The 2019 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List: 401 positions

The 2019 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List (curated by Andrew Spaeth and myself) has 401 positions.

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

On October 17, 2017, the 2018 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 354 positions. The latest weather report for the Faculty Jobs List is here.

Interested in how this is tracking overall? Check out these sweet graphics done by Andrew Spaeth.

Want to see pre-September discussion? Check out the pre-September open thread. Current discussion is on the September open thread. 

Otherwise, all discussions are on the Chemistry Faculty Jobs List webforum.

Postdoctoral position: Sletten Group, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA

From the inbox:

Postdoctoral Associate Position in Chemical Biology
Sletten Group, University of California, Los Angeles 

Project Description: We have a position available to work at the interface of chemistry and biology to develop new tools to probe biomolecules, with ultimate implications in the detection and treatment of disease. Specific project details will be tailored to the skillsets and interests of the postdoctoral associate. 

Qualifications: This position is for a postdoctoral associate and applicants must have a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biomedical Engineering or other similar degree by the agreed upon start date of the position. A track record of critical thinking and solving complex problems with a high degree of scientific rigor is the most important qualification. Preference will be give to candidates with a strong synthetic chemistry background as most projects within the group begin with organic synthesis. However, expertise in macromolecules, organic nanomaterials, microscopy and animal imaging are relevant to the group and applications in these areas are also encouraged. 

How to Apply: To apply, please send a cover letter, cv, and research summary to Prof. Sletten (Sletten@chem.ucla.edu). The position will remain open until filled. It is available immediately but start dates are open for discussion with Prof. Sletten.

Full ad here. Best wishes to those interested. 

Faculty position: assistant professor, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, St. Joseph, MN

From the inbox:

The Chemistry Department at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University invites applications for a tenure track position to begin in August 2019.  The successful candidate will join a cohort in teaching principles of reactivity across inorganic, organic and biological chemistry as part of our innovative curriculum (https://www.csbsju.edu/chemistry/our-curriculum). Applicants must have a PhD in chemistry and should be able to contribute to in-depth teaching in the area of chemical biology or biochemistry.  Postdoctoral experience is preferred.  

The successful candidate will be supported through departmental mentoring and training to develop inclusive and interactive pedagogy as well as an externally funded research program for undergraduates.  Strong candidates will therefore demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduates, an ability to reach diverse learners in small class and laboratory settings, strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to provide constructive feedback and a desire to work as a team across multi-section courses and labs.

The chemistry faculty form a diverse and collaborative 12-member department with an active research program featuring modern facilities, robust instrumentation, and cross-disciplinary interests.  Approximately 40 chemistry and biochemistry majors graduate each year.

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB), a liberal arts college for women, and Saint John's University (SJU), a liberal arts college for men, are located in the central lakes area of Minnesota, surrounded by more than 3,000 acres of pristine forests, prairies, and lakes. The campuses are minutes away from St. Cloud, an increasingly diverse regional center with a population of over 100,000, and 70 miles from Minneapolis and St. Paul.  Some CSB/SJU faculty and staff choose to reside locally, while others commute from the Twin Cities.  Both St. Cloud and the Twin Cities offer a wide range of fine arts, cultural, dining, recreational, and sporting opportunities....

Evaluation of applicants will begin November 8, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. Full ad here. (PDF here.) Best wishes to those interested.

Postdoctoral position: postdoc, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL

From the inbox:

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Chemical Informatics/Data Science 

The Department of Chemistry at UNF invites applications for one postdoctoral research associate (position # 510200) to work under Dr. Stuart Chalk on NSF Grant 1835643 (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1835643), to begin employment on January 1, 2019. A Ph.D. in Chemistry or related discipline, a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, and a background in data science are required. Candidates must be interested in undergraduate teaching and research in their discipline area and in data science. Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2018. For more information please see http://bit.ly/2xgy3ui. 

The university particularly encourages applications from women and minorities. UNF is an Equal Opportunity/ Equal Access, and Affirmative Action institution.

