Description
Description
The School of Molecular Sciences (SMS) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Molecular Sciences.
About the School of Molecular Sciences:
The School of Molecular Sciences (SMS) is among ASU’s most distinguished units, leading research and educational initiatives as a pioneer in molecular sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, and a leader in solving real-world problems in the areas of energy, sustainability, and human health. It is housed in the Division of Natural Sciences within The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A vibrant community of scholars, teachers, and professionals, SMS is home to 60 tenure-track and 30 non-tenure-track faculty members who serve more than 1,900 undergraduate majors, 10,000 enrolled undergraduates, and 160 PhD and 50 MS students in three graduate programs (Chemistry PhD, Biochemistry PhD, and MS Programs). SMS plays a critical role in ASU’s educational mission. The unit has evolved over the years in response to the needs of students, pioneering new degrees and online programs, and engaging in cross-cutting interdisciplinary research. For more information, please visit https://sms.asu.edu/.
The Director of the School of Molecular Sciences will lead a unit with a broad, ambitious, and impactful vision. The successful Director will be a world-class scientist with demonstrated leadership ability, excellent interpersonal skills, and a strong track record of funding, with a deep commitment to teaching innovation, and an interest in engaging with external stakeholders. The Director will have a vision for the future of the ASU School of Molecular Sciences as a leader in its field, and a leadership plan that aligns with the University Charter’s goals.
About The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national, and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large, curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.
About Arizona State University:
ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the communities it serves.
ASU is a leading public university and member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). ASU is widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing US research universities and has been ranked #1 Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report for 11 years in a row. ASU is leading a bold reinvention of higher education as the New American University. The university’s location within the large and fast-growing Phoenix metro region provides a rich context for research and community engagement around issues of molecular sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. We invite potential applicants to learn more about Arizona State University by visiting https://newamericanuniversity.asu.edu/.
Requirements
Qualifications
Essential Functions:
- To lead a unit with a broad, ambitious, and impactful vision.
- To be a world-class scientist with demonstrated leadership ability, excellent interpersonal skills, and a strong track record of funding.
- A commitment to teaching innovation, and an interest in engaging with external stakeholders.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD or equivalent degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
- A distinguished scholarly record commensurate with the rank of tenured full professor
- Administrative experience relevant to the role
Desired Qualifications:
- An appreciation for a breadth of research areas within chemistry, biochemistry, and interdisciplinary sciences, including a commitment to working across disciplines, academic units, divisions, and schools.
- Demonstrated innovative and strategic leadership.
- Experience serving a broad student and/or faculty community.
- Commitment to supporting strong academic programs necessary for student success
- An informed grasp of key issues affecting faculty recruitment, retention, and promotion
- A vision for the future of the School of Molecular Sciences as a leader in the field, and a leadership plan that demonstrates a commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter
- Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.
Application Instructions
To apply, visit: https://apply.interfolio.com/190416
For best consideration, please apply by October 9, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials:
- Nominations and inquiries
- Curriculum vitae with cover letters
- Contact information for four references (to be contacted at a later date).
Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full nondiscrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX.
Clery Act Statement
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.
