"Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Biochemistry)"

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Southwestern University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in biochemistry to begin in Fall 2026. Southwestern University is a selective undergraduate liberal arts institution with an innovative American Chemical Society (ACS) certified program and new state-of-the-art facilities for scientific teaching and research. We seek a teacher-scholar with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate education and research.

Excellence in teaching is the central criterion for faculty evaluation at Southwestern, and the typical teaching load is 3-2, totaling five courses per academic year. Primary teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in biochemistry, introductory chemistry courses, and specialty courses in their area of expertise. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to the university’s developing neuroscience curriculum and to the general education program. We are especially interested in candidates who can create inclusive learning environments and are enthusiastic about mentoring undergraduates in both classroom and research settings.

Faculty are expected to maintain a research program that results in peer-reviewed publications and significantly incorporates undergraduate students. All areas of chemistry and biochemistry research will be considered for this position. The successful candidate will also be expected to actively contribute to university and departmental service and to participate in academic advising and retention initiatives, including high-impact experiences.

We value innovative, engaged, and student-centered teaching, and we encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our community. As an institution with a Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, Southwestern University is especially committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology or a closely related field within chemistry is required by August 2026. While postdoctoral and/or prior teaching experience is desirable for this position, it is not a requirement. Additional qualifications include: Strong commitment to teaching at a liberal arts institution; Ability to involve undergraduates in a sustained research program; Interest in interdisciplinary teaching and research collaboration, particularly in the field of neuroscience.

Application materials: Applicants should submit the following materials through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/173821): A cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position; Curriculum vitae; A teaching statement outlining your teaching philosophy with particular attention to how you plan to incorporate evidence-based and inclusive teaching practices. Please also describe your approach to engaging a diverse student population and any relevant teaching experience (no more than 2 pages); Statement of research plans, including how you will involve undergraduate students in your research (no more than 3 pages); Statement of Inclusive Excellence. As a student-centered liberal arts institution, Southwestern values teaching and scholarship that support student success and belonging. Please describe how your teaching, research, and/or service abilities have contributed, or will contribute, to developing an environment where students from a variety of backgrounds can engage and succeed; Names and contact information for three references. Finalists will be asked to have letters of recommendation submitted promptly, so please ensure your references are prepared to provide letters on short notice. Review of applications will begin October 6, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

For more information, please visit: https://www.southwestern.edu/chemistry-and-biochemistry/.

Starting annual salary for 9-month position: $65,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed this figure. Teaching in Southwestern University summer school provides faculty with an opportunity to supplement their income during the summer months.

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary, integrated, and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, including study abroad, internships, faculty-student research, and community-engaged learning. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.