People & Research

Position Announcements

NOTE: Any employment with the University is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

Faculty Searches

Organic Faculty Position

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas is seeking exceptional candidates for a tenure-track position in Organic Chemistry at the assistant professor level expected to begin as early as August 18, 2012. The successful candidate will help to realize the Department's goal of strengthening research expertise in the area of chemical synthesis related to drug discovery/development. The University of Kansas is especially interested in hiring faculty members who can contribute to four key campus-wide strategic initiatives: (1) Sustaining the Planet, Powering the World; (2) Promoting Well-Being, Finding Cures; (3) Harnessing Information, Multiplying Knowledge; and (4) Building Communities, Expanding Opportunities. See http://www.provost.ku.edu/planning/themes/ for more information. A desire to effectively teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is expected and a statement of teaching philosophy and interests is required. A competitive salary will be offered that is commensurate with experience. A Ph.D. or ABD in chemistry or closely related field is expected by start date of appointment and postdoctoral experience is desirable. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. before the start of the position.

Required qualifications:

  1. Ph.D. or ABD in organic chemistry or closely related field expected by start date of appointment (August 18, 2012).
  2. Demonstrable research qualifications in the field of organic chemistry.
  3. Well-defined plans for development of a vigorous research program of national and international repute in organic chemistry or a closely allied area.
  4. Evidence of ability to teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in organic chemistry.
  5. Demonstrated ability to relate and communicate effectively with graduate students in the context of the research program initiated by the candidate.

Evaluation of the requirements above will be made through: (1) descriptions of work experience and educational experiences in letter of application, (2) record of accomplishments and productivity addressed in CV, (3) graduate and post-graduate coursework, (4) publications and conference presentations in the field, (5) statement of teaching philosophy, experience in making scientific presentations in organic chemistry, and/or previous teaching experience, and, (6) information provided from professional references.

To apply online go http://jobs.ku.edu and search position 00002395 and submit cover letter, CV, a list of three referees, and a 2-page teaching philosophy statement/expertise/and interests with the online application form. Contact employ@ku.edu if assistance is needed uploading materials.

In addition, the following information: a brief summary of 2-3 research proposals (2 pages each) and three letters of recommendation should be sent separately to: Elaine Knight, Organic Search Committee Coordinator, Department of Chemistry, Malott Hall, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045

Review of applications begins November 1, 2011 and continues as long as needed to collect a qualified pool.

Lecturer Pool

The Chemistry Department at the University of Kansas invites qualified scholars and professionals to submit online applications to the Lecturer Pool to be considered for either part-time to full time temporary teaching positions as they are needed.

  • Title: Lecturer
  • Starting Date: The date will vary as the need arises and the dates will coincide with the beginning of the academic calendar. Fall appointments begin in August, spring appointments in January and summer appointments in June.
  • Type of Appointment: One semester, renewable, subject to review and funding. The successful candidate must have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. before employment begins.
  • Salary: Approximately $5,000 to $8,000 per semester, based on teaching experience, educational level, size and level of the course.
  • FTE: Part-Time to Full Time
  • Duties: Teach appropriate curricula, write and grade exams for curricula. Classes range from 100 level General Chemistry to 600 level Organic Chemistry classes. Lecturer must abide by department, College and University policies and procedures.
  • Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related Physical Science/Engineering.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Previous teaching experience in university/college setting.
  • Contact Person: Bev Johnson; bkjohnson@ku.edu, University of Kansas, Chemistry Department, Malott Hall, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, Rm 2010, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-1203.
  • Application Procedures: Application, curriculum vitae, and three references are to be submitted on line. To apply, go to https://jobs.ku.edu, and search for position number 0003212.
  • Deadline: Applications will be accepted throughout the year.

The University of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The University encourages applications from underrepresented group members. Federal and state legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, and veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, martial status and parental status.

The Post-Doc Application Pool

A pool of applications for post-doctoral positions is continuously maintained.

The Chemistry Department invites qualified Ph.D. chemists to submit applications to their ongoing Postdoctoral Pool. The pool will be reviewed by individual faculty members for consideration of research positions in any of the following fields: Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, and Science Education. To see a list of faculty members and their research opportunities please visit the following web site: www.chem.ku.edu/faculty/index.shtml. For complete description and to apply go to http://jobs.ku.edu and search for position 00062445. EO/AA


The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.