Open Rank Faculty Positions in Medicinal Chemistry and Neurotherapeutics

Position Description

The Department of Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Dallas seeks to hire two tenure-system faculty members (open rank) with expertise in medicinal chemistry and drug development. The goal of this hiring initiative is to develop an internationally recognized neurotherapeutics research and educational program at UT Dallas that leverages and extends existing expertise in pain, migraine, and peripheral neuropathy research as well as a growing emphasis in affective disorders, addiction, and/or neurodegeneration. The ideal candidate would conduct highly collaborative medicinal chemistry and drug development research in areas of focus aligned with departmental strengths in pain, peripheral neuropathy, migraine, affective disorders, addiction, and/or neurodegeneration. The successful candidate will have a documented history of scholarly work in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, and/or drug development and will have experience in advancing therapeutics to clinical candidate stage. Faculty will be expected to collaborate directly with UT Dallas faculty working on identifying targets for therapeutic development, but external collaborations are also encouraged. Faculty would be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to development of therapeutics. Faculty will have an opportunity to play a key role in entrepreneurial activities emerging from the Center for Advanced Pain Studies and from other Departments and Centers at UT Dallas.

The appointment commences for the fall 2027 semester.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD or equivalent in chemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, neuroscience, or a related discipline is required prior to employment. Candidates should demonstrate commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service and evidence of an innovative and productive research program with clear potential for funding. Applicants for Associate or Full Professor appointments should have track records of research productivity, including patents and evidence of developing drugs to the clinical stage as well as funding commensurate with those ranks. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high-quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: In addition to a PhD degree, competitive candidates at the Assistant Professor rank would have postdoctoral training in academia or industry and robust publication and/or patent records.

UT Dallas School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and the Department of Neuroscience

The University of Texas at Dallas is a Carnegie R1 Research Institution and is among the fastest growing universities in the nation. The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences ( BBS) is one of seven schools at UT Dallas and is ranked second in total new research grants and research expenditures over the past year. BBS stands uniquely positioned to advance knowledge and improve lives through the efforts of its 119 faculty members and 3,200 students.

In North Texas, BBS serves as a trailblazer where research, education, and clinical training come together to prepare future leaders. It is home to world-class faculty with research programs spanning bench-top to bedside, and ample resources and opportunities for students and faculty members alike.

In the past year, BBS was recognized by the BlueRidge Institute for being #1 in Texas and #2 in the United States for NIH funding for schools of its type. Within BBS and the highly collaborative UT Dallas community, faculty are surrounded by colleagues who interface with science and technology at every level of translation - with a keen focus on using our science to impact the health and well-being of people around the world while training the scientific and clinical leaders of tomorrow. Collectively, BBS leads UT Dallas in R&D rate and new awards per faculty as well as many student success metrics across the university.

The Department of Neuroscience is one of three departments within BBS. It houses a dynamic and collaborative Neuroscience research community with an extensive amount of extramural funding and robust output of annual publications. The department houses 35 faculty and approximately 1,200 students.

The Department of Neuroscience is home to the BS in Neuroscience degree, representing the 5th largest and one of the most sought-after undergraduate degree programs on the UT Dallas campus. It is also home to the Systems and Cellular Neuroscience PhD program track, and shares degree programs with the Department of Psychology for the MS in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience and the PhD in Cognition and Neuroscience. The Department is housed in a cutting-edge research building that contains state-of-the-art laboratory space and top-notch core facilities.

Additional opportunities for vibrant interdisciplinary collaborations are available with UT Dallas Centers including the Center for Vital Longevity, the Center for Children and Families, the Texas Biomedical Device Center, the Center for Advanced Pain Studies, and the Psychological Services and Education Center. BBS faculty also have vigorous collaborations with the UT Dallas Bioengineering and Electrical Engineering programs, the UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Baylor University Medical Center.

The UT Dallas Clinical and Translational Research Center, led and directed under BBS, provides comprehensive support for clinical research including regulatory support, administrative staffing, and access to core facilities. Clinical and translational research programs are additionally facilitated by the UT Dallas Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Center.

Application Instructions

Applicants should upload the following:

* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

* Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

* A writing/publication sample; and

* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by February 28,2027. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on April 30, 2027.

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer 160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, plus undergraduate and graduate certificates. Our student body is around 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 60% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid, and 62% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 49% in all Texas publics and 51% in all national publics ( UT Dallas Fast Facts).

Under the dynamic leadership of President Prabhas V. Moghe, UT Dallas is charting a path built on three strategic pillars - student success, academic and research convergence, and external impact. Guided by the Roadmap 2030 plan, UT Dallas will accelerate its upward trajectory to become a university of even greater impact and distinction.

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University's rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirit, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.

The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University's modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.

Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University's location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW) metroplex is rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there's something for everyone. The University's partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ) - a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities - promote collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

An earned graduate degree appropriate to the academic discipline and a record of productivity and professional achievement.

In addition to a PhD degree, competitive candidates at the Assistant Professor rank would have postdoctoral training in academia or industry and robust publication or patent records.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence
Prepare and teach undergraduate and/or graduate classes
Contribute assessment information and data as requested
Mentor and/or advise undergraduate and/or graduate students
Establish and/or continue an independent line of research
Continue to expand professional influence in the academic discipline through research and/or publication
Engage in service within the academic unit, the university, and the profession as appropriate based on teaching and research constraints
Teach three (3) classes each academic year

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.