Type: Full-Time
Salary: Rank and salary commensurate with experience; minimum $90,000 for Assistant Professor
Posted: 12/04/2025
Application Due: 01/20/2026
Category: Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Assistant/Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry

South Dakota State University (SDSU)
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences – Brookings, South Dakota

South Dakota State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry within the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. This is a 9-month, 100%-time, benefit-eligible appointment reporting to the Department Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

This position is part of a broader faculty hiring initiative. SDSU is also conducting a parallel search for an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics. Candidates whose expertise intersects both areas are encouraged to apply to one or both positions.

About SDSU

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest and most comprehensive university, with:

• Over $94 million in annual research expenditures

• More than 200 academic programs

• Approximately 12,000 students

SDSU is located in Brookings, a vibrant and welcoming community offering abundant activities for families, students, young professionals, and retirees.

About the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Department fosters a collaborative, research-intensive environment focused on drug discovery, delivery, and development (3Ds). It is home to the Haarberg 3D Center for Excellence in Drug Development, offering:

• State-of-the-art facilities

• Interdisciplinary research opportunities in cancer, infectious diseases, immunology, neurological disorders, and ocular diseases

• M.S., Ph.D., and Pharm.D. programs designed to prepare graduates for academia, industry, and regulatory careers

Faculty benefit from a supportive culture that values mentorship, innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach core Medicinal Chemistry courses in Pharm.D., M.S., and Ph.D. programs

• Develop and maintain an active, externally funded research program in drug discovery, with focus areas such as:

  • AI/ML-driven drug discovery

  • Medicinal chemistry

  • Polymer chemistry

  • Chemical biology

• Maintain a strong, high-impact publication record

• Mentor and supervise graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers

• Serve as Graduate Program Coordinator for M.S. and Ph.D. programs (10–20% effort)

• Contribute to curriculum design, review, and assessment

• Participate in university, college, and professional service activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a closely related field (degree must be completed by start date)

• Demonstrated ability or potential to establish a competitive, externally funded research program in the U.S.

• Evidence of strong research productivity or potential for high-impact publications

• Ability or potential to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the U.S.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or potential to contribute to graduate program leadership

• Expertise in AI/ML-driven drug discovery, polymer chemistry, or chemical biology

Salary & Benefits

• Salary and faculty rank commensurate with experience; minimum $90,000 for Assistant Professor

• Comprehensive benefits, including:

  • Medical, dental, and flexible benefits

  • Retirement plan with 6% matching

  • 9.34 hours of sick leave per month

  • Eleven paid holidays

  • Professional development and training opportunities

  • Reduced tuition at all South Dakota public institutions

  • Relocation benefits (per university guidelines)

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online at:
https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu
Search by the position title, open the job announcement, and select “Apply for this job.”

Required documents:

• Cover letter addressing position qualifications

• Curriculum vitae

• Contact information for three professional references

Email applications are not accepted.

For assistance with the application system: SDSU Human Resources – (605) 688-4128

Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

• Employment is contingent upon successful background check and credential verification

• SDSU is a tobacco-free and drug-free workplace (Policy 4:14)

• Direct questions to:
  Hemachand Tummala
  Email: hemachand.tummala@sdstate.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University is committed to providing access and opportunity for all. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category.

Accommodation requests may be made via HR@sdstate.edu.
Concerns regarding discrimination may be directed to:
Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources
Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007
Phone: 605-688-4128