Best wishes to those interested.  

Postdoctoral position: Axelrod Lab, synthesis, West Lafayette, IN

From the inbox: 

Post-doctoral Position Available for Small-Molecule Synthesis or Oligosaccharide Synthesis in Translationally Directed Chemistry Research 

The research group of Dr. Abram Axelrod in the department of Chemistry and the department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Purdue University is seeking a post-doctoral researcher skilled in either small-molecule synthesis or carbohydrate chemistry. We are a synthetic organic chemistry group focused on translational immuno-oncology research, pursuing the synthesis of both immunomodulatory and anti-cancer compounds which will allow us to interrogate their biology and advance their potential as pharmacological tools and therapeutics. 

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in organic chemistry with experience in either total synthesis or oligosaccharide work (preferably both), and a proven track record of accomplishments in the laboratory demonstrated through publications. Required experience includes strong capabilities in multi-step synthesis, analytical techniques and characterization, good organizational, communication, and record- keeping habits. Experience in enzymatic transformations is a plus. In addition to research, other responsibilities will include mentoring students and junior lab members, and assisting manuscript preparation. The candidate will have access to world-class instrumentation and new facilities supporting their research, and be part of a dynamic atmosphere in a close-knit team of researchers. The position offers competitive salary and benefits. The successful applicant will be assessed on their productivity on an annual basis with the option of a yearly renewal if agreed upon by both parties. 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV with research summary to aaxelro@purdue.edu, and arrange for 3 letters of reference from individuals familiar with the candidate’s experience, accomplishments, and potential. The position is open immediately, but the start date is flexible.

Full ad is here. Best wishes to those interested. 

The Chemical Engineering Faculty Jobs List: 44 positions

The Chemical Engineering Faculty Jobs List has 44 positions. It is curated by Lilian Josephson (@lljosephson). 

The Academic Staff Jobs List: 20 positions

The Academic Staff Jobs list has 20 positions.

This list is curated by Sarah Cady. It targets:

• Full-time STAFF positions in a Chem/Biochem/ChemE lab/facility at an academic institution/natl lab
• Lab Coordinator positions for research groups or undergraduate labs 
• and for an institution in Canada or the United States

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

Want to chat about staff scientist positions? Try the open thread.

View From Your Hood (?): early evening Madrid edition

Congreso de los Diputados (the Congress of the Deputies), the lower house of the Spanish national legislature.

(got a View from Your Hood submission? Send it in (with a caption and preference for name/anonymity, please) at chemjobber@gmail.com; will run every other Friday.)

STEM shortage in St. Louis

From my weekly dose of pain (a Google Alert for "STEM shortage), this tidbit from a tech entrepreneur in St. Louis: 

Citing a tremendous demand for programmers, McKelvey said that many people don’t realize that every company these days is a technology company. 

“We definitely have a STEM shortage in the United States and frankly worldwide, but it is profound in the United States,” he said. “We’re trying to hire engineers now at Square in St. Louis and we see the job market, although it’s not as bad as I think it was seven years ago when Jack and I decided not to have a technical office here in St. Louis.” 

While LaunchCode is part of the solution as well as developments in the Cortex Innovation District, the tech shortage remains acute in the area. 

“There is a huge tech shortage,” McKelvey said. “It is so huge that literally it is constraining the growth of every corporation in St. Louis.”

Literally! Constraining! The Growth! (allow me to be a tiny bit skeptical of this)  

For FIT anon

You can't assert "this will be a tenure track position" without some kind of documented proof. Send me a link to the new policy or a screenshot of an internal e-mail and I'll believe you (chemjobber@gmail.com) The ad itself does not say the word "tenure", therefore, I require this additional proof. 

The Medicinal Chemist Jobs List: 223 positions

The Medicinal Chemist Jobs list (curated by Joel Walker and myself) has 223 positions.

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions, but if you want to do the traditional "leave a link in the comments", that works, too.

