Assistant Professor of Chemistry

University of Virginia: UVA Provost's Office:
College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences:
Chemistry Location Open  Date

Sep 09, 2026

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  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…