Job Description

Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is offering an exciting opportunity to join the growing academic and research program as a tenure-track faculty with the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 9-month, 100%-time, benefit-eligible position. This position is supervised by the Department Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
As part of a broader faculty recruitment effort, SDSU is also conducting a parallel search for an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics. Candidates with expertise that bridges both areas are encouraged to review and apply to one or both positions.

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at South Dakota State University offers a dynamic, collaborative, and research-driven environment that fosters innovation in drug discovery, delivery, and development (3Ds). Home to the Haarberg 3D Center for Excellence in Drug Development, the department features state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary collaborations that advance research in cancer, infectious diseases, immunology, neurological disorders, and ocular diseases. Its M.S., Ph.D., and Pharm.D. programs prepare students for impactful careers in academia, industry, and regulatory sciences. Faculty thrive in a supportive culture that values mentorship, collaboration, and entrepreneurship within a nationally recognized college committed to excellence in research, education, and innovation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and teach core Medicinal Chemistry courses in the professional PharmD, and other graduate programs.
Develop and maintain an active, independent research program in drug discovery, with emphasis in areas such as AI/ML-driven approaches to drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, polymer chemistry, or Chemical biology, supported by competitive external funding.
Maintain a strong publication track record.
Support and supervise the research of graduate students, undergraduate students, and post-doctoral research associates.
Serve as Graduate Program Coordinator for the MS and PhD programs in the department, overseeing student recruitment, progression, and program assessment (10-20% effort).
Contribute to curriculum development and assessment for the department’s academic programs.
Provide service to the university, school, and profession through committee work and professional organizations.

BENEFITS:
SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
An earned Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a closely related discipline must be earned by the position start date.
Ability or potential to establish an independent, extramurally funded research program in drug discovery within the United States.
Demonstrated productivity or strong potential for publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals
Ability or potential to develop and teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in relevant areas within the United States.
Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience or potential to contribute to graduate program leadership, including coordination of MS and PhD programs.
Experience in AI/ML-driven approaches to drug discovery, polymer chemistry, or Chemical biology.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.