Want to chat about medchem positions? Try the open thread.

Positions I'm not including: positions outside the United States, computational positions (this will likely change), academic positions (likely never.)

The Analytical Chemistry Jobs List: 7 positions

The Analytical Chemistry Jobs List has 7 positions; this is curated by the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry. Want to help out? Fill out this form. 

11 new positions at Organic Chemistry Jobs

Over at Common Organic Chemistry, there's 11 new positions posted for October 7.

The Computational Drug Discovery Chemistry Jobs List: 32 positions

The Computational Drug Discovery Chemistry Jobs List has 32 positions. This list is curated by Joel Walker. 

The Process Chemistry Jobs List: 231 positions

The Process Chemistry Jobs List has 231 positions.

Want to help? Here's a form to fill out.

Want to chat process jobs? Try the open thread. 

The 2019 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List: 377 positions

The 2019 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List (curated by Andrew Spaeth and myself) has 377 positions.

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

On October 10, 2017, the 2018 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List had 331 positions.

Interested in how this is tracking overall? Check out these sweet graphics done by Andrew Spaeth.

Want to see pre-September discussion? Check out the pre-September open thread. Current discussion is on the September open thread. 

Otherwise, all discussions are on the Chemistry Faculty Jobs List webforum.

The Chemical Engineering Faculty Jobs List: 43 positions

The Chemical Engineering Faculty Jobs List has 43 positions. It is curated by Lilian Josephson (@lljosephson). 

Faculty positions: physical and multidisciplinary, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

From the inbox, two faculty positions at Oregon State University:

Multidisciplinary: We invite applications for one full-time (1.0 FTE), 9-month, tenure-track position to develop a multidisciplinary research and education program that addresses challenging problems in energy, health, or the environment. Preferred candidates will have a research focus in analytical, inorganic/materials, and/or organic chemistry. To review and apply to posting, go to: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/65608 

Physical: We invite applications for one full-time (1.0 FTE), 9-month, tenure-track position to develop a strong research program in physical chemistry. Some areas of interest include the use of existing or new experimental methods to study biomolecules or materials (surfaces, interfaces, and/or solids), or advancing new theoretical frames of analysis and modeling. To review and apply to posting, go to: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/65609

Both positions have a November 15 priority date. Best wishes to those interested. 

Faculty position: physical chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

From the inbox:

Assistant or Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte 

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte seeks applications and nominations for a tenure-track or tenured position in experimental Physical Chemistry, broadly defined, at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. The successful applicant is expected to engage in the academic community of the Department of Chemistry and the interdisciplinary Nanoscale Science Ph.D. program. For appointment at the Assistant Professor level, candidates are expected to be prepared to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program involving undergraduate and graduate students; and to teach undergraduate physical chemistry courses, and relevant courses at the graduate level.  

For appointment at the Associate Professor level, candidates are expected to have already established a productive, externally-funded research program; and be prepared to teach undergraduate physical chemistry courses, and relevant courses at the graduate level. We especially welcome applications from candidates who will collaborate in research and educational initiatives with colleagues in the Chemistry Department and other units on campus, and who will incorporate diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their work as a faculty member.

Full ad here. Priority date is November 1, 2018. Best wishes to those interested. 

Postdoctoral position: Martin Lab, Baylor University, Waco, TX

From the inbox:

A Post-Doctoral position in the Martin Lab at Baylor University is available in the area of synthetic organometallic chemistry. 

We are seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral researcher to join our research group.
The research will be focused on exploring the chemistry of new boron complexes. The project is synthetically demanding and requires expertise in air/moisture sensitive manipulations in addition to the spectroscopic and analytical techniques associated with characterizing new compounds. The duties will also include assisting in the mentoring of students (undergraduate and graduate) and composition of manuscripts. Please see http://sites.baylor.edu/caleb_d_martin for more information about the group. 

