Job Details
The San Diego State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in AI-enabled Chemical Discovery, broadly defined. We seek candidates employing cutting-edge interdisciplinary approaches developing artificial intelligence applications for chemical questions. Relevant AI-enabling research areas may include, but are not limited to, reaction discovery and optimization, synthesis planning, catalyst and reagent design, mechanistic…
analysis, and prediction or control of chemical reactivity and selectivity; molecular and biomolecular structure, function, and design, including generative design of biological systems; chemical biology; and the discovery of functional molecules and materials. Approaches integrating AI with experimental chemistry, automated or closed-loop experimentation, chemical theory, or simulation are encouraged. Applicants from anywhere within the chemical science continuum are invited, as long as the development of AI-enabled approaches is a central focus. Apply by October 22, 2026.
Qualifications
Required qualifications by date of application
- A strong record of original research achievements, along with demonstrated ability to: (a) establish and sustain a vigorous, independent, and externally funded research program; (b) effectively teach both undergraduate and graduate courses; and (c) actively contribute to service activities within the university and the broader professional community.
- Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least three (3) of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria (https://fs-diversity.sdsu.edu/recruitment/guidance-candidates).
Required qualifications by date of hire:
- Terminal degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computer Science or a closely related field, with all degree requirements met.
Preferred qualifications:
- Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in developing or substantively integrating artificial intelligence, machine-learning, or data-driven methods to address chemical or biochemical questions.
- A research program that combines methodological innovation with chemically or biochemically meaningful discovery and validation.
- Potential to build interdisciplinary collaborations across experimental, computational, and theoretical research areas.
- Evidence of effective teaching or mentoring in chemistry, biochemistry, computation, data science, or related disciplines.
Application Instructions
Apply by October 22, 2026, providing the following materials:
- Cover letter, indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria (maximum 1 page)
- Curriculum vita including names and contact information for three references
- Research statement (maximum 3 pages including figures; references not included in page limit)
- Teaching philosophy statement (maximum 1 page)
- Copies of up to 3 relevant publications
Company
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a nationally ranked R1 university and a proud member of the California State University system. For over 128 years, SDSU has been rooted in one of the nation’s most dynamic and diverse regions. Located 30 minutes from the U.S.–Mexico border on Kumeyaay land, our university is defined by cultural connection, curiosity and a strong sense of community.
The Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry is home to dynamic faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, a competitive Joint Doctoral Program and numerous cross-disciplinary Master’s programs. Faculty benefit from robust institutional support, including access to core facilities and partnerships with external organizations. SDSU is part of a strong research ecosystem in San Diego encompassing a thriving biotechnology sector, multiple academic research institutions (Salk Institute, Scripps Research, University of California San Diego) and multiple academic clinical centers (Moores Cancer Center, Rady Children’s Hospital). SDSU champions the teacher-scholar model of academic research where faculty effort is equally split between teaching and mentoring students, and research. To learn more, please visit https://chemistry.sdsu.edu/.