Job Description
The Department of Natural Sciences in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL) at the University of Michigan-Dearborn invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Chemistry, with expertise in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, or a closely related field. We seek an experimental scientist with a strong record of scholarly productivity and a demonstrated commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, particularly those pursuing pre-health and biomedical sciences. The preferred starting date is August 30, 2027.
The Department of Natural Sciences is a collaborative community serving more than 600 majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biological Sciences, with a strong focus on pre-health and biomedical sciences. We value high-impact, research-informed teaching and meaningful research experiences for a diverse student body, including first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration exist, including with programs in bioengineering.
The successful candidate is expected to establish and maintain a sustainable, externally funded research program that includes peer-reviewed publications and active engagement of undergraduate and graduate students. The department encourages interdisciplinary research collaboration and student mentorship.
The teaching load is 2:2 (two courses per semester), including organic chemistry and graduate-level courses such as Biochemical Pharmacology. Development of new courses in areas such as Molecular Targets, Drug Discovery, or Drug Development is encouraged. Faculty are expected to contribute to departmental and university service and to support an inclusive and collaborative academic environment.
This is an on-site position and expected to teach in various modalities.
Campus and Community Information
The University of Michigan-Dearborn was founded in 1959 on 200 acres of the original Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn, Michigan. As one of the University of Michigan's three campuses, we serve over 8,000 students and provide high-quality undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education programs that embody the prestige of the University of Michigan name. Our mission is rooted in a commitment to Metro Detroit's well-being and diversity, fostering a caring, dynamic, intellectual, and socially welcoming environment.
UM-Dearborn utilizes the Boyer Model of academic scholarship. We distinguish ourselves by building and nurturing intentional, mutually beneficial partnerships with local industries, governments, and community organizations. Our faculty are recognized for their excellence in scholarship and teaching and are actively engaged in professional and academic service. UM-Dearborn offers ample opportunities for creative, collaborative research, practice-based learning, and community engagement through scholarly and educational partnerships. Faculty have the privilege of working closely with their students, 47% of whom are first-generation college students, 46% are Pell Grant-eligible, and 31% are students of color.
The average class size is 25 students, and 69% of classes have fewer than 30 students. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UM-Dearborn among the best regional universities in the Midwest. In 2024, UM-Dearborn ranked the number-one regional public university in Michigan and third in the Midwest. The university is also recognized on Forbes' list of America's Top Colleges. For more information, please visit our website at www.umdearborn.edu.
Dearborn is a vibrant, diverse community centrally located within one of America’s largest business regions. The area provides a variety of urban, suburban, and rural environments within a reasonable commute, including Detroit, its suburbs, and Ann Arbor.
Qualifications
Qualifications and Duties
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field by the start date
- Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience
- Evidence of scholarly productivity and potential to secure external funding
- Demonstrated commitment to effective, inclusive teaching and student mentoring at the undergraduate level
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in computational drug discovery or integrative methods that complement experimental research
- Experience with interdisciplinary collaborations
- Experience in new course development
Application Instructions
Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy (up to 2 pages), research plan (up to 5 pages), and contact information for three references through Interfolio. Teaching and research statements should address how you promote diversity of thought, perspective, background, and experience in your professional work.
Review of applications will begin November12, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated appointment beginning date is August 30, 2027.
All applications must be submitted via Interfolio; applications submitted through careers.umich.edu will not be reviewed.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The University of Michigan-Dearborn is unable to provide immigration-related sponsorship for this position.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
University of Michigan-Dearborn shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The University’s Non-Discrimination statement provides contact information for filing a complainant and the University’s Title IX Statement.
