Positions Available

The Department of Chemistry currently has four (4) open positions:

Laboratory Research Professional, Department of Chemistry

Assistant Director for Academic Programs, Department of Chemistry

Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry

Student Administrative Support Assistant (Student Wage), Department of Chemistry

1. Laboratory Research Professional, Department of Chemistry

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia | Category: Research | Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America | Job Id: R0087106 | Job Posting: Laboratory Research Professional, Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia seeks a Laboratory Research Professional (J1885) to provide support for undergraduate laboratory courses conducted in the evenings. The primary responsibility will be supporting evening undergraduate labs in organic and general chemistry. This position will also support upper-level biochemistry, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry labs as needed. The individual will be joining a team of three other lab coordinators who will work together to cover all instruction labs as needed. For more information, please visit: https://chemistry.as.virginia.edu/

Responsibilities

Prepare chemistry instructional labs per course materials.
Prepare chemical solutions, including buffer solutions, acid/base solutions, and organic solutions.
Maintenance of laboratory equipment including analytical instrumentation (GC/MS, LC/MS, FTIR, NMR, Microwave reactor, Plate Readers, UV/Vis spectrometers, Glovebox), balances, pH meters, ovens and centrifuges. Schedule and maintain maintenance records of equipment/facilities. May assemble, test, calibrate, clean, or make minor repairs to equipment
Management of glassware and consumable lab supplies, including beakers, flasks, and other typical glassware.
Prepare specialized equipment, apparatus and solutions for specific laboratory sessions.
Cleanup activities following laboratory sessions
Management and disposal of waste (including hazardous) materials following laboratory sessions.
Stockroom duties to include glassware washing, chemical inventory control, general cleaning, waste management, and other duties as assigned.
Provide general oversight during laboratory sessions.
Monitor student compliance with good safety practices, including proper clothing (long sleeves, long pants, no exposed skin except for hands and face), lab coats, gloves and goggles.
Maintain laboratory computers and projection equipment.
Monitor for laboratory accidents and illnesses, including directing students to University Department of Student Health or other medical facilities as needed
Provide feedback to instructional faculty in formulating instructional procedures, suggesting options for improving student success, and recommending solutions.
Oversee day-to-day operation of instructional labs.
Train users in equipment operation; explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, limitations, and outcomes.
May oversee undergraduate instructional assistants and graduate teaching assistants during lab sessions.
Attend weekly meetings of teaching assistants and/or other lab coordinators.
Crosstrain in the preparation and operation of the introductory general chemistry and organic chemistry labs.
In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

Successful completion of a two-semester university-level course in introductory chemistry
Successful completion of a two-semester university-level course in organic chemistry
Ability to use Microsoft Windows software is a must
Familiarity with a variety of instrumentation software packages is a plus

Physical Demands

These positions can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while preparing experiments.

Salary Range

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after September 7, 2026

Additional Requirements

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0087106

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Complete an application with the following documents:

Resume
Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required. 

Contact

For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

2. Assistant Director for Academic Programs, Department of Chemistry

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia | Category: Student Services, Health, & Wellness | Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America | Job Id: R0086060 | Job Posting: Assistant Director for Academic Programs, Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia seeks an Assistant Director for Academic Programs. This Student Programs Administrator will partner with faculty leadership across the department's undergraduate and graduate programs and to ensure that both populations experience consistent, well-run administration and an exceptional student experience. The Assistant Director for Academic Programs serves as the primary support and strategic partner to the Director of Undergraduate Programs (DUP) and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), balancing strategic program ownership with hands-on execution and functioning as the department's key point of accountability for how both programs operate.

Candidate Profile

You are seeking an academic programs role because you believe in the value of a rigorous, well-supported education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. You bring experience in higher education administration and understand how the undergraduate and graduate student experience differs and that they both need guidance, structure, and timely support. You hold the full arc of the student experience in mind, from the incoming chemistry major choosing a course sequence to the doctoral candidate preparing for a defense. You balance consistency with judgment, applying policy fairly while recognizing when a student's circumstances call for flexibility or escalation.

You build systems rather than simply process paperwork. You convert data on enrollment, time to degree, and milestone completion into actionable information for leadership, identifying trends and risks before they surface elsewhere. You move fluidly between programs with different calendars, stakeholders, and seasonal rhythms, and you know how to prioritize when they compete for your attention. You represent the department capably to central offices — including the Registrar, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Admissions, and the International Studies Office — and you know when a matter can be resolved directly and when it requires faculty involvement.