Interested applicants should contact Caleb Martin as soon as possible by e-mail (caleb_d_martin@baylor.edu). Please include a CV and contact information of at least two references. The appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal. The start date is flexible, however, funds are available immediately. The review of applications will commence as they are received until the position is filled. Compensation will include a salary of $47,476 USD and benefits.

Full ad here. Best wishes to those interested. 

The Academic Staff Jobs List: 24 positions

The Academic Staff Jobs list has 24 positions.

This list is curated by Sarah Cady. It targets:

• Full-time STAFF positions in a Chem/Biochem/ChemE lab/facility at an academic institution/natl lab
• Lab Coordinator positions for research groups or undergraduate labs 
• and for an institution in Canada or the United States

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

Want to chat about staff scientist positions? Try the open thread.

Chemistry experiments injure two kids in New York City

Via WABC:

MORRISANIA, Bronx (WABC) -- Two students were injured during a science experiment at their school in the Bronx Friday. 

Authorities say the students were burned in the chemistry lab just after 1:30 p.m. at the Bronx International High School in the Morrisania section. 

According to officials, vapors from a bottle of uncorked alcohol flashed over, sending the students to the hospital with third-degree burns. 

The 17-year-old and 15-year-old victims, both girls, suffered burns to their faces, arms and hands. 

They were creating what is called a carbon sugar snake, when flames are applied to sugar and baking soda soaked in some type of flammable liquid. The reaction causes a solid material that resembles a snake to rise out of the mixture. 

Fire officials say the problem occurred when the fumes from solvent that was used -- alcohol -- ignited. 

"The alcohol that was in the bottle, somehow the vapors, I think they left the cap off, the vapors escaped from the bottle and it migrated across the table," a FDNY official said. "And when it did, it made contact with the fire that was already burning, and it flashed across and got the two students." The girls are said to be in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

 It'd be interesting to know what the size of the bottle was. 

A succinct reminder of relevant Harran/Sangji facts

The comments in Jyllian Kemsley's article about the conclusion of the legal proceedings around Professor Harran's deferred prosecution are the usual mix of informed speculation and (very) uninformed opinion. I agree with much of this comment from safety consultant Neal Langerman (scroll to the bottom): 

I am appalled by the opinions based on ignoring well-published facts. Jyllian Kemsley has done outstanding factual reporting of this entire story. Please go to the SAFETY ZONE and read the entire background before you develop and vocalize an opinion.

1. Sheri was an employee, NOT A STUDENT. Thus, Cal/OSHA had jurisdiction.
2. Sheri was hired to assist the lab in purchasing and installing Agilent instrumentation, with which she had extensive experience as an undergrad.
3. While she had little experience with organic synthesis, she asked for and was given by Prof. Harran a synthetic project to work on in addition to her instrumentation work.
4. She received no documented training of any type on handling tBuLi. Professor Harran did watch her handle an air-sensitive catalyst successfully, before turning her loose on the tBuLi project.
5. Professor Harran was in the building the day of the fire and had instructed her to perform a 3-fold scale-up of the reaction she had done in October. He was in his office at the time of the fire.

K. P. Jamison (September 26, 2018 2:37 PM) asked if any "modelling" was done regarding outcomes if other PPE had been worn. Yes, though until today it has never been discussed. During the investigation, with the actual medical records in hand, we considered how events might have played out if she had been wearing an FR lab coat as well as all cotton clothing and various other options. While skin burns likely would have been reduced, the pulmonary injuries likely would have been the same. We never definitively decided if an FR lab coat would have changed the ultimate outcome. 

Bottom line: The PI is the "Captain of the Ship" and is ultimately responsible for all events on the ship. As a long-retired PI, I say to anyone in that position, you are responsible for your people. Protect them as if they were your children and family.

I think my only potential quibble is to the extent to which it is true that American PIs are treated as "the captains of their ship" and "ultimately responsible" for the outcomes in their laboratories. As a ideal, I think it's a good one.

