Open Rank Professor - Atmospheric Hazards - Precipitation Physics

42621BR

Geosciences

Position Description

The Department of Geosciences in the College of Arts & Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month Open Rank Professor position in Atmospheric Hazards - Precipitation Physics to begin 09/01/2026.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the College

Founded in 1925 as one of the university's four original colleges, the College of Arts & Sciences is comprised of 15 departments and one program, offering a wider variety of courses and programs in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and natural sciences. The College has approximately 10,000 students enrolled representing more than a quarter of the overall Texas Tech University student population while maintaining a 22:1 student to faculty ratio.

About the Department/School/Area

The Department of Geosciences offers BS and BA degrees in Geosciences and Geography and the Environment; MS degrees in Geosciences, Geography and the Environment and Atmospheric Sciences, and a PhD; we also offer certificates in GIST. Our ~35 tenure-track faculty and instructors serve ~100 graduate students and ~130 undergraduate majors. Our research profile transcends the fields of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, with a growing emphasis on societal impact on Earth-systems. The Atmospheric Science program emphasizes study of the physics of the atmosphere with observations and modeling across the traditional subdisciplines of meteorology and related atmospheric hazards. Students and faculty routinely engage in field work and research-to-operations activities with national and international impact. The National Wind Institute is an interdisciplinary center at the intersection of atmospheric science, wind and energy engineering, and measurement systems, and maintains laboratories, a research field site, and mobile and fixed-site observing instrumentation, including the growing 168-station West Texas Mesonet.

Major/Essential Functions

In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

Organization

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences or a related field;
• Demonstrated record of effectiveness as a teacher, a record of peer-reviewed publications and/or peer-reviewed creative activity which has contributed to the discipline or field of study, to the candidate's intellectual and artistic development, and to the quality of the academic enterprise;
• A record of professional service appropriate to the discipline;
• A record of capacity for growth in teaching graduate and undergraduate Atmospheric Science coursework in their area of expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

• A background in cloud and precipitation physics;
• Research interests intersecting precipitation extremes with severe storm and hurricane hazards;
• Interest in translating the scientific state of the art into operational and public safety settings, especially in multi-hazard scenarios;
• Interest in linking storm-scale understanding of precipitation processes and modeling of cloud microphysics to predictability of impacts in a dynamic climate system;
• Demonstrated success with and/or linkages to coordinated national and international remote sensing and/or modeling initiatives and missions in precipitation science and cloud microphysics.

Duty Point

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include the following documents in your application:

• Curriculum Vitae;
• Cover letter;
• Three equally important statement that describe (a) research experience and future goals, including a 5-year plan for establishing and maintaining a recognized and well-funded research program, (b) a plan for excellence in teaching and student mentorship in research, and (c) a statement of interdisciplinary vision related to Texas Tech's Atmospheric Hazards strategic initiative;
• The name and contact information of up to 4 colleagues who may be willing to provide a letter of recommendation.

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Schedule Details

M-F 8-5

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Assistant Professor

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Grade

800

Applications must be received by

02/02/2026