What You Bring

Exceptional written and verbal communication, and the professional presence to represent both programs credibly to students, faculty, and central university offices
Experience in higher education administration, with demonstrated ownership of academic programs at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
The ability to interpret and apply university, school, and departmental policy with sound, independent judgment
Direct experience supporting students through advising coordination, admissions, onboarding, and milestone progression
A student-centered orientation that extends across program types and levels
Comfort working across institutional partners and building relationships with central offices
Strong data literacy, including the ability to monitor program health, interpret trends, and use evidence to drive continuous improvement
Experience designing or improving administrative processes and systems, rather than only executing those that are handed down

Key Areas of Responsibility

Program Management and Student Success

Serve as the primary support and strategic partner to the Director of Undergraduate Programs and the Director of Graduate Studies.
Oversee admissions cycle operations for graduate applicants and support the declaration process for undergraduate majors and minors, from first contact through enrollment. This role coordinates and supports declaration logistics; it does not replace faculty advisors for individual major/minor advising.
Maintain the authoritative record of student progress for undergraduate majors and minors and for PhD and MS students, flagging students at risk of falling behind in either population.
Track and support degree-completion requirements and processes for graduate students — including graduation applications, required forms, and associated approvals — and support planning for a joint graduation/commencement recognition for both programs.
Serve as the department's point of coordination with the International Studies Office on visa and compliance matters for international graduate students.
Own new student orientation and onboarding for the graduate program and coordinate onboarding touchpoints for undergraduate majors where departmental programming exists.
Serve as the first point of contact for prospective and current students at both levels, resolving routine matters directly and escalating genuinely ambiguous or high-stakes cases to the appropriate director
Coordinate graduate recruitment events, including recruitment weekend and individual visits.

Assessment, Data, and Continuous Improvement

Monitor program metrics — including graduate and undergraduate enrollment trends, year-over-year trends in declared majors and minors, time to degree, and milestone completion — across both programs.
Identify problems, trends, or risks before they are flagged by others, and bring recommendations, not just reports, to the appropriate director.
Independently produce complex reports and presentations for internal review, accreditation, and assessment purposes.
Design and maintain the internal procedures, timelines, and recordkeeping systems or needs that keep both programs auditable and consistent year over year.

Governance and Faculty Support

Act as the department's authoritative liaison to central offices — including the Registrar and the undergraduate Dean's office for undergraduate matters, and GSAS, ISO, and Admissions for graduate matters — negotiating routine exceptions without requiring faculty involvement.
Function as the primary administrative partner to the Undergraduate Curriculum and Advising Committee and the Graduate Studies Committee, preparing materials and ensuring committee decisions are implemented and documented.
Plan and manage student programming across both populations — including awards, career development, research opportunities, and professional development — as an ongoing portfolio rather than a series of one-off events

Team Leadership

Supervise, mentor, and develop staff supporting the department's academic programs (e.g., an Administrative Coordinator role), fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in service delivery
Set clear expectations, support professional growth, and conduct regular performance evaluations

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
5+ years of relevant experience in higher education administration or academic program management

Preferred Qualifications

2+ years of formal management experience preferred

For additional information about the position, please contact Aaron Noland, Director of Organizational Effectiveness, at whd3vr@virginia.edu  

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The anticipated start date is  September, 2026. The anticipated hiring range is $70,000-$80,000 annually commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt- level, benefited position.  Click here for more information on the benefits at UVA.  

This position will remain open until filled. Review of applicants will begin August 21, 2026 and the position will remain open until filled. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. 

To Apply:  

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0086060. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Complete an application online with the following documents: 

Resume
Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.  

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process, three are required.  

For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter. 

 To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

3. Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia | Category: Faculty | Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America | Job Id: 192031| Job Posting: Assistant Professor of Chemistry

The University of Virginia’s Department of Chemistry, a leading department for interdisciplinary and collaborative research, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in physical chemistry, with an emphasis on theoretical and computational approaches to catalysis and energy science. The position, expected to begin August 10, 2027, is part of the University of Virginia’s strategic investment in the Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals (CICLEC) and its broader efforts in energy, sustainability, and data-enabled scientific discovery.

We seek candidates developing innovative theoretical and computational approaches to understand, predict, and design chemical reactivity and transformation. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to, computational catalysis, quantum-chemical modeling, electronic structure calculations, molecular simulation, reaction dynamics, multiscale modeling, microkinetic modeling, digital twins and prediction of spectroscopic observables, machine learning and artificial intelligence for chemistry, and data-driven or autonomous approaches to catalyst and materials discovery. Candidates whose research addresses important challenges in heterogeneous, homogeneous, or electrocatalysis; interfacial and surface chemistry; energy conversion and storage; sustainable fuels and chemicals; or related areas of energy science are particularly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will establish a creative, internationally recognized, and independently funded research program and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in physical chemistry and related areas. The teaching load is one course per semester, and duties also include service to the Department, the University, and the profession.

This new faculty member will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community in the Department of Chemistry, with extensive opportunities for collaboration across the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Medicine, and the School of Data Science. UVA offers a highly collaborative environment spanning fundamental science, computation, artificial intelligence, energy, and translational research. The University continues to invest heavily in STEM research and infrastructure, including a recent $100 million renovation of the Chemistry building, providing outstanding facilities to support cutting-edge research and education.

