Assistant Professor in Biochemistry/Biophysics
- Employer
- The University of Kansas
- Location
- University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
View more categoriesView less categories
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
We are seeking applications from outstanding researchers with innovative research programs in Biochemistry/Biophysics. The Department of Molecular Biosciences provides a highly interactive, multi-disciplinary research environment that includes successful researchers in biochemistry, computational biology, cell and developmental biology, genetics and genomics, and microbiology (www.molecularbiosciences.ku.edu). Preference will be given to candidates with research programs that address biochemical/biophysical aspects of infectious disease and align with the NIH mission.
The University of Kansas is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. KU is a major educational and research institution located in Lawrence, a vibrant, thriving community of more than 90,000 close to Kansas City and the KU Medical Center. The Department of Molecular Biosciences faculty have comprehensive and diverse research efforts that enable innovative and cross-disciplinary approaches. Candidates will have access to resources associated with the NIH-supported Center for Chemical Biology of Infectious Disease (https://cbid.cobre.ku.edu/).
Applicants must have a PhD in Biochemistry/Biophysics or a related discipline, as well as postdoctoral research experience. Applicants should demonstrate the potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program, as evidenced by research products including preprints and publications, and a statement outlining research successes and future goals. The successful candidate will also direct graduate student research and participate in the undergraduate and graduate teaching missions of the University, so we are particularly interested in recruiting candidates focused on teaching and training students and lab scientists in a supportive, inclusive environment.
This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics. UAKU is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and it is the candidate’s right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.Job DescriptionAbout the University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 71 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $611 million of research in fiscal year 2025).
KU has 25 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top 25 among public universities, including #1 rankings for graduate programs in paleontology and special education. KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 31st in best value among public institutions in 2026. KU offers more than 8,000 courses, 460 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 200 study abroad programs. As of Fall 2025, student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards campus was 27,212 representing all 50 states and 115 countries.
At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU’s strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery.
KU’s research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally-rich community — a quintessential college town. Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoy discovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thriving downtown, diverse local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history. Home to nearly 95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theatre venues, and professional sports teams.
About the College
The College emphasizes interdisciplinary, experiential learning and global awareness, houses a vibrant university wide Honors Program that highlights undergraduate research and service activities, and has created strong affiliations with outstanding cross-disciplinary research centers. Faculty and academic staff have emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding on relationships with centers and entities including the Biodiversity Institute, Kansas Biological Survey, Kansas Geological Survey, the Hall Center for the Humanities, the Life Span Institute, the Institute for Policy and Social Research, the Spencer Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum. These relationships have brought a broad range of disciplines together to pursue and conduct sponsored research and education at the international, national, state, regional and local levels, and have created employment structures in which faculty and academic staff share appointments to emphasize collaboration. College faculty and research staff are welcomed as members in all KU’s designated research centers and institutes. The College is home to internationally recognized scholars and scientists who brought in $44M in research funding in FY 2021, nearly 30% of the total funded research at KU Lawrence.
40% RESEARCH
Maintain an active and productive research program that includes:
- Substantial and sufficient efforts to obtain external research funding,
- Publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and
- Presenting research at national or international scientific conferences.
- Educate undergraduate and graduate students in Department of Molecular Bioscience courses
- Mentor students in research, including serving as a thesis/dissertation chairperson.
- Serve on committees at the departmental, College, and University levels as opportunities arise.
- Participate in professional service.
- Participate in departmental meetings.
- PhD in Biochemistry or a related discipline.
- Postdoctoral Researcher experience.
- Demonstrate excellence in Biochemistry-related research, evidenced by preprints and publications highlighting past research successes, and a research statement highlighting current and future research goals.
- Commitment to teaching courses in Biochemistry, as evidenced by educational background and statement of teaching philosophy
Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete online application includes the following 5 items: (1) Cover letter describing your doctoral and postdoctoral experiences; (2) Curriculum vitae including a record of accomplishments and productivity; (3) A description of current and future research interests that includes potential synergy with the Department of Molecular Biosciences. Full consideration will be given to those that limit length to less than four pages; (4) A statement of educational and mentoring plans (2 pages); and (5) the names, email and contact information for at least three professional references.
Initial review of applications begins November 2nd and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Contact Information to ApplicantsFor questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Erik Holmstrom
Department of Molecular Biosciences
University of Kansas
1200 Sunnyside Avenue
3007 Haworth Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: erik.d.holmstrom@ku.edu
Phone: 785-864-3847
Advertised Salary RangeCommensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsMonday November 2, 2026Anticipated Start DateWednesday August 18, 2027Apply to Job
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
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