Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Department of Drug Discovery and Development

Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP) is accepting applications for a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the Department of Drug Discovery and Development (DDD). Rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

The Department of Drug Discovery and Development (DDD) advances basic, translational, and applied research and provides instruction in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. Faculty in the department contribute to a dynamic research and learning environment focused on improving human health through discovery, innovation, and collaboration.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to an expanding enterprise in the context of the College’s recently completed Research Visioning initiative. Through this initiative, the College established three Areas of Distinction: (1) substance use disorders and emerging drug trends, (2) healthy brain aging, and (3) cardiometabolic syndrome. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the College’s research mission in these Areas of Distinction. Applicants with expertise in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, or translational biomedical sciences, or related fields as well as a strong record or clear potential for sustained extramural funding, are encouraged to apply. 

This position provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborative opportunities across the Harrison College of Pharmacy and Auburn University, and with external partners with Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, UAB's clinical centers, and Auburn's Research Park. The role offers a strong environment for interdisciplinary research and supports impactful biomedical discovery aligned with institutional goals. The College has a statewide presence with remote learning sites throughout Alabama, where additional opportunities exist, including on the University of South Alabama campus in Mobile, Alabama.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the department, college, and university through research, teaching, mentorship, and service. Specific responsibilities may vary by rank, expertise, and negotiated workload, and may include:

• Developing and sustaining an independent, externally funded research program.
• Publishing high-quality scholarship in peer-reviewed journals.
• Teaching in the undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Drug and Biopharmaceutical Sciences program, the professional Doctor of Pharmacy program, and graduate MS/PhD programs.
• Mentoring undergraduate, professional, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees.
• Collaborating with faculty and partners across Auburn University and affiliated institutions.
• Participating in departmental, college, university, and professional service activities.
• Contributing to the College’s Areas of Distinction and broader research mission.

Application Instructions:

To assure full consideration, applicants must include a letter of interest (cover letter) providing a summary of qualifications for the position, curriculum vita, transcripts, statement of research accomplishments and future plans, statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and the name and contact information for three references.  Review of applications will begin June 16, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected and recommended for appointment.

Applicants are encouraged to describe how their past and/or planned contributions to teaching, research, and service will advance the mission of the Harrison College of Pharmacy in fostering a collaborative academic environment.

All applicants must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time employment begins and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, or translational biomedical sciences, or related fields at the time employment begins. 
• Demonstrated research abilities and a strong record or clear potential for establishing and maintaining a competitive extramurally funded research program are required. 
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are required. 
• Candidates must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment and continue working legally for the term of employment. 

The Department of Drug Discovery and Development fosters collaboration across the College of Pharmacy and the broader Auburn University community, including partnerships with the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, and Sciences and Mathematics. The College maintains strong relationships with clinical and translational research partners and provides access to modern research facilities and core resources.

Auburn University, located on a beautiful campus in east Alabama and only a short drive from Atlanta, Georgia, and its international airport, holds an “R1” designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The College is a member of the Southeastern Conference and hosts a wide array of academic, athletic, cultural, and social events each year. The City of Auburn boasts a top-rated public school system in the state and is often rated among the best places in the state and nation to live and retire.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.