Description:

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in data-enabled materials synthesis. This search is part of the University's Presidential Frontier Faculty initiative. We seek an experimental materials chemist who will establish an innovative, nationally visible research program that integrates inorganic, solid-state, or molecular materials synthesis with one or more computational or data-driven approaches, including machine learning, high-throughput DFT, laboratory automation, data-guided experimental design, high-throughput or combinatorial experimentation, in situ or data-rich characterization, or closed-loop synthesis science. Relevant materials areas may include quantum and magnetic materials, energy materials, catalysis, separations or critical-mineral recovery, optical materials, and other functional inorganic materials.

The successful candidate will establish an externally funded experimental research program, teach undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses, mentor students and researchers, and contribute to university service. This position is housed in Chemistry but supports cross-cutting research that connects experimental synthesis with materials characterization, data science, automation, and engineering. The candidate will join UH’s long-standing commitment to materials research and benefit from extensive collaborative opportunities across campus and Houston’s energy, manufacturing, aerospace, and technology sectors.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in chemistry, materials chemistry or science, chemical physics, chemical engineering, physics, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Postdoctoral or equivalent industrial or national-laboratory research experience is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong research accomplishments, the potential to perform independent, cross-cutting, high-impact research, and a credible plan to use data-enabled methods to advance materials synthesis and experimental validation.

Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a complete curriculum vitae with publication list, a research statement of no more than five pages, a one-page statement of teaching interests and experience, and the names and email addresses of three professional references.

Review will begin on October 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Employees are expected to have a home address in the state of Texas for the duration of their appointments.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.