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Open-Rank Professor - Biological Sciences
Position Description The Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a 9-month, tenured or tenure-track, open-rank professor acting as Microbiologist for the One Microbiome Initiative, as part of the Institute for One Health Innovation, to begin Fall 2026. We invite applicants with expertise in microbiology (including bacteriology, mycology, or virology) or immunology with research involving microbiomes and broad applications to either metabolic health, brain health, or infectious diseases.
The successful candidate will have a track record in any of these fields and demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively across One Health areas integrating with our One Microbiome Initiative. Applicants with expertise in immunological mechanisms, antibiotic resistance, response to multi-species pathogens, or developing methods to characterize cell populations with immunological methods, or experience with microbiomes using in vitro and in vivo systems including small or large animals, are encouraged. The candidate is expected to establish, or have already established, an independent research program supported by external funding appropriate to rank. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to mentor other early career scientists, students, and postdocs and responsibilities will include some teaching in the candidate's area of expertise. Minimum qualifications include PhD, and/or DVM, and/or MD in either microbiology (including bacteriology, mycology, and virology) or immunology, or closely related field, with relevant research experience consistent with rank. 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 Institute for One Health Innovation (IOHI):
The Texas Tech System-Wide IOHI https://www.depts.ttu.edu/onehealth serves the public by training scientists and health professionals in leading transdisciplinary research and developing innovative solutions for today's most pressing One Health problems. IOHI emphasizes rural healthcare access and communities to ultimately benefit the regional and global health and wellbeing of humans, animals, and ecosystems. The culture of the institute operates at the speed of relevance, expediting the translation of research to practice and discovery to public impact. One Health is inclusive of disciplines from STEM, social sciences, and public health where effective solutions must involve veterinarians, public health and healthcare professionals, microbiologists, agricultural and environmental experts, nutritionists, food security and safety experts.
The One Microbiome Initiative, within the IOHI seeks to build a cluster of faculty focused on transformative research across broad areas of microbiome investigation, including disease prevention through control of antibiotic resistance genes transferred from the environment and foods, nutrition-microbiome modulation, and other cutting-edge research that will expand studies beyond gut bacteria, and include investigations into the role of fungi, phage, and viruses in human and animal health. The goal is to promote synergistic discoveries that lead to advances in areas like precision microbiome modulation.
The College of Arts & Sciences is composed of 15 departments, offering a wide variety of courses and programs in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and natural sciences. The College has more than 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 Biological Sciences https://www.depts.ttu.edu/biology/ is a community of faculty, students, and staff committed to teaching and training students, producing innovative research that advances basic and applied sciences, and engaging with the public. As one of the largest programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, we offer three undergraduate degrees to more than 1300 students, and three MS degrees and a doctoral degree to approximately 125 graduate student trainees. Our 42 faculty conduct cutting-edge research across all levels of biology, spanning from how we as individuals learn and teach about biology to the cells, systems, and organisms that make up our global biosphere. We serve students through online and face-to-face learning and research opportunities. Major/Essential Functions
In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower its student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with various student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels across one or more areas of research, teaching, or service.
As a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences, and part of the One Microbiome Initiative in the Institute for One Health Innovation, you will be expected to:
- Engage in the advancement of scientific knowledge through research and/or scholarship
- Publish in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals
- Collaborate across One Health disciplines to advance the goals of the, One Microbiome Initiative
- Present research at scientific meetings
- Submit grant proposals to external competitive funding agencies
- Develop and deliver an up-to-date curriculum related to the research specialty and rotate into teaching introductory or mid-level biology classes
- Provide individual support, feedback, and advice to undergraduate and graduate students
- Perform service activities from local to professional levels, consistent with expectations at rank
Organization Texas Tech University Faculty Qualifications
- A PhD and/or DVM, and/or MD or comparable terminal degree in biology or a field related to microbiology, mycology, virology, or immunology by start date
- A record of peer-reviewed research in microbiology (including any of bacteriology, mycology, or virology) or immunology, appropriate to rank
- Commitment to teach general or specialized A PhD and/or DVM, and/or MD or comparable terminal degree in biology or a field related to courses within microbiology or immunology
Preferred Qualifications In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
- postdoctoral or relevant experience/training
- a strong record of peer-reviewed publications
- a clear plan to develop a competitive research program that synergizes with One Health and the One Microbiome Initiative as outlined in the Statement of Research Interests
- evidence of ability to collaborate across One Health or Microbiome-related fields
- potential to secure competitive external funding, evidenced by a record of submitted or successful applications for funding (appropriate to rank)
- evidence of effective mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students in research
- experience using or knowledge of evidence-based teaching practices that support TTU's strategic priority to educate and empower a diverse student body
- evidence of engagement of individuals outside of academia and commitment to institutional and professional service
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? Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Please include the following documents in your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter that summarizes how the application aligns with the job qualifications and the TTU Strategic Plan (not to exceed 3 pages)
- Statement of Research Interests (not to exceed 2 pages)
- Statement of Teaching Effectiveness/Philosophy (not to exceed 1 page)
- Contact information for 3 professional references (letters will be requested later)
The application deadline is November 30, 2025.
Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Amanda M. V. Brown, Search Committee Chair at amanda.mv.brown@ttu.edu. 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. 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. Applications must be received by 11/30/2025 |
Texas Tech University
Oct 23, 2025