Margaret and Herman Sokol Endowed Chair of Medicinal Chemistry

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• •Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• •The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• •Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• •In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years . You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Montclair State University invites applications for an endowed faculty position: the Margaret and Herman Sokol Endowed Chair of Medicinal Chemistry . This appointment offers opportunities to advance impactful research as part of the Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences.

We seek an individual whose vision of academic leadership integrates cutting-edge scientific discovery with student success, career preparation, and societal impact. Candidates must have a distinguished record of either scholarly achievement, including demonstrated success in developing and sustaining impactful, externally funded research programs, or scientific leadership and significant impact in industry. A commitment to excellence in education and the training and development of future scientists is essential.

The Endowed Chair of Medicinal Chemistry is intended for a scholar whose research is focused on the biological activity of organic compounds and includes a significant organic synthesis component. They will be expected to maintain a nationally recognized program of scholarship and innovation while contributing to the academic mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry through undergraduate and graduate teaching, service, and student mentorship. The successful candidate will be placed simultaneously in a tenure-track faculty position at the rank appropriate to his or her experience and qualifications. Tenure upon appointment may be available to candidates whose qualifications are consistent with university standards. Appointment to the Endowed Chair is for a five-year term, eligible for renewal subject to a performance review. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to serve as the Director of the Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences.

The position is intended for an accomplished scholar with credentials appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, or closely related field. Applicants should demonstrate excellence in research, teaching and/or mentoring and be able to contribute to the University's mission.

TEACHING: The successful candidate will be a member of the department's organic chemistry faculty group and will contribute to the department's organic chemistry teaching and curriculum development. The standard annual load for tenure-track faculty is 12 teaching credit hours (TCH) a semester, with reassigned time (course release) available for faculty with additional responsibilities such as mentoring doctoral faculty or administering programs, as described above. Faculty are expected to center student success and measurable learning outcomes through clear course design, inclusive pedagogies, and the integration of emerging disciplinary and pedagogical developments. Responsibilities include classroom instruction, student mentoring and advising, and developing and updating courses and curricula aligned with student demands and institutional strategic priorities.

RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP, AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY: Faculty are expected to be productive scholars or artists whose work embodies formal inquiry or creative expression that expands, enhances, or applies knowledge. Research results must be shared in significant national and/or international scholarly or artistic venues following rigorous review. The University supports these endeavors through the Faculty Scholarship Program (FSP), which typically provides research-active faculty with up to 3 TCH of reassigned time per semester to pursue their scholarly agenda. The Sokol Professorships include an additional 3 TCH of reassigned time per semester to pursue research. Therefore, the maximum teaching load is 6 TCH per semester.

SERVICE: Faculty members are expected to perform valuable service to the department, college/school, university, and professional communities. This includes participating in shared governance, academic program vitality, and sharing professional expertise within and beyond the University. Service activities are separate and distinct from the specific assignments for which faculty members receive course release.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Montclair State University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in chemistry and related fields. Undergraduate students can pursue degree options including an American Chemical Society-certified BS in Chemistry, a BS in Biochemistry, a BS in Chemistry with teacher certification, a BS in Chemistry with business concentration, and a BS/PharmD articulation program with Rutgers University. Graduate students can pursue an MS in Chemistry, an MS in Chemistry with a Biochemistry Concentration, or an MS in Pharmaceutical Biochemistry.

The department emphasizes hands-on learning and research, providing students with opportunities to apply and go beyond their classroom knowledge in cutting-edge projects throughout the academic year and summer. The department maintains a small-school community feel among our majors while educating a large, diverse student body. Our faculty work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment that yields personal growth and high-quality educational opportunities for our students, many of whom are first-generation college students and / or from groups traditionally underrepresented in chemistry and other STEM fields. Recent graduates from the department have a track record of success enrolling in prestigious PhD programs in chemistry, medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, and finding employment with a variety of companies. The department is committed to the success of teaching faculty by providing faculty peer support, collaboration, and opportunities for professional development to support their long-term success at the university.

Mission of The Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences: Established in 2007 within the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University, the Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences advances research and innovation aimed at addressing global health challenges. The Institute fosters transdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, students, academic partners, and industry researchers across fields including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry, natural products chemistry, molecular biology, computational sciences, and environmental toxicology. It also supports research in emerging areas such as biomaterials, biopolymers, and nanotechnology. The Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences conducts multidisciplinary research in chemistry and biology aimed at advancing human health. Faculty, students, and research staff collaborate across disciplines to drive scientific discovery w