Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Assistant Professor-Tenure System

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek an innovative scientist who will establish an outstanding, independent research program in drug discovery, focusing on assessing, understanding, predicting and/or modeling the action of drugs in the body. Both computational and experimental researchers are encouraged to apply.

Areas of interest include but are not limited to:

• In silico drug development
• Novel therapeutic target classes and mechanisms
• Emerging drug modalities
• High-throughput screening
• Drug delivery

The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to research excellence, teaching, and mentoring.

The ideal candidate will also contribute to the mission of the Drug Discovery Program housed in the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department. This program has been developed to be a strong partner across the MSU ecosystem by connecting research communities and enabling faculty to turn their research insights into real-world medicines that shape the future of human and animal health. The Drug Discovery Program has built expertise in Medicinal Chemistry and in translational sciences, particularly in areas to understand absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of small molecule therapeutics as well as pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties that give insights into what the body does to the drug (PK) and what the drug does to the body (PD).

The program also has a strong in vitro and high-throughput screening center with many types of technology formats to offer.

Candidates should also leverage the strengths of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which has strong research programs across computational biology, structural biology, molecular plant sciences, cancer biology and neurodegenerative diseases.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an independent, externally funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses; develop new courses as needed.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research projects.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within MSU and with external partners.

Please note that this is a union position represented by the Union of Tenure System Faculty (UTSF). The university is working with the union to establish a collective bargaining agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree:
Doctorate
-Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related field

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral research experience in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry or a related area.
• A strong record of scholarly achievements, evidenced by high-quality publications.
• Demonstrated potential to secure extramural funding.
• Dedication to teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A strong record of collaborative, team-based science.

Required Application Materials:

• Cover Letter:
  Highlight qualifications, research interests, and motivation for applying.
• Curriculum Vitae:
  Include education, research experience, publications, grants, awards, teaching experience, and service activities.
• Research Statement (maximum 3 pages):
  Outline of past research accomplishments and future research plans.
• Teaching Statement (maximum 2 pages):
  Describe teaching experience, philosophy, and interests.
• Contact Information for Three References:
  Include names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Special Instructions:

Review of applications will begin on September 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, complete applications should be received by September 30, 2026. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the priority date.

References will be contacted for candidates selected for further consideration.

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Dr. Alex Dickson Search Committee Chair Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Michigan State University Email: alexrd