Assistant Professor of Organic or Inorganic Chemistry

Role details

Job no: 563314

Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track

Location: San Diego

Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Natural Sciences

Description

The San Diego State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in Organic or Inorganic Chemistry, broadly defined. We seek creative teacher-scholars who will teach inspiring courses and develop outstanding research programs grounded in organic and/or inorganic chemistry. We welcome strong candidates from all research areas within these fields.

Apply via PageUp by January 3, 2027.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and be based in a new, state-of-the-art research and teaching facility at SDSU Imperial Valley in Brawley, California. The Imperial Valley Campus is a branch of San Diego State University (SDSU) located 120 miles east of San Diego and enrolls approximately 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students. This new STEM hub is developed through a major State of California investment supporting a world-class lithium production ecosystem in the emerging Lithium Valley.

The facility’s location offers distinctive opportunities for interdisciplinary and cross-national research involving lithium extraction and critical minerals, geothermal energy, renewable energy and fuels, agriculture and agricultural waste conversion, and water treatment and resources recovery, supported by strong connections with universities in Baja California, deep community ties, and partnerships with regional organizations and emerging industries.

SDSU is an R1 public research university, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and home to a diverse student body. The university offers robust institutional support and access to core facilities across both the Imperial Valley and San Diego Campuses. The successful candidate will leverage these resources and help build the newly established chemistry degree program at the Imperial Valley campus by developing an independent, extramurally funded research program; mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; teaching courses at all levels, including upper-division organic or inorganic chemistry; and preparing students for regional and broader workforce needs.

To learn more, please visit https://chemistry.sdsu.edu/ and https://imperialvalley.sdsu.edu/.

Qualifications

Required qualifications by date of application

• A record of original research / scholarly / creative accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research / scholarship / creative activity, b) teach graduate and undergraduate courses; and c) engage in both campus and professional service activities.
• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria.

Required qualifications by date of hire

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

Preferred qualifications

• Postdoctoral, industrial, national-laboratory, or other equivalent research experience
• Demonstrated expertise in organic and/or inorganic chemistry and associated experimental, computational, or analytical methods
• Potential to establish and sustain active programs of undergraduate and graduate teaching, research and mentoring
• Potential to develop a research program aligned with opportunities in Imperial Valley, including renewable energy and fuels, critical minerals, waste recovery and treatment, environmental chemistry, and advanced materials
• Potential for developing interdisciplinary research and collaborative activities with academic, industry, government, or community partners.

Application Instructions

Apply via PageUp by January 3, 2027, providing the following materials:

• Cover letter, including information 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 contract 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 too for 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 is $96-$99,000. 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* [email protected].*

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.

Advertised: Nov 12, 2026 (3:00 PM) Pacific Standard Time

Applications close: Open until filled