The University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for a tenured or tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Chemistry within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in physical chemistry. The position is part of a multi-departmental cluster hire in quantum science—the first phase of a "Quantum Futures Cluster"— supporting UConn’s leadership in the NSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut (QuantumCT Engine). The hire is central to a major, long-term strategic investment to establish Connecticut as a national leader in quantum technology.
To strengthen the research and educational missions identified in the strategic plans of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the University, we seek a chemist whose research program will complement current expertise in the Department. Platform approaches for the discovery, characterization, and functional integration of molecules or materials for emerging quantum technologies will receive the highest priority. The research program should advance the goals of the QuantumCT Engine, creating natural synergies with this university-wide initiative to innovation across Connecticut.
The QuantumCT Engine aims to advance American quantum innovation and secure the domestic quantum supply chain by accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies for national defense, biotechnology and financial services. Through innovation, applied research leading to new technologies, support for inventors and entrepreneurs and workforce development, the QuantumCT Engine will advance quantum sensing, secure communications, computing, and materials through a shared testbed, deep-tech incubator, and translation pathways.
Led by the Division of Academic Affairs and the Provost’s Office, the AI for ImpaCT initiative is focused on advancing artificial intelligence best practices across education, research, innovation, public engagement, and workforce development. UConn brings together expertise from across disciplines to help students, employers, communities, and policymakers understand both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
The Department of Chemistry at UConn is a leading chemistry department amongst flagship public universities in the northeastern region of the United States. The department hosts 25 tenure-track faculty members with active research programs encompassing all aspects of chemistry. The new hire will join a vibrant group of researchers who investigate questions at the interface of chemistry and quantum science, including quantum materials, molecular and nanoscale qubits, chirality and spin, and quantum sensing. The department is home to more than 100 graduate students and 150 undergraduate majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As the “central science,” Chemistry connects to disciplines such as Biology, Physics, and Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, the School of Pharmacy and the UConn Health Center. Its researchers collaborate with other scientists across the world from US and international universities, research institutes (i.e., NIH) and national labs (i.e., Brookhaven), as well as public and private companies. Several faculty members of the department are also affiliated with UConn’s Institute of Materials Science (IMS), which offers a wide variety of research instrumentation and technical support.
Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct high-level, nationally recognized original research at the intersection of chemistry and quantum science; secure external funding to support their research program; teach undergraduate and graduate courses; supervise undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers; serve the department, college, university, and professional communities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Earned Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
- Demonstrated record of research accomplishments and/or strong potential for research excellence in the area of quantum science.
- Demonstrated potential to establish a successful, externally recognized research and scholarship program.
- Ability to teach chemistry courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience in successfully securing grant funding from competitive (i.e., federal, foundation) sources.
- Evidence of graduate and/or undergraduate student mentorship in research.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The hiring range for this position is $95,000 to $200,000. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.
For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) bargaining unit and look for information specifically identified as AAUP, as provisions may vary by employee group.
This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2027. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Faculty may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses as part of their ordinary workload.
Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499862 and submit the following application materials:
- A cover letter,
- Curriculum vitae,
- Detailed description of three (3) research projects (max of 3 pages/project)
- Statement of teaching philosophy and interests (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.);
- Sample journal articles or books
- Name and Contact information for 3 professional references. Additionally, please arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be sent to Ms. Emilie Hogrebe, University of Connecticut, Department of Chemistry, 55 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3060, Storrs, CT 06269-3060 or via email (e.hogrebe@uconn.edu).
Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For more information regarding the Department of Chemistry, please visit the department website.
At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.