Robert A. Welch Chaired Professorship in Chemistry & Director of the Nanotech Institute

Professor
15 November 2025
Full Time

Job Description

The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for the Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry and Director of the Nanotech Institute, with appointment beginning August 1, 2026. This distinguished role is ideal for a visionary leader in nanoscience, nanotechnology, materials chemistry, quantum technologies, spintronics, magnetic materials, and nano-enabled biomedical applications, backed by an internationally recognized research portfolio.

Job Details 

Field Details
Position Title Robert A. Welch Chaired Professorship in Chemistry & Director of the Nanotech Institute
Department Chemistry, UT Dallas
Location Richardson, Texas, USA
Position Type Academic Year (Tenured Appointment)
Start Date August 1, 2026
Salary Negotiable (with substantial start-up package)
Research Fields Nanotechnology, Materials Chemistry, Energy Materials, Quantum Computing, Quantum Nanophotonics, Spintronics, Magnetic Materials, Nano-bio Materials
Funding Support Welch Foundation, CPRIT, UT System
Application Deadline Priority: December 15, 2025 • Final Close: February 28, 2026
Minimum Qualification PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field
Experience Level Internationally recognized research record + strong external funding
How to Apply Submit full application via UT Dallas jobs portal
Official Link https://jobs.utdallas.edu/postings/30474

A Landmark Leadership Opportunity in Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials

The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) announces a prestigious opening for the Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry, coupled with the directorship of the renowned Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute. This dual role is designed for globally impactful researchers who can lead next-generation innovations in nanoscience, nanotechnology, materials chemistry, and quantum-enabled technologies.

This professorship represents one of the most distinguished research chairs in the United States, supported by the Welch Foundation, one of the nation’s largest private funding bodies in chemistry.

About the Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute

Founded in 2001, the Nanotech Institute has become a world leader in nanomaterials research, interdisciplinary science, and high-impact technological innovation. Its achievements include:

  • Carbon nanotube artificial muscles outperforming biological muscles

  • 500+ peer-reviewed publications with ~100,000 citations

  • Research spanning physics, chemistry, materials science, biology & engineering

  • Innovative nano-enabled applications in:

    • energy systems

    • flexible electronics

    • quantum materials

    • spintronics

    • biomedical nanotechnology

    • advanced materials processing

  • Outreach programs such as NanoExplorers, training young scientists

  • Strong collaborations with UT Southwestern Medical Center

The next director will shape the institute’s future trajectory, expand research capabilities, and build transformative collaborations.

1. The Robert A. Welch Chaired Professorship in Chemistry

A senior academic position reserved for internationally recognized scientists with:

  • Landmark contributions to chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science

  • A sustained record of high-impact publications

  • Strong history of external grant funding

  • Ability to lead large, collaborative research programs

2. Director of the Nanotech Institute

A research leadership role involving:

  • Strategic direction of institute activities

  • Recruitment of junior faculty

  • Oversight of research facilities and infrastructure

  • Advocacy for interdisciplinary nanoscience

  • Supporting innovation in energy, quantum, biomedical nanotech, and nano-enabled materials

New laboratory and office spaces in the Berkner Building are allocated exclusively for the Chair-holder, with additional support for faculty hiring.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • A PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field

  • International reputation for excellence

  • Strong history of NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, CPRIT, or foundation funding

  • Experience mentoring graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty

  • Capacity to lead large, interdisciplinary research clusters

  • Expertise in emerging or strategic fields such as:

    • nanomaterials & supramolecular chemistry

    • quantum materials & spintronics

    • molecular nanofabrication

    • nano-enabled biomedical engineering

    • energy & electronic nanotechnologies

Institutional Environment

UT Dallas is a rapidly expanding R1 research university with:

  • 30,000+ students

  • 140+ academic programs

  • State-of-the-art scientific infrastructure

  • Strong ties to Dallas–Fort Worth’s technology ecosystem

  • Partnerships with UT Southwestern, Texas Instruments, and regional innovation hubs

Faculty benefit from:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits

  • Supportive interdisciplinary culture

  • Modern campus with extensive research facilities

  • Employee resource groups and wellness initiatives

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload the following:

  1. Cover Letter

  2. Curriculum Vitae (full)

  3. Teaching Philosophy Statement

  4. Research Statement (past + future vision)

  5. List of Grants (past 10 years)

  6. Contact details for at least three references

Priority review begins December 15, 2025.
Final deadline: February 28, 2026.

Reference Links

Disclaimer & Apply Now

This article summarizes the position based on publicly available information. Applicants should verify details directly on the official UT Dallas job portal.

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