Assistant Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology

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The Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy in the College of Pharmacy at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level.

This position is part of Ohio State’s university-wide AI (X) Hub, a multidisciplinary initiative that brings together researchers across 15 colleges to advance artificial intelligence for the public good. The AI (X) Hub is expanding the university’s research community through the recruitment of 100 AI-focused faculty members and is organized around six strategic pillars, including AI for Health.

We seek an innovative scientist who will establish an independent, externally funded research program that harnesses artificial intelligence to advance drug discovery and therapeutic development. The successful candidate will apply approaches such as machine learning, deep learning, generative modeling, and other emerging computational methods to address fundamental and translational challenges in the pharmaceutical sciences.

We welcome applicants whose research focuses on one or more of the following areas:

• Small-molecule drug discovery: AI-enabled molecular design and optimization, virtual screening, and prediction of efficacy, toxicity, ADME, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties.

• Protein and peptide design: Computational approaches to de novo design, structure and function prediction, and optimization of therapeutic proteins and peptides.

• Chemical biology: AI-enabled design and application of chemical probes to interrogate biological systems, elucidate mechanisms of action, validate therapeutic targets, and advance drug discovery.

• Biosynthetic engineering: AI-enabled design, optimization, and engineering of biosynthetic pathways, enzymes, and microbial or cellular systems for the discovery and production of natural products, biopharmaceuticals, and other therapeutic molecules.

Candidates whose research bridges these areas or introduces complementary and emerging applications of AI in drug discovery and chemical biology are strongly encouraged to apply.

Collaborative Environment

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative environment within the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy and the broader College of Pharmacy. As a member of the AI (X) Hub, the faculty member will have opportunities to work with AI researchers, medicinal chemists, structural biologists, pharmaceutical scientists, biomedical investigators, clinicians, and industry partners across Ohio State.

The position will contribute to the AI (X) Hub’s AI for Health mission by developing innovative, responsible, and translational AI approaches that accelerate therapeutic discovery and improve human health. The university’s AI for Health initiative is designed to connect advances in AI with biomedical research, clinical needs, and real-world health applications.

Key Facilities and Core Services

The successful candidate will have access to advanced drug discovery infrastructure and expertise through the Drug Discovery Shared Resource, or DDSR, and its medicinal chemistry and high-throughput screening capabilities within The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, or OSUCCC – James.

The DDSR integrates expertise in medicinal and synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, instrumental analysis, molecular pharmacology, and high-throughput and high-content screening. Its services support the design and synthesis of biologically active molecules, compound screening, hit identification, lead optimization, analytical characterization, and the development of chemical probes and therapeutic candidates.

Together, these resources provide a strong experimental foundation for translating AI-generated hypotheses, molecular designs, and predictive models into testable chemical and biological discoveries. The successful candidate will be well positioned to develop integrated computational-experimental programs and pursue collaborative research across the College of Pharmacy, the AI (X) Hub, and the OSUCCC – James.

Performance Objectives

• Establish a nationally recognized, independent, and externally funded research program at the intersection of artificial intelligence, drug discovery, and chemical biology.

• Develop and apply innovative AI and computational methodologies that address significant fundamental or translational challenges in therapeutic discovery.

• Build interdisciplinary collaborations within the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, the College of Pharmacy, the AI (X) Hub, the OSUCCC – James, and the broader Ohio State research community.

• Contribute to undergraduate, graduate, and professional education through effective teaching in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, computational drug discovery, artificial intelligence, or related areas.

Education and Experience Requirements

• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or a closely related field.

• A strong record of fundamental or applied research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and drug discovery, demonstrated through impactful publications, promise or success in securing extramural funding, and professional recognition.

• Demonstrated creativity and originality, with the potential to establish new concepts, methodologies, frameworks, or applications in AI-enabled drug discovery.

• Evidence of the potential to develop an independent, collaborative, and externally funded research program.

• A commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and service.

Additional Information:

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday/Interfolio. Application materials must include:

• Curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications.

• Research statement describing previous accomplishments, future research plans, and potential connections to drug discovery research at Ohio State.

• Teaching and mentoring statement outlining the applicant’s teaching interests, experience, and approach to training students and researchers.

• Names and contact information for three professional references, who may be invited to provide letters of recommendation.

Application closes 10/15/2026

The College

Established in 1885, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy is a global leader in pharmaceutical education, research and clinical practice. As part of one of the most comprehensive

health sciences campuses in the nation, the college is home to world-class faculty, dedicated researchers and top-notch students who are leading the way in patient care outcomes, drug discovery and translational pharmacology. The college has received nearly $60 million in research awards over the past five years. Additionally, we are the only school of pharmacy in the nation to have twice received the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) 2023 Lawrence C. Weaver Transformative Community Service Award for our dedication to addressing unmet needs through education, practice and research. We are consistently ranked as a top ten school in the nation and are currently ranked fourth by U.S. News and World Report. Learn more at pharmacy.osu.edu.

Division Information

Faculty of the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy have diverse research interests in drug discovery and development. Division members pursue interdisciplinary research involving medicinal chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, natural products chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry and computer-aided molecular design.

Current research in the division includes: 

• The identification of natural products with anticancer, anti-infective, and other biological activities.

• The discovery of synthetic anticancer, antifungal, antibacterial, neuroprotective, and antiparasitic drugs.

• The use of medicinal chemistry approaches to optimize therapeutic candidates and identify potent and efficacious lead compounds.

• The use of chemical biology approaches to create synthetic molecular probes and identify biological targets of small molecules.

•  The identification of hit compounds against cancer and infectious diseases using rational design and screening approaches.

• The elucidation of novel microbial biosynthetic pathways and secondary metabolites.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. IOhio State promotes a culture of work-life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.  

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

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The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.