Description

The University of Texas at San Antonio, College of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, invites applications for the Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Distinguished Professor.  

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is one of the premier chemistry programs in Texas with internationally renowned faculty and transdisciplinary scholars who are committed to defining the frontiers of the chemical sciences. The department includes 18 tenured/tenure-track faculty across all ACS disciplines, with strengths in organic and medicinal chemistry and strategic growth areas in biochemistry and materials chemistry, and 13 instructional faculty with clear promotion pathways. Our faculty enjoy fruitful collaborations with colleagues on the UT San Antonio Health Science Center [KN1] [CT2] campus, and our partnering institutions, including Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), and Texas Biomedical Research Institute (TBRI). 

The Department of Chemistry offers ACS-approved and ASBMB-accredited B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry, alongside a restructured B.A. Chemistry track for future educators, serving over 375 majors. Our graduate programs include a growing Ph.D. program (~50 students) and a research-focused M.S. program. 

Research labs are housed in the well-maintained Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building, while teaching labs are located in the newly opened Sciences and Engineering Building. A 7,000 sq ft renovation in the Flawn Building will soon provide a cutting-edge medicinal chemistry space. The department also oversees five core facilities (NMR, mass spectrometry, crystallography, medicinal chemistry, and preclinical pharmacology), each led by doctoral-level directors reporting to the Chair. 

Academic Department Chairs are essential and significant members of University leadership. The Chair represents their faculty colleagues to the administration and the administration to the faculty. They serve a critical role as a channel of communication on program, personnel, and budgetary matters. They encourage and foster excellence in research, teaching, and professional and university service. The Chair must provide crucial leadership in advancing the university’s pursuit of academic excellence, student success, and expansion of interdisciplinary research opportunities. 

The successful candidate will provide leadership and direction to the faculty, students, and staff of the Department of Chemistry. Outlined below are the key duties and responsibilities of the Chair: 

• Provide leadership to achieve the highest level of excellence in research, educational, and service activities of the Department. The Chair articulates the goals of the unit and maintains a climate that promotes innovation, creativity, and interdisciplinary programs through effective leadership and collaboration.
• Evaluate the performance of faculty and staff and provide effective mentorship for faculty, staff, and students to ensure their individual success and development.
• Foster partnerships and collaboration outside the department across the university.
• Support faculty in research initiatives, facilitate grant applications, and promote interdisciplinary research opportunities.

Additionally, as a nationally recognized scholar, the successful candidate will:

• Lead a vigorous extramurally funded research program.
• Demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related chemical discipline.
• A strong service record with demonstrated administrative experience in an academic setting.
• A commitment to understanding and respecting the varied perspectives of faculty, staff, and students.
• Outstanding research and teaching records that warrant an appointment as an endowed professor with tenure (contingent upon Board of Regents approval).
• Ability to remain current on topics in higher education as well as developments in the science.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure.Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with experience in an academic supervisory capacity/leadership position.
• Knowledge of innovative curriculum development and implementation.
• Evidence of supporting student success initiatives.
• Leadership in professional organizations.
• Prior experience in creating partnerships with industry, K-12 schools, and other community stakeholders.
• Previous administrative experience in an academic setting will be highly valued.
• A demonstrated commitment to educational excellence at all levels.
• A passion for building strong, varied collaborations within the department, college, and university, and strong communication skills are also desirable.

Candidates must submit:

• A Cover letter highlighting the candidate’s professional development and leadership vision with regard to research and teaching.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Complete contact information for at least three professional references, including name, address, email, and telephone.
• Statements summarizing:
  • Research (up to 3 pages) including significant scientific contributions, and future research directions.
  • Teaching (up to 2 pages) that demonstrates an understanding of what students need to be successful upon graduation and acknowledgement of strong leadership over the large undergraduate degree programs in chemistry and biochemistry. Existing teaching and mentorship contributions should also be included.
  • Vision and Leadership (up to 3 pages) that includes a leadership philosophy and a concrete vision for the future growth and potential of the department.

Review of the completed applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled, with priority being given to applicants who submit completed packets by December 1, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Salary and supporting start-up package are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. UT San Antonio employees enjoy a competitive, comprehensive, and family-friendly benefits package.