Assistant Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology

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