Description:
The Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical
Sciences (PPS) at the University of Houston seeks highly
qualified applicants in the Presidential Frontier Faculty program
(https://www.uh.edu/provost/faculty/prospective-faculty/presidential-frontier-faculty/
) at the Assistant Professor level for a full-time, tenure-track
faculty position in Computational Pharmaceutics or Medicinal
Chemistry.
The Presidential Frontier Faculty initiative is a university-wide
interdisciplinary hiring campaign aimed at enhancing the UH
research enterprise by integrating the strengths of existing
faculty and infrastructure with strong early career new faculty
hires. Outstanding applicants with cross-disciplinary research
programs are strongly encouraged to apply. Computational
Pharmaceutical Sciences is broadly defined. Applicants with
specialization at the intersection of mathematical modeling, data
science, and translational research including those developing new
approach methodologies (NAMs) by combining multiscale mechanistic
modeling, quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), and artificial
intelligence (AI) are encouraged to apply. Also, artificial
intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning applied to drug
discovery, molecular design, chemical biology, hit-to-lead
optimization, virtual screening, structure-based and ligand-based
drug design, chemical synthesis and translational pharmaceutical
sciences are considered. Furthermore, structural bioinformatic
scientists leveraging cutting-edge computational techniques to
investigate complex protein-ligand interactions, driving forward
high-impact biomedical and translational research projects are
encouraged to apply.
PPS is in Health Building 2, a 300,000-square-foot
state-of-the-art research facility on the University of Houston
Campus. Research programs are supported with exceptional laboratory
space and updated cutting-edge core research facilities including a
600 MHz Jeol NMR and high-end mass spectrophotometers. Examples of
other newly available shared equipment and facilities include a
Visual Sonics Vevo 3100 Preclinical Imaging System, Perkin Elmer
IVIS Lumina III XRMS Whole Animal Imaging System, 2 Orbitrap
Exploris 480 High-Resolution Mass Spectrometers (one with Biopharma
option and another with MALDI imaging and nanoLC capability), 2 AB
Sciex 7500+ LC-MS/MS systems, confocal microscopes, Digital &
QuantStudio RT-PCR systems, Agilent Seahorse XF metabolic analyzer,
and PhenoMasterNG Metabolism, Behavior, Physiology Cages, Sartorius
Octet R8, Biotech Cytation 5, Shimadzu HPLC, and Opentron flex
station.
The research strengths of the Department’s faculty are in
pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology providing
ample collaboration. This includes pharmacokinetics, drug
metabolism, PK/PD modeling, drug delivery, formulations, lead
optimization, chemical biology, and molecular/cellular/in vivo
pharmacology. Therapeutic areas of drug discovery and development
interest include cancer, immunology, neuroscience, renal, skeletal
muscle, cardiovascular, infectious diseases, bone, and substance
use disorders. However, candidates with interest in other
therapeutic areas are encouraged to apply.
We seek candidates who demonstrate high potential for
groundbreaking research, a strong commitment to graduate and
professional education, and an eagerness to collaborate within the
University of Houston's strategic research priority in Health. A
proven record of scholarly productivity, prior research funding,
and a well-defined strategy for securing extramural support will be
considered favorably, with preference given to applicants who show
a strong track record or exceptional potential for attracting
extramural funding.
Interested individuals should provide: (1) a cover
letter containing a brief statement of how their research program
will synergize with the Department, especially that of the
pharmaceutics or medicinal chemistry discipline and any special
dedicated facility requirements, (2) a statement of research
accomplishments and future research goals, (3) a standalone
document on funding (current, prior and pending), (4) a statement
of teaching expertise, philosophy, and interests, (5) a curriculum
vitae, and (6) contact information for three references. Review of
applications will begin immediately and continue until the position
is filled.
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-Designated Tier 1 public
research university and a member institution of the world-renowned
Texas Medical Center (TMC), which houses major academic research
programs in cancer, genetics, and neuroscience with a significant
focus on translational research. The TMC also provides excellent
opportunities for collaborative biomedical research. With over
48,000 students, UH offers a comprehensive range of programs across
15 colleges, fostering innovation in fields such as energy, health,
hospitality, business, education, law, STEM, and the humanities.
Boasting top-tier faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, student
success initiatives, and a strong commitment to community
engagement, UH prepares students to thrive in a globally
interconnected world while contributing impactful research and
innovation to the region and beyond.
The University's prime location in America's fourth-largest city
supports extensive industry partnerships and experiential learning
opportunities. Renowned for its Texas Medical Center, energy
industry and NASA's Space Center, Houston is home to a vibrant
cultural scene with world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants.
Houston thrives as a hub for innovation, education, and arts,
fostering a unique blend of community charm and modern
progress.
Qualifications:
Eligible candidates must have earned a doctoral degree or
equivalent degree in related discipline with relevant postdoctoral
experience, an excellent publication record, scholarly
productivity, and high potential to develop an extramurally funded
research program. Salary commensurate with experience.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain a strong, extramurally funded, independent
research program.
• Teach the Pharm D. professional program and graduate programs at
the College of Pharmacy.
• Engage in services at Department, College, and University
committees. Provide external services in community, and
professional organizations.
• Supervise graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in
research.
Employees are expected to have a home address in the state of
Texas for the duration of their appointments.
Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and
will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.
All positions at the University of Houston-System are security
sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals
conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e.,
communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems,
electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water
treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the
security and integrity of the research is maintained.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal
Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.
