Assistant Professor - Computational Pharmaceutics or Medicinal Chemistry

Chemistry. The Presidential Frontier Faculty initiative is a university-wide interdisciplinary hiring campaign aimed at enhancing the UH research enterprise by integrating the strengths of existing faculty and infrastructure with strong early career new faculty hires. Outstanding applicants with cross-disciplinary research programs are strongly encouraged to apply. Computational Pharmaceutical Sciences is broadly defined. Applicants with specialization at the intersection of mathematical modeling, data science, and translational research including those developing new approach methodologies (NAMs) by combining multiscale mechanistic modeling, quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), and artificial intelligence (AI) are encouraged to apply. Also, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning applied to drug discovery, molecular design, chemical biology, hit-to-lead optimization, virtual screening, structure-based and ligand-based drug design, chemical synthesis and translational pharmaceutical sciences are considered. Furthermore, structural bioinformatic scientists leveraging cutting-edge computational techniques to investigate complex protein-ligand interactions, driving forward high-impact biomedical and translational research projects are encouraged to apply. PPS is in Health Building 2, a 300,000-square-foot state-of-the-art research facility on the University of Houston Campus. Research programs are supported with exceptional laboratory space and updated cutting-edge core research facilities including a 600 MHz Jeol NMR and high-end mass spectrophotometers. Examples of other newly available shared equipment and facilities include a Visual Sonics Vevo 3100 Preclinical Imaging System, Perkin Elmer IVIS Lumina III XRMS Whole Animal Imaging System, 2 Orbitrap Exploris 480 High-Resolution Mass Spectrometers (one with Biopharma option and another with MALDI imaging and nanoLC capability), 2 AB Sciex 7500+ LC-MS/MS systems, confocal microscopes, Digital & QuantStudio RT-PCR systems, Agilent Seahorse XF metabolic analyzer, and PhenoMasterNG Metabolism, Behavior, Physiology Cages, Sartorius Octet R8, Biotech Cytation 5, Shimadzu HPLC, and Opentron flex station. The research strengths of the Department’s faculty are in pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology providing ample collaboration. This includes pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, PK/PD modeling, drug delivery, formulations, lead optimization, chemical biology, and molecular/cellular/in vivo pharmacology. Therapeutic areas of drug discovery and development interest include cancer, immunology, neuroscience, renal, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular, infectious diseases, bone, and substance use disorders. However, candidates with interest in other therapeutic areas are encouraged to apply. We seek candidates who demonstrate high potential for groundbreaking research, a strong commitment to graduate and professional education, and an eagerness to collaborate within the University of Houston's strategic research priority in Health. A proven record of scholarly productivity, prior research funding, and a well-defined strategy for securing extramural support will be considered favorably, with preference given to applicants who show a strong track record or exceptional potential for attracting extramural funding. Interested individuals should provide: (1) a cover letter containing a brief statement of how their research program will synergize with the Department, especially that of the pharmaceutics or medicinal chemistry discipline and any special dedicated facility requirements, (2) a statement of research accomplishments and future research goals, (3) a standalone document on funding (current, prior and pending), (4) a statement of teaching expertise, philosophy, and interests, (5) a curriculum vitae, and (6) contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of Houston is a Carnegie-Designated Tier 1 public research university and a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center (TMC), which houses major academic research programs in cancer, genetics, and neuroscience with a significant focus on translational research. The TMC also provides excellent opportunities for collaborative biomedical research. With over 48,000 students, UH offers a comprehensive range of programs across 15 colleges, fostering innovation in fields such as energy, health, hospitality, business, education, law, STEM, and the humanities. Boasting top-tier faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, student success initiatives, and a strong commitment to community engagement, UH prepares students to thrive in a globally interconnected world while contributing impactful research and innovation to the region and beyond. The University's prime location in America's fourth-largest city supports extensive industry partnerships and experiential learning opportunities. Renowned for its Texas Medical Center, energy industry and NASA's Space Center, Houston is home to a vibrant cultural scene with world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants. Houston thrives as a hub for innovation, education, and arts, fostering a unique blend of community charm and modern progress. Qualifications: Eligible candidates must have earned a doctoral degree or equivalent degree in related discipline with relevant postdoctoral experience, an excellent publication record, scholarly productivity, and high potential to develop an extramurally funded research program. Salary commensurate with experience. Duties & Responsibilities: • Develop and maintain a strong, extramurally funded, independent research program. • Teach the Pharm D. professional program and graduate programs at the College of Pharmacy. • Engage in services at Department, College, and University committees. Provide external services in community, and professional organizations. • Supervise graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in research. Employees are expected to have a home address in the state of Texas for the duration of their appointments. Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates. All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained. The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.