Description
Duke Kunshan University (DKU) invites applications for a faculty position in Chemistry to begin in the 2026–2027 academic year. We seek outstanding educators who are passionate about undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts environment and who are eager to contribute to the development of innovative, engaging, and inclusive curricula. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and analytical chemistry. Candidates with interdisciplinary interests—particularly those connecting chemistry with fields such as computation, environment, materials, and renewable energy—are encouraged to apply. Initial 4-year appointments will be made within DKU’s Professor of the Practice teaching track. We welcome senior and junior candidates.
Professors of the Practice at DKU focus primarily on excellence in teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to the educational mission of the university. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses, designing and refining curriculum, mentoring and advising students, and participating actively in program and university service, including academic leadership. We particularly welcome candidates who value teaching and demonstrate a commitment to student-centered teaching practices, active learning, inclusive pedagogy, and project-based or experiential approaches to education. Evidence of engagement with teaching innovation, curriculum development, or the scholarship of teaching and learning is highly valued.
These are renewable multi-year appointments with opportunities for promotion within the Professor of the Practice ranks (Assistant Professor of the Practice, Associate Professor of the Practice, and Professor of the Practice). DKU values educators who view teaching as a central intellectual endeavor and who wish to build long-term careers focused on teaching excellence, pedagogical innovation, and meaningful service to DKU’s academic community.
DKU is an international intellectual community that values diversity, openness, and creative learning. We welcome outstanding educators from around the world who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to a global learning and research environment, and we particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including candidates from underrepresented parts of the world. Teaching undergraduate students from diverse international contexts is a core responsibility of all DKU faculty.
Duke Kunshan University is a collaborative partnership among Duke University, Wuhan University, and the Municipality of Kunshan, China (https://dukekunshan.edu.cn). The university offers an innovative and interdisciplinary undergraduate liberal arts education to approximately 2,200 students taught by more than 220 faculty members. With an acceptance rate below 8%, DKU attracts students representing over 60 countries. In addition to its undergraduate program, DKU offers a select number of master’s programs, including the Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Master of Science in Global Health, and the Master of Environmental Policy.
The DKU pedagogical model draws on Duke University’s educational experience and resources while reimagining undergraduate education within a small, collaborative campus environment. Similar to leading liberal arts colleges in the United States, DKU emphasizes close faculty–student interaction, interdisciplinary learning, and innovative teaching approaches.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field related to the advertised position. Demonstrated excellence or strong potential in teaching is required. Experience with curriculum development, interdisciplinary teaching, undergraduate mentoring, or leadership in teaching innovation is particularly valued.
Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their interest in DKU, a curriculum vitae, a teaching statement, a statement on the integration of teaching and research, and three letters of reference. All application materials must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32096">https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32096. The search committee also welcomes letters of nomination for potential candidates. Nominations and inquiries may be sent to DKUDNAS@dukekunshan.edu.cn with the subject line “Faculty Search Natural Science.”
Priority will be given to applications received by June 20, 2026, although applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
In order to meet Chinese visa requirements, international (non-Chinese) candidates must, prior to the position start date, have at least two years of full-time work experience in a relevant area after receiving their bachelor’s degree (work experience obtained while studying full-time is not considered). Alternatively, candidates may begin their appointment within 12 months of obtaining their master’s or Ph.D. degree, provided they have not held employment between the degree conferral date and the start of the appointment.
The DKU campus is located in Kunshan, approximately 37 miles west of Shanghai, and is easily accessible via high-speed rail and metro systems. DKU offers internationally competitive compensation, housing allowance, child education benefits (for applicable faculty positions), and professional development support for teaching faculty.
Requirements
Terminal Degree. Excellence in teaching or promise thereof.
