AssistantAssociateFull Professor of Biochemistry

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1 Opportunity and Community-Engaged university at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health culture education and economy of the community we serve. UTEP enrolls more than 26000 students 84% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. UTEP offers 169 bachelors masters and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access top-tier research university in America.

The citys location on the Rio Grande in the Southwest where two countries and three states meet makes it an ideal venue for academic programs and research studies on topics of national interest including bilingual education/language acquisition health and health disparities international relations international trade migration and environmental sustainability and infrastructure. The University enjoys strategic partnerships with two Department of Energy national laboratories in the region multiple national laboratories beyond the region and sits on the edge of White Sands Missile Range making engineering and scientific research both a priority and an opportunity.

Along with its designation among the top 5% of universities in America for research UTEP is also nationally recognized as an Opportunity University by the Carnegie Classification for its positive impact on economic mobility for students after 2024 Forbes found that UTEP students graduate with the lowest average debt of any college or university in Texas.

Located at the westernmost tip of Texas El Paso is set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert in one of the largest binational communities in the world. The citys active arts and culture community features the states longest-running symphony orchestra a nationally recognized chamber music festival a vibrant street art and mural scene art galleries museums and a full schedule of seasonal events and 2024 El Paso opened La Nube a unique hybrid institution that merges the educational aspects of a science center with the interactive experiences of a childrens museum. UTEP adds to the arts and entertainment scene with concerts and live events at the citys largest indoor and outdoor venues; theater music and dance productions; contemporary and student art galleries; and a natural history museum and desert gardens. El Paso residents can also easily travel to the sister city of Ciudad Juárez Mexico to enjoy great food markets and cultural events.

El Paso/Juárez is the fifth largest manufacturing region in North America and the center of commerce education and health services for the region. A family-oriented community the cost of living in El Paso is very reasonable for a large metropolitan area with the average home value of $224000 in 2025. In 2026 U.S. News and World report named El Paso the best big city to live in the has no state income tax and when it comes to public safety El Paso is consistently ranked among the safest large cities in the United States.

El Paso is also an ideal location for people who love the outdoors. It is home to one of the nations largest urban parks - Franklin Mountains State Park - and many options for year-round hiking mountain biking and rock climbing at Hueco Tanks State Park and nearby White Sands Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns national parks.

For sports fans the UTEP Miners offer exciting Division I college athletics at several campus venues including Sun Bowl Stadium - where one of the oldest football bowl games takes place annually - and the Don Haskins Center arena. Southwest University Park located a mile away in lively downtown El Paso is home to the El Paso Chihuahuas the Triple-A baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres and the El Paso Locomotive FC a professional soccer team founded in 2019.

College of Science

UTEPs College of Science brings together five academic departments: Biological Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Earth Environmental and Resource Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; and Physics. Research and education within the College extend from fundamental scientific discovery to applied work addressing challenges in human health energy materials the environment and data-intensive science.

Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to participate directly in research and to collaborate across traditional disciplinary boundaries. As part of an R1 university the College provides a setting in which faculty members pursue nationally and internationally significant scholarship while preparing students for careers in research healthcare education industry government and public service. The College also advances UTEPs broader mission through scientific outreach community engagement and partnerships within and beyond the border region.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers B.S. M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and supports a broad portfolio of research in chemistry biochemistry and related fields. Areas of faculty expertise include analytical environmental inorganic medicinal materials and organic chemistry as well as biochemistry and interdisciplinary research at the interfaces of these fields.

Department faculty value high-quality instruction innovative research and close mentorship at every stage of a students education. Students receive preparation for a wide range of professional paths including academic and industrial research government and national laboratories healthcare and the health professions. The Departments location within a highly collaborative College of Science creates additional opportunities for interdisciplinary training and research.

Assistant Associate or Full Professor. The anticipated appointment date is Fall 2027. Rank and tenure status will be determined based on the successful candidates qualifications and experience.

