Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Description

The University of Virginia’s Department of Chemistry, a leading department for interdisciplinary and collaborative research, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in physical chemistry, with an emphasis on theoretical and computational approaches to catalysis and energy science. The position, expected to begin August 10, 2027, is part of the University of Virginia’s strategic investment in the Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals (CICLEC) and its 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.

Qualifiations

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.