This new faculty member will also join a vibrant and growing interdisciplinary catalysis community at UVA. The Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals (CICLEC) brings together researchers across Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Environmental Sciences, and related disciplines to develop fundamental advances in catalytic science and sustainable chemical and energy technologies. CICLEC includes expertise spanning catalyst synthesis, molecular and heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, advanced characterization, theory and computation, reactor engineering, and sustainability analysis. More information about the UVA Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals is available at: https://catalysis.research.virginia.edu/

The University of Virginia's 2030 plan recognizes Environmental Resilience and Sustainability as a major societal challenge and an opportunity for multidisciplinary work that draws on our existing strengths. In partnership, the Provost and the deans of various schools are making multiple coordinated faculty recruitments to strengthen the research community focusing on Environmental Resilience and Sustainability across the University. Recruits will receive support from the Provost and from their school and will participate in the Catalysis initiative. This is part of a major Grand Challenges research investment of over $50M in Environmental Resilience and Sustainability.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, candidates must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

The successful candidate will have a record of excellence and innovation in scientific research and a demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates should have expertise in theoretical and/or computational physical chemistry and demonstrate the potential to develop an independent research program addressing fundamental problems in catalysis, chemical reactivity, or energy science.

Expertise in one or more areas including electronic structure and quantum-chemical methods, molecular dynamics, reaction kinetics, multiscale modeling, digital twins and prediction of spectroscopic observables, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or integration of computation with experimental or autonomous discovery platforms is especially welcome. Candidates whose research complements and expands UVA’s existing strengths in catalysis, energy science, and data-driven chemistry are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Candidates should apply via Interfolio . Please attach the following required documents to your application:

Cover letter of interest that includes (1) a summary of your most significant research accomplishments, (2) potential collaborations and/or projects at UVA, particularly opportunities to engage with the UVA Catalysis Initiative for Clean Energy and Chemicals, (3) your teaching interests and experience, and (4) demonstrated experience relevant to the University’s ambition to cultivate the most vibrant community in higher education in order to prepare students to be leaders in a diverse and globally connected world. (2-page single-spaced maximum)
Curriculum vitae that includes contact information for three references.
Research statement describing your past accomplishments and vision for an independent research program at the University of Virginia, including potential opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration (≤ 4 single-spaced pages).
Statement on teaching and scientific mentoring that details your experience, philosophy, and goals for undergraduate and graduate education and mentoring (≤ 2 pages).

Applications that do not have all required components will not receive full consideration.

Review of applications will begin on October 15 and will remain open until filled.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For questions about the position, please contact Sen Zhang, Search Chair, at sz3t@virginia.edu.

Questions about the application process should be directed to Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu

4. Student Administrative Support Assistant (Student Wage), Department of Chemistry

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia | Category: Student Wage | Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America | Job Posting: Student Administrative Support Assistant (Student Wage)

Application Instructions

Within Handshake, click the green "Apply Externally" button. Answer the pre-application questions within Handshake and click the green "Step 2: External Applications" button. This will re-direct you to the Workday Student Opportunities page, where you will see the job description details. Please click the orange "Apply" button. If this is your first time applying to a job through Workday, you will need to create an applicant account, otherwise, sign into Workday to complete your application and to upload any supplemental application materials.

Your application IS NOT COMPLETE until you have applied through Workday.

Job Description

Student Administrative Support Assistant
Department of Chemistry | UVA
💰 $13/hour | 🕒 5-10 hrs/week | 📅 Flexible Around Your Classes

Want to get paid and leave with stronger professional skills, resume-worthy experience, and a better understanding of how a large university department operates?

Join the Chemistry Department! We are looking for an organized student to assist with communications, scheduling, and day-to-day department operations.

Open to all UVA undergraduate and graduate students. No chemistry experience required. 🧪✨

What You'll Do

Assist with department communications
Support events, seminars, and special projects
Assist with organizing information, materials, and logistics
Contribute to projects that keep the department running smoothly

We're Looking For Someone Who Is

✅ Organized and detail-oriented
✅ A strong communicator
✅ Comfortable using Microsoft 365 tools
✅ Reliable, professional, and proactive

Why Apply?

Build skills you can put on your resume
Gain professional office experience
Flexible hours that work around your schedule
Work on projects that make an impact

To Apply

Please submit:

Resume
Cover Letter (tell us about yourself and your availability)

Application Instructions

Your application IS NOT COMPLETE until you have applied through Workday.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Current UVA undergraduate or graduate student

Experience: No prior experience required. Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability preferred.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 applications
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Licensure: None

Preferred Requirements

Previous experience in an office, customer service, administrative, or student leadership role
Experience with Outlook calendaring, scheduling, or event coordination
Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Excel, or Canva
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Ability to work independently while maintaining accuracy and professionalism

Physical Demands

This position is primarily sedentary and involves regular use of computers and standard office equipment. The role may also require occasional walking, standing, lifting, and transporting materials in support of departmental meetings, events, and programs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

For questions about the position, please contact Sabrina Juliano, Hiring Manager, at jef5hs@virginia.edu.