The Department seeks a biochemist whose research focuses on post-translational modifications (PTMs) or a closely related area. Relevant research may include but is not limited to protein phosphorylation glycosylation acetylation methylation ubiquitination or other chemical and enzymatic modifications that regulate protein function stability localization signaling and cellular physiology. Candidates whose work incorporates proteomics mass spectrometry chemical biology structural biochemistry molecular and cellular biochemistry or complementary emerging approaches are particularly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will establish and maintain an innovative externally funded research program; publish significant scholarly work; teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biochemistry; mentor undergraduate masters and doctoral students; and contribute service to the Department College University profession and community. Teaching responsibilities may include the Departments core Biochemistry I and Biochemistry II courses as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate courses related to the candidates expertise. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to develop specialized courses in areas such as post-translational modifications proteomics chemical biology and contemporary biochemical methods.

The new faculty member will join a growing biochemistry program characterized by strong student demand and opportunities for collaboration in biochemistry chemical biology structural biology molecular and cellular biology biomedical research and related fields. The position is expected to broaden the Departments research portfolio expand its biochemistry curriculum strengthen graduate education and research mentorship and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations across UTEP.

This faculty appointment will support UTEPs mission of advancing discovery increasing student participation in research strengthening collaborative partnerships and preparing a diverse scientific workforce to address regional national and global challenges.

All applicants must have:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in biochemistry chemistry chemical biology molecular biology or a closely related discipline by the anticipated start date.
• A record of research accomplishments in biochemistry or a closely related field appropriate to the applicants career stage.
• The ability to develop and sustain an independent externally funded research program.
• The ability to teach biochemistry effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• The ability and commitment to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in coursework and research.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and students across academic disciplines and backgrounds.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

For appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor applicants must demonstrate:

• Evidence of the potential to establish a productive independent and externally funded research program.
• Evidence of the potential for effective undergraduate and graduate teaching and student mentorship.

For appointment at the rank of Associate Professor applicants must also demonstrate:

• A sustained record of significant scholarly achievement and peer-reviewed publication.
• A record of effective undergraduate or graduate teaching and student mentorship.
• A record of obtaining external research support.
• Accomplishments sufficient to meet UTEPs requirements for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor with tenure.

For appointment at the rank of Professor applicants must also demonstrate:

• A sustained and distinguished record of scholarly achievement and national or international recognition in their field.
• A sustained record of effective teaching and mentorship of undergraduate or graduate students.
• A sustained record of external research support and leadership of an independent research program.
• Accomplishments sufficient to meet UTEPs requirements for appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Research expertise in post-translational modifications including phosphorylation glycosylation acetylation methylation ubiquitination or related mechanisms that regulate protein function and cellular processes.
• Expertise in proteomics mass spectrometry chemical biology molecular and cellular biochemistry structural biochemistry or other modern biochemical and analytical methods.
• A research program addressing important questions related to human health or disease including cancer neurodegenerative disorders metabolic diseases immune regulation or other areas of fundamental or translational biomedical significance.
• A record of or strong potential for collaboration with UTEP researchers in biochemistry chemistry biological sciences biomedical sciences bioengineering pharmacy materials science data science or other health-related disciplines.
• Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent advanced professional research experience.
• Evidence of success in or strong potential for securing competitive external research funding.
• A record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications appropriate to the applicants career stage.
• Evidence of effective and innovative teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Experience developing advanced courses laboratory modules or research-based learning activities in biochemistry or related fields.
• A strong record of mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers.
• Experience supporting the academic and professional success of students from a broad range of educational and personal backgrounds including first-generation college students.
• The potential to contribute to the continued growth of UTEPs undergraduate and graduate programs in biochemistry.

In keeping with its access excellence and impact mission The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open diverse and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents respects the differences and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex religion age disability genetic information veteran status or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employees or prospective employees right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator who can be reached by phone at by email at or by mail at 500 W. University Ave. El Paso TX Kelly Hall Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities please contact UTEPs Equal Opportunity Office at .

To the extent that this position involves research work or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48 being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

Application materials must include:

1. Cover letter. Applicants should indicate whether they wish to be considered for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor Associate Professor Full Professor or more than one rank.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Research statement describing the applicants prior research accomplishments and future plans for establishing and sustaining an independent externally funded research program.
4. Teaching and mentoring statement describing the applicants teaching philosophy teaching and mentoring experience and approaches to promoting student learning and success.
5. Professional references. Applicants must provide the names and contact information of at least three professional references. Candidates applying at the Associate Professor or Professor rank may also be asked to provide additional references as required during the final stage of the appointment process.

Evaluation of applications will begin upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Chuan (River) Xiao Chair of the Search Committee at