Description:

The Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPS) at the University of Houston seeks highly qualified applicants from all levels, from Assistant to Full Professor, for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Computational or Medicinal Chemistry. Outstanding applicants with cutting-edge research programs in Computational or Medicinal Chemistry broadly defined to include artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational modeling, chemical biology, biophysical medicinal chemistry, and synthetic medicinal chemistry are strongly encouraged to apply. In anticipation of the start of Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas in 2026 ($3 billion over 10 years), this opening will represent a great opportunity for applicants with strong background in neuroscience.

PPS is in Health Building 2, a 300,000-square-foot state-of-the-art research facility on the University of Houston Campus. Research programs are supported with exceptional laboratory space, updated cutting-edge core research facilities including a 600 MHz Jeol NMR and high-end mass spectrophotometers. Examples of other newly available shared equipment and facilities include a Sartorius Octet R8, Biotech Cytation 5, Shimadzu HPLC, Opentron flex station, Visual Sonics Vevo 3100 Preclinical Imaging System, Perkin Elmer IVIS Lumina III XRMS Whole Animal Imaging System, 2 Orbitrap Exploris 480 High-Resolution Mass Spectrometers (one with Biopharma option and another with MALDI imaging and nanoLC capability), 2 AB Sciex 7500+ LC-MS/MS systems, confocal microscopes, Digital & QuantStudio RT-PCR systems, Agilent Seahorse XF metabolic analyzer, and PhenoMasterNG Metabolism, Behavior, and Physiology Cages. The research strengths of the Department’s Medicinal Chemistry area include chemical biology, applications of biophysical methods, proteomics and synthetic medicinal chemistry. The Department’s medicinal chemistry faculty also has a broad array of therapeutic interests, including cancer, inflammation, infectious diseases, bone, and substance use disorders (e.g., alcoholism and opioid addiction). However, candidates with interest in other therapeutic areas are encouraged to apply.

We welcome candidates who demonstrate a strong potential for cutting edge research, a commitment to supporting the educational objectives of graduate and professional degree programs, and a desire to work in an environment that promotes excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration in the UH Research priority area of Health.

Interested individuals should provide (1) a cover letter containing a brief statement of how their research program will synergize with the Department, especially that of the medicinal chemistry discipline and any special dedicated facility requirements, (2) a statement of research accomplishments and future research goals, (3) a statement of teaching expertise, philosophy, and interests, (4) a curriculum vitae, and (5) contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-Designated Tier 1 public research university and a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center (TMC), which houses major academic research programs in cancer, genetics, and neuroscience with a significant focus on translational research. The TMC also provides excellent opportunities for collaborative biomedical research. With over 46,000 students, UH offers a comprehensive range of programs across 15 colleges, fostering innovation in fields such as energy, health, hospitality, business, education, law, STEM, and the humanities. Boasting top-tier faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, student success initiatives, and a strong commitment to community engagement, UH prepares students to thrive in a globally interconnected world while contributing impactful research and innovation to the region and beyond.

The University's prime location in America's fourth-largest city supports extensive industry partnerships and experiential learning opportunities. Renowned for its Texas Medical Center, energy industry and NASA's Space Center, Houston is home to world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants. Houston thrives as a hub for innovation, education, and arts, fostering a unique blend of community charm and modern progress.

The University of Houston is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.

Qualifications:
Eligible candidates must have earned a doctoral degree or equivalent degree in related discipline with relevant postdoctoral experience, an excellent publication record, scholarly productivity, and high potential to develop an extramurally funded research program.

Rank and salary commensurate with experience.

Assistant Professor: Doctorate degree and minimum 3 years of postdoctoral research experience. The candidate should have a strong publication record.

Associate Professor: Doctorate degree and the person currently holding a tenure-track Assistant Professor or tenured Associate Professor position at another University/Institution. The candidate should have a strong publication record.

Full Professor: Doctorate degree and the person currently holding a tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor position in another University/Institution. The candidate should have a strong publication record.

Duties & Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain a strong, extramurally funded, independent research program.
• Teach the Pharm D. professional program and graduate programs at the College of Pharmacy.
• Engage in services at Department, College, and University committees. Provide external services in community, and professional organizations.
• Supervise graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in research.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.