Robert A. Welch Chaired Professorship in Chemistry and Director of the Nanotech Institute

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) invites applications and nominations for a distinguished Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry and Director of the Alan G. McDiarmid Nanotech Institute. The successful applicant must have an internationally recognized research record, a strong record of external grant support, and be interested in mentoring students, postdoctoral fellows, and young faculty. New laboratory and office space has been set aside in the Berkner building for the next Robert A. Welch Chair-holder along with a substantial start-up package that includes the opportunity to recruit additional junior faculty for the Nanotech Institute. We seek a candidate whose expertise complements and adds new research directions to the Nanotech Institute to continue the tradition of creating new materials for nanotechnology with applications in energy, electronics, quantum computing/spintronics, quantum technologies, quantum nanophotonics, magnetic materials, and materials for medical applications.

Faculty recruitment and research funding at UT Dallas has been enhanced by generous support from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas ( CPRIT) and the Welch Foundation. Opportunities to build strong collaborative research programs with other engineering and science faculty on the UT Dallas campus or with faculty at our sister institution, UT Southwestern Medical Center, are outstanding.

The appointment commences for the fall 2026 semester.

Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or a related discipline is required prior to employment. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

The Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute is a research center that attracts interdisciplinary scientists from around the world and is dedicated to original science and technological discoveries on the nanoscale. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among physicists, chemists, biologists, and engineers, and is known for breakthroughs including carbon nanotube artificial muscles that outperform natural muscles in force and speed. The NanoTech Institute runs outreach programs, including the George A. Jeffrey NanoExplorers program, which introduces middle school and high school students to their first research experiences. Since the NanoTech Institute's establishment in the fall of 2001, it has produced over 500 refereed journal articles (with ~100,000 citations), at least 20 of which have been published in Science or Nature.

Applicants should upload the following:

* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

* Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

* List of grants funded over the past 10 years.

* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by December 15, 2025. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on February 28, 2026.

The University and Community

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is approximately 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 65% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid; and 66% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 48% in Texas and 32% in the nation (2021 TICAS report).

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University's rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirt, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.

The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University's modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.

Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University's location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW) metroplex is rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there's something for everyone. The University's partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ) - a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities - promotes collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Contribute assessment information and data as requested
Mentor and/or advise undergraduate and/or graduate students
Establish and/or continue an independent line of research
Continue to expand professional influence in the academic discipline through research and/or publication
Engage in service within the academic unit, the university, and the profession as appropriate based on teaching and research constraints

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.