Department: College of Science
Classification: 12-month Research Faculty
Job Category: Research Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa
sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and
experience
About the Department:
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry in the College of
Science (COS) at George Mason University has research labs and
faculty distributed over three campuses, addressing three primary
research thrust areas: the Fairfax campus (materials, energy, and
sustainability); the Science and Technology campus in Manassas
(biomedical-biochemistry and synthetic organic chemistry); and the
Potomac Environmental Research & Education Center
(environmental chemistry). The research funding portfolio includes
the Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
the National Science Foundation (NSF), other government and
non-profit agencies, and private industry. By leveraging the rich
resources available at Mason, the research groups at the Science
and Technology campus remain on the leading edge of biomedical and
biotechnology research.
George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, is
Virginia's largest and most diverse university with more than
39,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 135
countries. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the
Washington, DC metropolitan area, offering easy access to the
scientific and political resources of the nation’s capital.
Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture
George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is
committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an
environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include
cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging,
respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures,
and perspectives are what provide vibrancy, innovation, and growth
to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness
in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive
to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science
mission and vision.
About the Position:
The Research Assistant Professor will conduct an externally funded
research program in synthetic organic chemistry and natural product
synthesis; provide expertise in 1D/2D NMR, mass spectrometry, and
IR spectroscopy; mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers;
lead collaborative research efforts; and publish high-impact
scholarly work.
Responsibilities:
- Provides administrative and operational support for the Center
for Molecular Engineering, including preparing and submitting
reports, maintaining inventory records, monitoring stock levels,
and coordinating inventory replenishment as needed;
Researches methods for implementation into short courses and
building student capabilities in research, including carrying out
and optimizing research methods, writing SOPs, and passing on
know-how to the research group; and
Mentors students and/or postdoctoral researchers on research
projects, including meeting one-on-one to provide guidance in
research techniques, help interpret research results, and assist in
proposing solutions to research challenges.
Required Qualifications:
- Terminal degree in a related field;
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a
closely related discipline prior to starting this appointment is
required; and
- Ability to mentor at undergraduate and graduate levels; a
commitment to conducting research with graduate (Ph.D. and MS) and
undergraduate students; and the capability to conduct impactful
research, as evidenced by a strong record of publications.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral experience in synthetic organic chemistry, natural
product synthesis, spectroscopy, or a related field preferred;
- Demonstrated experience conducting independent research in
synthetic organic chemistry and natural product synthesis,
including the use of NMR, MS, and IR techniques; a record of
peer-reviewed publications; and experience in student
mentoring;
- Experience leading multidisciplinary research teams,
supervising trainees, managing collaborative projects, and
contributing to grant-funded research programs; and
- Knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, natural product
synthesis, and advanced spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and
2D NMR, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy; demonstrated
skill in research mentoring and laboratory leadership; and the
ability to secure external funding and publish impactful
research.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for
Research
Assistant Professor at
https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online
application to include three professional references with contact
information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent, CV,
Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, and a Research Statement for
review.
Posting Open Date: August 17, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 6, 2026
Posting Close Date: September 7, 2026
Open Until Filled: No
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research
university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous
world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest
and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering
degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,
along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for
students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We
believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing
our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and
we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of
origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its
community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or
veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at
http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/