Open-Rank Faculty Position in Polymers for Sustainability and Circular Materials

Posting Number: F01215P

Department: Chemistry

Salary Range: Negotiable

Pay Basis: Monthly

Position Status: Academic Year

Location: Richardson

Job Summary:

Position Description

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics ( NSM ) at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) invites applications for an exceptional scholar for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the area of Polymers for Sustainability and Circular Materials.

We seek a strong researcher and educator who will help define the next generation of sustainable polymeric materials and technologies and establish a high-impact, externally funded research program addressing fundamental and technological challenges associated with the global transition toward a circular and low-carbon materials economy.

This strategic faculty search is part of UT Dallas’ commitment to advancing transformative research at the intersection of materials innovation, sustainability, energy, manufacturing, and environmental stewardship. We particularly welcome visionary candidates whose research transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries and has the potential to fundamentally change how polymeric materials are designed, manufactured, used, recovered, and regenerated.

Research Vision

The successful candidate will develop an ambitious research program addressing one or more critical challenges across the polymer lifecycle — from molecular design and synthesis to manufacturing, application, recycling, and end-of-life management.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

Next-generation sustainable and bio-derived polymers

• Chemical recycling, depolymerization, and polymer upcycling

• Low-carbon and energy-efficient polymer synthesis

• Biodegradable, compostable, and environmentally responsive polymers

• Sustainable polymer composites and nanocomposites

• High-performance polymers with reduced environmental footprints

• Sustainable elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and advanced plastics

• Polymer systems for energy, water, environmental, and biomedical applications

• Polymer processing and advanced sustainable manufacturing

• Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven discovery of sustainable polymers

Candidates developing fundamentally new approaches to molecular-level control of polymer structure, materials performance, recyclability, degradation, or circularity are especially encouraged to apply.

We are particularly interested in researchers who can bridge fundamental polymer science with scalable technologies and real-world sustainability challenges, creating opportunities for partnerships with industry, national laboratories, government agencies, and interdisciplinary research centers.

Academic Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Establish and sustain an internationally recognized, externally funded research program.

• Pursue ambitious fundamental and translational research with significant scientific and societal impact.

• Secure competitive funding from agencies such as the NSF , DOE , NIH , USDA , DOD , EPA , and other appropriate federal and industrial sponsors.

• Publish influential research in leading journals and disseminate discoveries through major national and international conferences.

• Teach existing courses in the department and develop innovative graduate and undergraduate courses in polymer science, sustainable materials, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or related areas.

• Recruit and mentor outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers.

• Build interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, chemistry, materials science, energy, environmental science, computation, and related fields.

• Contribute to the development of major interdisciplinary initiatives in sustainable materials and circular manufacturing.

• Engage with industry, national laboratories, government agencies, and other external partners where appropriate.

• Provide university and professional service and leadership commensurate with rank.

The appointment commences for the fall 2027 semester.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD or equivalent in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or closely related area 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.

Preferred Education and Experience: For appointments at the Assistant Professor level, candidates should demonstrate exceptional potential for independent research, external funding, innovative teaching, and leadership in the emerging field of sustainable polymeric materials. Post-doctoral research experience in a relevant field is preferred.

Candidates considered for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level should have an established record of internationally recognized scholarship, sustained external research funding, outstanding graduate mentorship, impactful teaching, and academic leadership commensurate with rank.

We seek candidates who demonstrate the ability to articulate a bold and distinctive research vision and who have the potential to establish a research program that will attract significant external support and national or international recognition.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UT Dallas offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Chemistry. The department features state-of-the-art research space, which includes High-Performance Computing, NMR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, X-ray Diffraction, Flow Cytometry, Molecular and Protein Analysis, Imaging and Histology, and Genome Center core facilities. The close proximity to other physical science departments at UT Dallas as well as the UT Southwestern Medical Center offers outstanding opportunities for collaborative research.

The School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics has been a crucial anchor of UT Dallas, even before its beginnings in 1969. Its six departments and two research centers continue to play a vital role in the University’s transformation to one of the top research institutions in the United States. Asking fundamental questions about the universe and developing responsive tools for global dilemmas creates a powerful engine for our innovations and discoveries. The School boasts approximately 200 outstanding faculty members performing in areas ranging in size and diversity from the smallest nano-machines to the great cosmos. Its over 30 programs – several of which are highly ranked by US News and World Report – provide students with hands-on laboratory and project experience in frontier areas of fundamental and applied sciences that promises rich academic experiences and leads to exciting professional opportunities.

Application Instructions

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, 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.

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

Priority will be given to completed applications received by December 1, 2026. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on January 31, 2027.

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 160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, plus undergraduate and graduate certificates. Our student body is around 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 60% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid, and 62% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 49% in all Texas publics and 51% in all national publics (UT Dallas Fast Facts (https://www.utdallas.edu/about-us/fast-facts/) ).

Under the dynamic leadership of President Prabhas V. Moghe, UT Dallas is charting a path built on three strategic pillars – student success, academic and research convergence, and external impact. Guided by the Roadmap 2030 (https://roadmap.utdallas.edu/) plan, UT Dallas will accelerate its upward trajectory to become a university of even greater impact and distinction.

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 spirit, 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 (https://richardsoniq.com/) (Richardson IQ) – a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities – promote collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 (https://policy.utdallas.edu/utdbp3090) 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

An earned graduate degree appropriate to the academic discipline and a record of productivity and professional achievement.

Preferred Education and Experience:

For appointments at the Assistant Professor level, candidates should demonstrate exceptional potential for independent research, external funding, innovative teaching, and leadership in the emerging field of sustainable polymeric materials. Post-doctoral research experience in a relevant field is preferred.

Candidates considered for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level should have an established record of internationally recognized scholarship, sustained external research funding, outstanding graduate mentorship, impactful teaching, and academic leadership commensurate with rank.

We seek candidates who demonstrate the ability to articulate a bold and distinctive research vision and who have the potential to establish a research program that will attract significant external support and national or international recognition.

Important Message:

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 ([email protected]) . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator ([email protected]) .