The extent to which, for example, the US Navy holds its ship captains responsible for events under their command and how "loss of confidence" means a constant stream (one a week? one a month?) of fired Navy ship captains - that's certainly not the case for US science academia. Rather than court-martial by UCLA prosecuting authorities, Professor Harran was defended to the utmost against the Los Angeles District Attorney by his institution, including the Regents of the University of California taking on much of the legal responsibility for what happened in the Harran laboratory. Quite a difference, there. 

Passports

A list of small, useful things (links):

• The latest from Stellen für Chemiker
• The latest from All Things Metathesis
• Th'Gaussling on RPN calculators
• this is the calculator style I grew up with
• Th'Gaussling on teaching about reactive hazards
• Kat Day on the Tollens test
• Sam Lord with his Nobel predictions
• Job simulations at university career centers? (article by Katie Langin)
• Ash on the Nobel Prize
• Sustainable Nano on nucleation

An open invitation to all interested in writing a blog, a hobby that will bring you millions thousands hundreds tens of dollars joy and happiness. Send me a link to your post, and I'd be happy to put it up.

Have a good weekend!

How are things in Canada for pharma chemists?

Via Twitter, Professor Mark Lautens writes an interesting article in The Globe and Mail about STEM Ph.D.s and the Canadian life sciences industry. I found this section worthy of comment:

Let me give a specific and ultimately encouraging example of the resilience a PhD can offer. The global pharmaceutical industry was growing in Canada over a two-decade period and then hit a wall about 10 years ago. Many Canadian research sites, primarily based in Quebec, closed, in spite of considerable success in drug discovery. Dozens of highly trained chemists, pharmacologists and biologists were suddenly forced to leave the area, the country or the field. It was infuriating. 

Fortunately, ambitious entrepreneurs emerged and joined with the STEM PhDs to build contract research organizations (CRO), which partner with big and small biotech and pharma firms. They do the research and make the discoveries, while the firms take the risk. The talent stayed and built new businesses that are growing at phenomenal rates. Now, hundreds of PhD and MSc STEM researchers are working in profitable Canadian-owned businesses spread across the country. Out of the dust rose many made-in-Canada firms. Even better, these CROs bring money into our economy and export value-added products. 

These jobs are incredibly exciting and abundant. They range from trying to hunt down the latest disease treatment to finding a way to produce a potential drug on sufficient scale for clinical testing. These enormous challenges bring everyone from biologists to chemists to engineers together in collaboration.

Here's my comments and questions on Twitter, and here's Professor Lautens' response. Suffice it to say that I don't think there is a lot of statistical data to back up Professor Lautens' case, even as overall, I agree with him, things are doing better for Canadian pharma scientists. I don't think there is much more ground to be covered there, but I have two questions for the readers:

• What is your opinion on where both the Quebec life sciences industry has been, and, more broadly, where is Canadian pharma now? 
• What is the best statistical data that you have to back up your case? 

Readers, five shiny Canadian loonies to the answers I like the best. 

The Medicinal Chemist Jobs List: 222 positions

The Medicinal Chemist Jobs list (curated by Joel Walker and myself) has 222 positions.

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions, but if you want to do the traditional "leave a link in the comments", that works, too.

Want to chat about medchem positions? Try the open thread.

Positions I'm not including: positions outside the United States, computational positions (this will likely change), academic positions (likely never.)

The Analytical Chemistry Jobs List: 7 positions

The Analytical Chemistry Jobs List has 7 positions; this is curated by the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry. Want to help out? Fill out this form. 

19 new positions at Organic Chemistry Jobs

Over at Common Organic Chemistry, there's 19 new positions posted for October 1.

The Computational Drug Discovery Chemistry Jobs List: 32 positions

The Computational Drug Discovery Chemistry Jobs List has 32 positions. This list is curated by Joel Walker. 

The Process Chemistry Jobs List: 226 positions

The Process Chemistry Jobs List has 226 positions.

Want to help? Here's a form to fill out.

Want to chat process jobs? Try the open thread.