The University of North Carolina at Charlotte seeks a Klein Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
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Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
The Position:
Applications and nominations are sought for the position of Klein Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, specializing in the field of AI/ML-Driven Materials Discovery and Validation/Implementation. This 9-month appointment will begin on August 11, 2027. The position is available at either the associate professor rank (Distinguished Scholar) or the full professor rank (Distinguished Professor).
Qualifications:
The Klein Distinguished Professor of Chemistry is expected to be a critical partner in establishing a new federally funded research center in functional nanomaterials. Required qualifications include a doctoral degree (or the equivalent) in chemistry or a closely related area, extensive research experience in AI/ML-Driven Materials Discovery and Validation/Implementation, and at least one semester of teaching experience at the college level. Preferred qualifications include a history of sustained impact to the fields merging AI/ML frameworks with nanomaterials translation, documented by a strong publication record and continuous external funding.
Duties include establishing and maintaining an internationally recognized and externally funded research lab in AI/ML-Driven Materials Discovery and Validation/Implementation. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the teaching needs of the department as needed and meet annual expectations in service to the institution and profession.
About the Department of Chemistry:
UNC Charlotte’s Chemistry Department offers a collaborative and growing environment for faculty who value excellence in research, teaching, mentorship, and engagement.
The department is dedicated to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. The department is home to 28 full-time faculty members, 9 full-time staff members, more than 200 undergraduate majors, and over 40 graduate students. The department offers B.A., B.S. (ACS certified) and M.S. degrees in chemistry, and it offers a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Nanoscale Science. The department is dedicated to the success and professional development of all students; engaging undergraduate and graduate students in collaborative, innovative scientific research; and supporting the local, regional, national, and international communities through leadership and outreach.
Faculty are deeply engaged in innovative research and have opportunities to mentor both undergraduate and graduate students while contributing to a collegial academic community. The department emphasizes learner-centered teaching, student success, and professional development, while supporting research that addresses significant scientific and societal challenges. Its award-winning faculty are recognized for accomplishments in research, teaching, mentoring, professional service, and community engagement.
About the Klein College of Science:
The Klein College of Science (KCOS) drives excellence in research, education, and community engagement to shape scientific discovery and cultivate global leaders. As one of UNC Charlotte’s newest colleges, it unites four dynamic academic departments—Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics and the Ishwar Aggarwal Department of Physics and Optical Science — with the Botanical Gardens, interdisciplinary research centers, and innovative programs. KCOS combines state-of-the-art resources with a highly collaborative environment, empowering faculty to push the boundaries of research, deliver transformative learning experiences, and partner with leaders across the Charlotte region and beyond.
Discovering What’s Next: The Inaugural Strategic Plan of the Klein College of Science acknowledges KCOS’s critical role in contributing to the elevation of UNC Charlotte’s reputation as a recently designated R1 institution on the rise. The plan also recognizes the college’s shared ambition to elevate KCOS as a nationally and internationally recognized leader in research, education and public engagement.
About the University of North Carolina at Charlotte:
As a recently designated R1 doctoral research university, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte combines rapid institutional growth with top-tier academic ambition. Serving over 33,000 students as the third-largest UNC System campus, UNC Charlotte holds national recognition as a Carnegie Community Engagement campus and an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. The institution directly supports faculty excellence through competitive internal grants, comprehensive professional development, and generous family leave policies. Set in the nation’s 14th-largest city, UNC Charlotte offers faculty an extraordinary environment to build a career while enjoying one of America's vibrant, top-ranked places to live.
To Apply:
This search is being conducted in partnership with Summit Search Solutions, Inc. For full consideration, apply by January 4, 2027. A confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.
For the initial screening, candidates must submit: 1) letter of interest addressing the qualifications for the position and fit for the program; 2) a current curriculum vitae; 3) list of current, pending and other support; and 4) a summary of your anticipated major Equipment, Facilities and Space needs.
Candidates who advance in the search will be asked to provide: 5) a research vision statement outlining long-term research goals, plans for securing external funding, and opportunities for internal collaboration and/or external partnerships where applicable; 6) a statement of teaching and mentorship experience; and 7) contact information for five professional references (references will only be contacted for candidates who advance to on-campus interviews).
Please Note: Any interested candidates should contact Summit Solutions directly. Contacting the University of North Carolina at Charlotte will only delay consideration of your qualifications.
This position is subject to research-security screening. As part of the application, applicants must disclose, either in their CV or in a separate document submitted with the application, all current appointments or affiliations with foreign institutions or organizations, foreign research support, and ongoing research collaborations with foreign institutions, organizations, or their personnel. Before candidates advance to an on-campus interview, the university will review this information and other publicly available information for relationships involving institutions on the current Section 1286 list and any other applicable U.S. restricted-party lists. A disclosed or identified relationship does not automatically disqualify a candidate. As a condition of employment, a selected candidate must resolve any relationship the university determines would violate applicable law or sponsor requirements or materially impair the candidate’s or the university’s eligibility for federal funding.
The anticipated start date is August 11, 2027. The candidate chosen for this position will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest earned degree and submit to a criminal background check.
To Apply Online: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su534
To make inquiries or nominations, contact:
Arasi Adkins, MA
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
336-693-7612
aadkins@summitsearchsolutions.com
The University of North Carolina is committed to equality of educational and employment opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on any protected status.
