Assistant/Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry

Bethune-Cookman University

Job Title: Assistant/Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry

Division: College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, Department of Natural Sciences

Reporting Structure: 1) Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences; 2) Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics; and 3) Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs

Job Summary: The Department of Natural Sciences is seeking applicants for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor in Medicinal Chemistry. The successful candidate will contribute to a growing medicinal chemistry program with an emphasis on the design, synthesis, and application of artificial and engineered chemical materials for drug discovery and development.

The candidate will be primarily responsible for teaching both undergraduate and graduate lecture and laboratory courses in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology, with a particular emphasis on upper-level courses supporting the medicinal chemistry curriculum. Instruction is expected to incorporate modern approaches in medicinal chemistry, including synthetic chemistry, biomaterials, and the use of novel molecular and artificial systems to develop therapeutic agents.

These courses serve students pursuing several degree programs, including the B.S. in Chemistry, B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry Concentration), and the proposed M.A. in Medicinal Chemistry graduate program. The successful applicant must demonstrate a strong commitment to effective teaching, program-level assessment of student learning, and engagement with diverse student populations.

Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is a historically Black college and university (HBCU) that seeks avid scholars dedicated to excellence in teaching and research and to the continued enhancement of the academic environment for students and colleagues. Founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904, B-CU is a United Methodist Church-related university offering baccalaureate and masters degrees. The University has deep roots in the history of America and continues to provide services to the broader community through a focus on service learning and civic engagement. Bethune-Cookman University accomplishes its mission by providing quality instruction in an intellectually stimulating environment that nurtures the mind (intellect), the heart (transformative leadership) and the hand (service learning) according to our founders motto and the institutions seal.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The primary role of the successful candidate will be to provide exceptional teaching of both undergraduate and graduate students using modern pedagogical methods, experiential learning, and innovative techniques. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and related areas of medicinal chemistry using innovative, student-centered, and experiential pedagogical approaches.
• Develop and deliver rigorous instruction that supports student success across the B.S. in Chemistry, B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry Concentration), and M.A. in Medicinal Chemistry programs.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the medicinal chemistry curriculum, including active participation in the design and advancement of the M.A. in Medicinal Chemistry program.
• Develop and sustain a productive, externally funded research program that engages undergraduate and graduate students in modern medicinal chemistry approaches, including the design, synthesis, and application of chemical and biomolecular systems for therapeutic development.
• Advise and mentor students, supporting their academic achievement, research experiences, and professional and career development.
• Participate in program-level assessment and accreditation activities to support continuous improvement of student learning outcomes at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Engage in departmental, college, and university service, including committee participation, community outreach, and student-centered initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty across disciplines to support interdisciplinary teaching, research, and program development efforts.

Required Skills/Abilities:

In addition to the requirements discussed above, in order to be a leading applicant in this search, the applicant must:

• Be fluent in the English language and able to communicate effectively with diverse undergraduate and graduate student populations.
• Demonstrate experience in program-level assessment of student learning and the effective use of innovative curricular approaches that are student-centered, inquiry-based, and hands-on oriented.
• Be familiar with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, etc.).
• Demonstrate outstanding potential for excellence in teaching through a successful interview and/or classroom or laboratory demonstration.
• Be a U.S. citizen or hold permanent resident status.

Education and Experience: A minimum of a masters degree in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline is required; a Ph.D. is strongly preferred.

Preferred Skills, Experience, and Education:

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline.
• A demonstrated record of excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate-level teaching in areas relevant to Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmacology.
• Experience in developing, teaching, and assessing graduate-level coursework.
• The ability to work and engage effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated publications in peer-reviewed journals in a relevant field.
• The ability to establish and support an extramural research program that involves both undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Experience with grant writing and a record of, or strong potential for, securing external research funding.

Physical Requirements: The candidate must be able to handle minor physical tasks associated with their position and be well-versed in maintaining safety regulations in undergraduate and graduate laboratory environments, including proper handling, use, and disposal of chemicals and biological materials.

The University does not discriminate based on race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, retaliation, marital status, religion, or disability, or any other applicable local, state, or federal regulation. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities, equal employment opportunity, and Title IX matters should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 386-481-2049.

The university reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time in its attempts to improve the operations of the university.