Description

The San Diego State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in AI-enabled Chemical Discovery, broadly defined.  We seek candidates employing cutting-edge interdisciplinary approaches developing artificial intelligence applications for chemical questions. Relevant AI-enabling research areas may include, but are not limited to, reaction discovery and optimization, synthesis planning, catalyst and reagent design, mechanistic analysis, and prediction or control of chemical reactivity and selectivity; molecular and biomolecular structure, function, and design, including generative design of biological systems; chemical biology; and the discovery of functional molecules and materials. Approaches integrating AI with experimental chemistry, automated or closed-loop experimentation, chemical theory, or simulation are encouraged. Applicants from anywhere within the chemical science continuum are invited, as long as the development of AI-enabled approaches is a central focus. Apply via PageUp by October 22, 2026.

The Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry is home to dynamic faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, a competitive Joint Doctoral Program and numerous cross-disciplinary Master’s programs. Faculty benefit from robust institutional support, including access to core facilities and partnerships with external organizations. SDSU is part of a strong research ecosystem in San Diego encompassing a thriving biotechnology sector, multiple academic research institutions (Salk Institute, Scripps Research, University of California San Diego) and multiple academic clinical centers (Moores Cancer Center, Rady Children’s Hospital). SDSU champions the teacher-scholar model of academic research where faculty effort is equally split between teaching and mentoring students, and research. To learn more, please visit https://chemistry.sdsu.edu/.

Qualifications

Required qualifications by date of application

• A strong record of original research achievements, along with demonstrated ability to: (a) establish and sustain a vigorous, independent, and externally funded research program; (b) effectively teach both undergraduate and graduate courses; and (c) actively contribute to service activities within the university and the broader professional community.
• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least three (3) of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria (https://fs-diversity.sdsu.edu/recruitment/guidance-candidates).

Required qualifications by date of hire:

• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computer Science or a closely related field, with all degree requirements met.

Preferred qualifications:

• Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing or substantively integrating artificial intelligence, machine-learning, or data-driven methods to address chemical or biochemical questions.
• A research program that combines methodological innovation with chemically or biochemically meaningful discovery and validation.
• Potential to build interdisciplinary collaborations across experimental, computational, and theoretical research areas.
• Evidence of effective teaching or mentoring in chemistry, biochemistry, computation, data science, or related disciplines.

Application Instructions

 Apply via PageUp by October 22, 2026, providing the following materials:

• Cover letter, indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria (maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum vita including names and contact information for three references
• Research statement (maximum 3 pages including figures; references not included in page limit)
• Teaching philosophy statement (maximum 1 page)
• Copies of up to 3 relevant publications

The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The anticipated salary range is from $98,000 to $102,000. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.