Assistant Professor, Solid State Chemistry, Tenure Track at University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Job Description:

Salary/Position Classification

• $73,000 9-month contract, Exempt


• 40 hours per week


• 100% Remote Work Availability: No


• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): No

The Chemistry Department would like to hire a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor for AY 2025-26 in the broad area of experimental solid-state chemistry/materials science. A specific focus on solid-state chemistry and in synthesizing and characterizing materials including those at the nanoscale will strongly complement our existing expertise in nanochemistry and theoretical/computational quantum computing. The miniaturization of electronic materials is essential for significant progress in utilization of near-earth orbit and more distant space exploration. This point can also be argued from a security framework, as chemicals for developing such devices often are controlled by competitive, or indifferent governments.

The Chemistry Department is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences and offers an ACS-certified B.S. degree, B.S./M.S. and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Established in 1883, the UND is the oldest research university in North Dakota. It is the state's flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having a high research activity. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with over 14,000 students. It is the home of the state's only School of Law. The School of Medicine has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks' advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America's Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

• The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally recognized research program with significant external funding in the broad area of solid-state material development. Expectation also includes alignment with research goals of the UND Grand Challenges https://und.edu/research/grand-challenges/ including "Energy and Environmental Sustainability and National Security/Space Initiatives".


• The successful applicant will receive a contract with an approximate effort distribution of 30% teaching; 60% research; 10% service. Teaching responsibilities include graduate and/or undergraduate courses in inorganic and materials chemistry, supervision of graduate and undergraduate research students, with an anticipated load of 2 courses per academic year. Interest in the development of online coursework as well as technical expertise in nanofoundry instrumentation are favorable. Candidates with research interests that complement those of current faculty are especially encouraged to apply. The University of North Dakota is supportive of dual-career assistance both within the University and the local community. Please contact UND's Recruiting Manager, Hannah Whalen (Hannah.Whalen@UND.edu), to explore dual-career opportunities.


• All faculty are expected to contribute service within the department, college, university, and community. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including evidence of the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students


• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students


• Ability to procure external funding to support research


• Ability to teach graduate and undergraduate chemistry courses


• Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching, including online delivery


• Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside of the Chemistry Department

• Earned Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Physics, or related field by August 15, 2025


• Successful completion of criminal history background check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

• Postdoctoral experience in chemistry, materials


• Demonstrated teaching and mentoring effectiveness


• Research expertise in experimental solid-state chemistry or nanomaterials for transformational applications


• Alignment with Energy Grand Challenge or with National Security/Space Initiative


• Experience in synthesizing, and characterizing solids state materials or inorganic materials


• Demonstrated teaching and mentoring effectiveness


• Experience engaging with a diverse population of students and colleagues

To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 11/18/2024 and include the following materials:

• Letter of application


• CV


• Research statement and teaching philosophy


• Three letters of recommendation (including contact information); please send them separately to UND.cheminfo@UND.edu, attention of Chemistry Department Chair


• Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.