Job Description

Rank: Assistant Professor

Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry

Starting Date: Fall 2027

Summary

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Physical Chemistry or Biophysical Chemistry. Responsibilities include teaching lecture and laboratory courses at the undergraduate and graduate (M.S.) level, conducting research which involves undergraduate and graduate students, and service to the department, university, and field. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply though we particularly encourage candidates who have experience in quantum information, quantum sensing, computational modeling of quantum objects, or biophysical chemistry with quantum applications to apply.

Our curriculum combines extensive laboratory coursework with traditional and innovative classroom pedagogy to give students practice in chemical problem solving as well as first-hand experiences with chemical phenomena and modern instrumentation. The department aims to prepare students to become knowledgeable and skillful scientists who can contribute to global society. The Department offers ACS-certified B.S. degrees in both Chemistry and Biochemistry, a B.S. degree in Chemistry with a Science Education option, and a M.S. degree in Chemistry.

Providing access to a high-quality education and preparing the leaders of tomorrow remain at the core of CSUSM. Our campus embraces and symbolizes twenty-first century learning. We offer hands-on and collaborative learning experiences, cutting edge technology and academic programs relevant to the rapidly changing global environment. CSUSM is located on a beautiful 304-acre hillside campus 15 miles east of the ocean and 30 miles north of downtown San Diego, in a region known for biomedical and biotechnical innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a doctorate in Chemistry or related field with specialization in quantum chemistry, physical chemistry, or biophysical chemistry, from an accredited university at time of appointment for this position, have a minimum of one year experience teaching chemistry classes, be committed to rigor in teaching and research, and be willing to serve constituents in the university and business communities.
• Applicants with ABD status will be considered and interviewed, but the applicant must possess the doctorate degree on the starting date.
• Teaching responsibilities may include undergraduate and/or graduate chemistry courses at the San Marcos and/or Temecula or Chula Vista satellite campuses.
• Candidates must demonstrate teaching excellence, a record of published research commensurate with years of experience, and the ability to develop and sustain a research program that will lead to original, peer-reviewed publications.
• Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with departmental colleagues and in an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience at the interface of quantum information science and biochemistry.
• Preference will be given to candidates with teaching experience in biochemistry or quantum mechanics.
• Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated intercultural competence with different groups in teaching, research and/or service.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $8,167 - $9,450 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,221- $13,224 per month

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the CSUSM Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Cover letter specifically addressing minimum and preferred qualifications.
• A statement of teaching philosophy (up to 2 pages)
• A description of future research goals including how the candidate would involve students in their research efforts (up to 3 pages)
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references; the system will request letters of recommendation.

Additional Requirements

• Reprints of representative publications and works in process. (if applicable)
• Summary of student teaching evaluations with average GPA for each class taught. (if applicable)
• Copies of all graduate-level transcripts that include relevant course work. (if applicable)

Review of applications will begin November 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, all applicant materials should be completed by the deadline. Files missing letters of recommendation will be reviewed, but letters of recommendation must be submitted before an interview invitation will be made.

CSUSM is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the “Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.

CSUSM has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and was recently named one of the top 32 Colleges most friendly to junior faculty by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education. Visit Faculty Opportunities for more information.

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community.  We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation and veteran or military status.

Per the California State University’s Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment. 

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position is subject to employment verification, education verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. An offer of appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at Clery Act Notification.