Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at Lehigh University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Organic Chemistry, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. We seek a talented scientist whose research program is firmly grounded in experimental organic chemistry, embraces broad, interdisciplinary research, and engages doctoral students in original scholarship. We are particularly interested in candidates who develop innovative programs that advance areas including, but not limited to: bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology; physical organic chemistry and mechanistic studies of reactivity; organic materials and supramolecular chemistry; or sustainable/green chemistry and energy-related applications.

The individual hired is expected to develop an ambitious and competitive research program evidenced by:

• High-impact scholarship
• Sustained external funding
• Leadership in their field
• Effective mentorship of Ph.D. students. 

The Department has active research strengths in chemical biology, biophysics, catalysis, materials, and computational chemistry, and the successful candidate will find natural collaborators among current faculty. Broader opportunities extend across Lehigh, including biological sciences, bioengineering, materials science and engineering, and the university's growing initiatives in health, science, and technology.

Members of the Department are expected to demonstrate excellence in both teaching and mentoring an inclusive student population and to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students across a wide range of disciplines. The individual hired will be expected to display a strong commitment to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels and to include undergraduates in their research program. Faculty also contribute to the administrative and governance functions of the department, the university, and the profession through service on committees, as appropriate.

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. Recognized among the nation's highly ranked research universities, Lehigh offers a rigorous academic community for nearly 7,500 students. Lehigh University has some 5,800 undergraduates, 1,800 graduate students, and nearly 600 full-time faculty members. Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, PA, a vibrant and historic area. Over 840,000 people live in the Lehigh Valley, which is in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field and must have at least one year of postdoctoral experience by the date of employment. 

Application Instructions

Review of the applications will begin as they are received and will continue until the position is filled.  For full consideration, applications should be received by October 31, 2026.  Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Research statement that describes past scholarly contributions and future research directions.
• Teaching statement outlining instructional philosophy and approach, with emphasis on leadership in the classroom and student engagement as applicable. It may include prior teaching, course development, or instructional innovations and should outline future plans for teaching and mentoring at Lehigh.
• A statement on contributions to Lehigh’s Principles of Our Equitable Community, explaining how your experiences, knowledge, and skills prepare you to contribute to an inclusive learning and research community that holds these principles at its core. You may include examples of past and planned contributions to leadership, service to the profession, and community engagement. Guidance on preparing such statements is available through the Lehigh ADVANCE Center here.

Arrange for the separate upload of at least three letters of recommendation

All materials, including letters of reference, must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/189237. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Professor Junpeng Wang, Chair of the search committee, at inchmjob@lehigh.edu.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national origin (including shared ancestry), pregnancy or related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse academic community and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to this mission. Lehigh University provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including domestic partner benefits, and supports faculty members’ work/life balance.