Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Position Summary

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek an innovative scientist who will establish an outstanding, independent research program in drug discovery, focusing on assessing, understanding, predicting and/or modeling the action of drugs in the body.  Both computational and experimental researchers are encouraged to apply.

Areas of interest include but are not limited to:

• In silico drug development
• Novel therapeutic target classes and mechanisms
• Emerging drug modalities
• High-throughput screening
• Drug delivery

The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to research excellence, teaching, and mentoring.

The ideal candidate will also contribute to the mission of the Drug Discovery Program housed in the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department.  This program has been developed to be a strong partner across the MSU ecosystem by connecting research communities and enabling faculty to turn their research insights into real-world medicines that shape the future of human and animal health.   The Drug Discovery Program has built expertise in Medicinal Chemistry and in translational sciences, particularly in areas to understand absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of small molecule therapeutics as well as pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties that give insights into what the body does to the drug (PK) and what the drug does to the body (PD).  The program also has a strong in vitro and high-throughput screening center with many types of technology formats to offer.

Candidates should also leverage the strengths of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which has strong research programs across computational biology, structural biology, molecular plant sciences, cancer biology and neurodegenerative diseases.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an independent, externally funded research program.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses; develop new courses as needed.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research projects.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within MSU and with external partners.

This position is supported through Michigan State University’s Global Impact Initiative, designed to address global grand challenges and national priorities through the creation of over 100 new faculty positions in some of the most promising – and critical – fields of research.”

Please note that this is a union position represented by the Union of Tenure System Faculty (UTSF). The university is working with the union to establish a collective bargaining agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related field

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.

Desired Qualifications

• Postdoctoral research experience in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry or a related area.
• A strong record of scholarly achievements, evidenced by high-quality publications.
• Demonstrated potential to secure extramural funding.
• Dedication to teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A strong record of collaborative, team-based science.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter: Highlight qualifications, research interests, and motivation for applying.
• Curriculum Vitae: Include education, research experience, publications, grants, awards,
  teaching experience, and service activities.
• Research Statement (maximum 3 pages): Outline of past research accomplishments and future research plans.
• Teaching Statement (maximum 2 pages): Describe teaching experience, philosophy, and interests.
• Contact Information for Three References: Include names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on September 30, 2026, and continue until the position is
filled. To ensure full consideration, complete applications should be received by September 30, 2026. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the priority date.

References will be contacted for candidates selected for further consideration.

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Dr. Alex Dickson
Search Committee Chair
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Michigan State University
Email: alexrd@msu.edu

Review of Applications Begins On

09/30/2026

Website

https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.