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Assistant Professor Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor Chemistry information

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$46.5K

$78.9K

$156.5K

How much do assistant professor chemistry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor chemistry in the United States is $78,857.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant professor chemistry?

An Assistant Professor of Chemistry is an early-career, tenure-track faculty member at a college or university who teaches chemistry courses, conducts research in the field, and mentors students. Their responsibilities typically include developing and delivering lectures, designing laboratory experiments, publishing scholarly work, and participating in departmental service. Assistant Professors are expected to balance teaching, research, and service duties as they work toward potential promotion to Associate Professor and tenure. They play a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and training the next generation of chemists.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an assistant professor chemistry?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in chemistry or a related field, a strong research background, and teaching experience. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data analysis software, and learning management systems is often required, along with published research in reputable journals. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and effective collaboration with colleagues. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality education, advancement of research, and contribution to the academic community.

What opportunities are available for career advancement as an assistant professor chemistry?

As an Assistant Professor of Chemistry, you can pursue career advancement through a combination of research productivity, teaching excellence, and service to your department or institution. Typical paths include promotion to Associate Professor (usually accompanied by tenure) and later to Full Professor. Many institutions also provide opportunities to take on administrative or leadership roles, such as Department Chair or Director of Graduate Studies. Collaborating with other faculty members on interdisciplinary research projects and actively participating in professional organizations can further enhance your career prospects.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Chemistry vs Research Scientist Chemistry?

AspectAssistant Professor ChemistryResearch Scientist Chemistry
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Chemistry, postdoctoral experience often preferredDoctorate in Chemistry or related field, sometimes with industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentAcademic setting, teaching, research, and student mentorshipResearch labs, industry or government research facilities, focus on project development
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic research institutionsPharmaceutical, chemical, or biotech companies, government labs

Assistant Professor Chemistry primarily involves teaching and academic research in universities, while Research Scientist Chemistry focuses on conducting research within industry or government labs. Both roles require a PhD but differ in work environment and responsibilities.

Do you need a PhD to be an assistant professor chemistry?

Yes, a PhD in chemistry or a related field is typically required to become an assistant professor in chemistry. This advanced degree demonstrates expertise and is often a minimum qualification for faculty positions at universities and colleges. Additional qualifications may include research experience, publications, and teaching skills.
More about Assistant Professor Chemistry jobs

What cities are hiring for Assistant Professor Chemistry jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Professor Chemistry job openings:

What states have the most Assistant Professor Chemistry jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Professor Chemistry jobs include:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,857 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor - Chemistry

Vermillion, SD • On-site


The University of South Dakota
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

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Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Logo
Institution
The University of South Dakota
Working Title
Research Assistant Professor - Chemistry
Posting Number
F01784P
Department
USD-Chemistry
Physical Location of Position (City)
Vermillion
Posting Text
The Chemistry Department of the University of South Dakota (USD) invites applicants to apply for a long-term Research Faculty position in chemistry related to modern refrigeration including but not limited to broadly defined fluorine chemistry. The initial appointment for this position will be at the Assistant Professor level. This hiring is in response to the R&D needs of newly established NSF Engineer Research Center: Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (NSF ERC EARTH), a large collaborative effort involving six academic institutions and fifteen industrial partners. A successful candidate is expected to bring in knowledge and skills that are align with the NSF ERC EARTH goals, and complementary to the expertise of current department faculty. The new research faculty is expected to provide guidance to graduate and undergraduate students, either through individual or collaborative effort with the department EARTH faculty. In addition to publication record, demonstrated ability to securing external funding is further thought to be an area of strength for a successful candidate. The position requires a PhD degree in chemistry, or closely related field, with preference given to candidate with postdoctoral experience or equivalent industrial working experience. Further questions regarding to the ERC EARTH program at USD campus, please reach out to the ERC EARTH's USD lead person Dr. Haoran Sun at Haoran.Sun@usd.edu; and questions regarding to the Chemistry Program, please reach out to the Department Chair Dr. James Hoefelmeyer at James.Hoefelmeyer@usd.edu.
Interested applicants shall provide the following documents to the search committee through the SD BOR online job application portal: (1) cover letter, (2) CV, (3) detailed research plans (no more than 10 pages total including reference citation, with 1 inch margin around, single space, and font 11); (4) student mentoring plans (two page maximum, with 1 inch margin around, single space, and font 11); and (5) a list of contact information of three professional references.
As the South Dakota's flagship institution and one of the five core-partner institutions of the recently funded NSF ERC EARTH, the University of South Dakota provides vibrant study and working environment for its students and faculty. The Chemistry Department at USD offers BS and MS degrees in Chemistry and PhD degree in Materials Chemistry. Over the past twenty years, the Chemistry Program at USD receives very strong external funding support from federal, state, and industries including highly competitive NSF CAREER and NRT grants, and lately large collaborative NSF ERC grants.
For more information about the Chemistry Department of the University of South Dakota, please go to the website at www.usd.edu/Academics/Colleges-and-Schools/college-of-arts-sciences/chemistry; and about the ERC EARTH please go to the website at https://erc-earth.ku.edu.
Posting Date
03/23/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
04/27/2026
Advertised Salary
Duration of the Term
9 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Tenure Status
Term
Proposed Rank
Assistant Professor
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological political or sectarian opinions or perspectives, or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.
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