Assistant Professor of Chemistry

broader efforts in energy, sustainability, and data-enabled scientific discovery.

We seek candidates developing innovative theoretical and computational approaches to understand, predict, and design chemical reactivity and transformation. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to, computational catalysis, quantum-chemical modeling, electronic structure calculations, molecular simulation, reaction dynamics, multiscale modeling, microkinetic modeling, digital twins and prediction of spectroscopic observables, machine learning and artificial intelligence for chemistry, and data-driven or autonomous approaches to catalyst and materials discovery. Candidates whose research addresses important challenges in heterogeneous, homogeneous, or electrocatalysis; interfacial and surface chemistry; energy conversion and storage; sustainable fuels and chemicals; or related areas of energy science are particularly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will establish a creative, internationally recognized, and independently funded research program and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in physical chemistry and related areas. The teaching load is one course per semester, and duties also include service to the Department, the University, and the profession.

This new faculty member will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community in the Department of Chemistry, with extensive opportunities for collaboration across the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Medicine, and the School of Data Science. UVA offers a highly collaborative environment spanning fundamental science, computation, artificial intelligence, energy, and translational research. The University continues to invest heavily in STEM research and infrastructure, including a recent $100 million renovation of the Chemistry building, providing outstanding facilities to support cutting-edge research and education.

This new faculty member will also join a vibrant and growing interdisciplinary catalysis community at UVA. The Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals (CICLEC) brings together researchers across Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Environmental Sciences, and related disciplines to develop fundamental advances in catalytic science and sustainable chemical and energy technologies. CICLEC includes expertise spanning catalyst synthesis, molecular and heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, advanced characterization, theory and computation, reactor engineering, and sustainability analysis. More information about the UVA Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals is available at: https://catalysis.research.virginia.edu/

The University of Virginia's 2030 plan recognizes Environmental Resilience and Sustainability as a major societal challenge and an opportunity for multidisciplinary work that draws on our existing strengths. In partnership, the Provost and the deans of various schools are making multiple coordinated faculty recruitments to strengthen the research community focusing on Environmental Resilience and Sustainability across the University. Recruits will receive support from the Provost and from their school and will participate in the Catalysis initiative. This is part of a major Grand Challenges research investment of over $50M in Environmental Resilience and Sustainability.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, candidates must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

The successful candidate will have a record of excellence and innovation in scientific research and a demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates should have expertise in theoretical and/or computational physical chemistry and demonstrate the potential to develop an independent research program addressing fundamental problems in catalysis, chemical reactivity, or energy science.

Expertise in one or more areas including electronic structure and quantum-chemical methods, molecular dynamics, reaction kinetics, multiscale modeling, digital twins and prediction of spectroscopic observables, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or integration of computation with experimental or autonomous discovery platforms is especially welcome. Candidates whose research complements and expands UVA’s existing strengths in catalysis, energy science, and data-driven chemistry are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Candidates should apply via Interfolio. Please attach the following required documents to your application:

1. Cover letter of interest that includes (1) a summary of your most significant research accomplishments, (2) potential collaborations and/or projects at UVA, particularly opportunities to engage with the UVA Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals, (3) your teaching interests and experience, and (4) demonstrated experience relevant to the University’s ambition to cultivate the most vibrant community in higher education in order to prepare students to be leaders in a diverse and globally connected world. (2-page single-spaced maximum)
2. Curriculum vitae that includes contact information for three references.
3. Research statement describing your past accomplishments and vision for an independent research program at the University of Virginia, including potential opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration (≤ 4 single-spaced pages).
4. Statement on teaching and scientific mentoring that details your experience, philosophy, and goals for undergraduate and graduate education and mentoring (≤ 2 pages).

Applications that do not have all required components will not receive full consideration.

Review of applications will begin on October 15 and will remain open until filled.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For questions about the position, please contact Sen Zhang, Search Chair, at sz3t@virginia.edu. Questions about the application process should be directed to Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.

Organization

In 1819, the University of Virginia established a new model for intellectual exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration in higher education. Two hundred years later, as a major research institution, we continue to challenge conventions, lead with ingenuity and advance knowledge for the common good.

What began as an innovative idea has become one of the nation’s leading public research universities, with over 21,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UVA also has over 3,000 full-time faculty offering more than 400 degrees.

Each of the University’s eleven schools has its own distinctive mission, working together to garner consistently high rankings—including #2 Best Value Public College (Princeton Review, 2016), #3 Public University in the Nation (U.S. News & World Report, 2016), and #3 Best Value Among Public Colleges (Kiplinger’s, 2016).

As we invest in and strengthen our research capabilities, UVA seeks new faculty ready to uncover new insights, rewrite old rules and collaborate on intellectual discoveries.

RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS THAT CROSS DISCIPLINES

As an R1 institution, the University’s research centers, consortia and laboratories are on the leading edge of discovery and technology, offering collaborative spaces for students and faculty to solve global problems.

Our professors are recognized members of major national scholarly and professional organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Our faculty’s engagement in interdisciplinary research is being facilitated by new research institutes specializing in everything from big data to brain functioning, and by cluster hires across schools.

NATIONALLY RANKED HEALTH SYSTEM

UVA is also home to a nationally renowned academic medical center and the UVA Health System, which serves a three-part mission to treat patients, conduct translational research and train medical practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines.

Established as the nation’s 10th medical school in 1825, the institution has since grown to include a 612-bed hospital and a Level I trauma center, nationally recognized cancer and heart centers, a Children’s Hospital, and primary and specialty clinics throughout Central Virginia.

The UVA Medical Center is consistently ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by the U.S. News & World Report magazine and has been named among the top 25 percent in seven specialties.

INSPIRING STUDENTS, INSPIRED TEACHING

The vast majority of UVA students come from the top 10% of their high school class, as well as from all 50 states, over 142 countries and a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Despite their diversity, all UVA students share a love of learning and a drive to achieve.

One of the reasons students choose Virginia is our unique residential culture. At UVA, the community of students, faculty and staff personifies the Jeffersonian idea that living and learning are connected. The Academical Village was constructed to support a unique residential experience, with faculty living in the Pavilions, students occupying Lawn rooms and the world-famous Rotunda at its heart. The University’s residential culture continues to support this experience today—strengthened by students, faculty and staff rich in backgrounds, ideas and perspectives. Our unique culture is also paying dividends in innovation: UVA’s faculty have generated more than 130 patents since 2010.

Perhaps most importantly, faculty come to UVA knowing that instruction is as important as research, and they pride themselves on their many teaching awards. Our best professors look for ways to encourage, mentor and develop tomorrow’s leaders inside and outside the classroom.

LIFE IN CHARLOTTESVILLE

Living in Charlottesville you’ll find sophisticated restaurants, world-renowned wineries and breweries, cosmopolitan arts and music, friendly urban and suburban neighborhoods and a Piedmont landscape that has lured adventurous souls for centuries. No wonder the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research named Charlottesville the “happiest city in America” in 2014.

In addition to UVA and its health system, several major employers have facilities in Charlottesville, including State Farm, Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Department of Defense, GE and others. Charlottesville is also becoming a center for innovative start-up businesses. The University also actively helps spouses and partners of faculty members build their networks and pursue employment opportunities with a wide variety of area employers.

The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.