Assistant Professor - Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Assistant Professor - Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry to begin Fall 2027.

A PhD and post-doctoral or comparable industrial experience are required. The successful candidate is expected to maintain excellence in research with vigorous, externally funded programs, and to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels across our PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MS in Chemistry, BS in Chemistry, and BS in Biochemistry programs. The search is open to all applicants connected to the pharmaceutical chemistry field, including but not limited to those with a background in the broad areas of pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery, DMPK, translational chemical biology, synthetic biology and bioinorganic chemistry. Applicants with an industrial pharmaceutical background are encouraged to apply. For more information on the department, please visit http://uncw.edu/chem/.

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 PhD in chemistry or a related field and postdoctoral or comparable industrial 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 the doctoral or postdoctoral level should include pharmaceutical chemistry or a closely related area.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery, DMPK, translational chemical biology, synthetic biology, or bio-inorganic chemistry.
• Demonstrated potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program in pharmaceutical 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 student-oriented programs leading to a 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) in Chemistry, and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. A significant portion of the training takes place in laboratories associated with courses and 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, including 300–600 MHz NMR spectrometers, several MS instruments managed by a full-time PhD scientist, absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometers, protein purification instrumentation, a CD spectrometer, and calorimeters (DSC and ITC). In addition to rigorous courses in all aspects of chemistry, most undergraduate students and all graduate students carry out research under the direct supervision of 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. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

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 only 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.

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. UNC 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.

Number of Openings

Single Incumbent

Special Notes to Applicants

Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on 12/1/2026, the posting close date. To apply, please complete the online application process available at https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/41127 and attach the following materials as Adobe PDF documents. Note that submission of an application without all requested components will not meet the application requirements:

1. Cover Letter (1 page maximum)
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching Philosophy (1 page maximum) – The statement should describe the course(s) the candidate would like to develop in one or more of the focus areas identified in the posting and include example topics for the proposed course(s). Candidates should also identify current departmental courses they would be able to teach.
4. Research Summary – Description of research plan (5 pages maximum)
5. List of 3 Professional References. References will be requested during the screening process. If ABD at the time of application, one reference must be from the dissertation chair.
6. If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the ‘Other’ category.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to CSE Employment Coordinator, Christy Langdon (langdonc@uncw.edu), while questions regarding the position can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. R. Thomas Williamson (williamsonr@uncw.edu).