Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Synthetic (Organic) Chemistry
Grand Forks, ND, USA
USD 70k+ / year
Posted on Nov 3, 2026
Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Synthetic (Organic) Chemistry
- 499912
- Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
- Full-time Faculty
Salary/Position Classification
- $70,000+ 9-month contract, Exempt
- 40 hours per week
- This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus
Purpose of Position
The Department of Chemistry at the University of North Dakota invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Synthetic (Organic) Chemistry beginning in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, establish a nationally recognized externally funded research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to departmental, college, and university service activities. The department seeks a scholar whose research complements existing strengths in synthetic chemistry, biomaterials, computational chemistry, and interdisciplinary collaborations related to health and sustainability.
The Chemistry Department is housed within the College of Arts & Sciences and offers ACS-certified B.S. degrees as well as M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The department seeks a scholar whose research program focuses on synthetic chemistry with applications in biomaterials, sustainable materials, biologically inspired materials, or related areas. Particular interest exists in candidates whose work involves the synthesis of molecular, polymeric, bio-derived, or nanoscale materials using innovative organic and synthetic methodologies and who can leverage interdisciplinary opportunities across the university. This position aligns with UND's Grand Challenge areas of Human Health and Energy & Environmental Sustainability and offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations across the university.
Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, it is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study and enrolls approximately 16,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law and School of Medicine. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.
UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high-quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.
Duties & Responsibilities
The successful applicant will receive a contract with an approximate distribution of 30% teaching, 60% research, and 10% service effort. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants to help students succeed. The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding promise for establishing a sustainable research program that will attract external funding and be aligned with the UND LEADS Strategic Plan. The University of North Dakota is supportive of dual-career assistance both within the University and the local community. Please contact UND’s Recruiting Manager, Hannah Whalen (Hannah.Whalen@UND.edu), to explore dual-career opportunities.
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Establish a nationally recognized research program with significant external funding with emphasis on the broad area of synthetic organic chemistry, including developing individual and collaborative research initiatives aligned with UND strategic research priorities and Grand Challenges and serving as a catalyst for attracting and supporting graduate students in the Chemistry PhD and MS Program.
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Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in organic chemistry and related areas. Initial teaching assignments are expected to include organic chemistry (for example, CHEM 342: Organic Chemistry II, and CHEM 362: Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry II). Future teaching assignments may include Advanced Organic Chemistry and Materials Chemistry.
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Advise and mentor graduate students; direct graduate theses and independent study projects.
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Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
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Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities. Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, recruitment, outreach, and safety initiatives. Support the continued growth and success of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Required Competencies
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students.
- Effective interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students.
- Ability to develop and sustain an externally funded research program.
- Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses.
- Competence with educational technology and willingness to adopt innovative teaching approaches, including online delivery.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse students and colleagues.
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field completed by August 15, 2027.
- Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Postdoctoral experience in synthetic chemistry and related fields.
- Research expertise in synthetic organic chemistry for biomaterials, biologically inspired materials, sustainable materials, or related applications.
- Demonstrated ability to disseminate scholarly research through peer-reviewed publications.
- Evidence of potential to secure external research funding.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching and mentoring students.
- Experience developing or delivering online coursework.
- Experience working in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
- Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
To Apply
To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 12/16/2026 and include the following materials:
- Letter of application
- Curriculum vitae
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
- Three letters of recommendation (including contact information); please send them separately to UND.cheminfo@UND.edu, attention of Synthetic Search Chair
- Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.
Position is open until filled.
Questions can be directed to the Department Chair, Guodong Du, at guodong.du@und.edu.
