foundational organic chemistry courses, teaching laboratory courses, and advanced courses in their sub-discipline to both undergraduate and graduate (Masters) students. Candidates with expertise in materials science and/or polymer chemistry are especially encouraged to apply. The faculty candidate will be expected to establish a viable research program, supported by external funding, and supervise/train student researchers at both the undergraduate and graduate (Masters) levels. The faculty candidate will also be expected to participate in service activities at the department, collegiate, and university level as needed. The candidate hired for this position will be assigned laboratory and office space appropriate for their teaching and research needs.

The application deadline for this position is October 15, 2026.

Along with the application, the following items must be included:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum Vita
• Copies of undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy (maximum 2 pages)
• Proposed Research plan including equipment needs and an approximate budget (maximum 5 pages) (Please submit under “Statement of Research Interest”)

About Murray State University: MSU is a primarily undergraduate institution, and blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis.

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field. ABDs with a documented plan of completion by appointment date will be considered. One year of experience as an instructor or teaching assistant in organic chemistry in a university setting is preferred. Candidates with expertise in materials science and/or polymer chemistry are especially encouraged to apply.