Assistant Professor in Microbial Genetics

The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position of microbial genetics to begin Fall 2025. Applicants from a wide range of microbial genetic specializations are invited to apply. Research areas of interest should be able to attract external competitive funding and can include, but are not limited to, mechanistic studies focused on NIH-relevant topics such as host-microbe interactions or zoonotic diseases, USDA-relevant topics such as microbes in agroecosystems, or NSF-relevant topics such as ecosystem dynamics, carbon sequestration and climate impacts. The successful applicant will be provided a competitive start-up package to develop their research program. Expectations include teaching Microbial Genetics, sharing in a rotation of other general Microbiology courses, and the development of an upper-level course of their choosing.

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.

• Engage in the advancement of scientific knowledge through research and scholarship.
• Publish in good quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at National and International meetings.
• Submit grant proposals to external competitive funding agencies such as NSF, NIH.
• Develop and deliver an up-to-date curriculum in Microbiology and Microbial Genetics
• Provide individual support, feedback, and advice to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate research students.
• Serve on and direct Graduate Student committees.
• Coordinate teaching with the department’s curriculum goals.
• Perform professional service by reviewing papers, grants, serving on editorial boards, etc.
• Work with varied student populations at the undergraduate and graduate levels across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
• Service is a standard component of faculty efforts. Faculty are expected to become involved in Department/School/Area, College, and university committees over time and develop opportunities that allow participation on review panels and editorial boards and to referee journal articles.
• TTU faculty are responsible for maintaining a safe environment in their research laboratories, offices, field sites, studios, classrooms and performance spaces. Through our Environmental Health and Safety program, the university provides faculty with a range of resources for promoting a culture of safety among their co-workers. Review of these safety expectations is to be a part of each annual faculty review.

Required Qualifications:

1. A PhD or comparable terminal degree in biology/microbiology/genetics or a closely related field is required.
2. A record of peer-reviewed research in any area of microbial genetics including metagenomics, microbial genetics, dynamics, and interactions.
3. Commitment to teach both general and specialized courses within microbial genetics.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

1) a strong record of peer-reviewed publications

2) effective mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students in research

3) evidence of ability to secure external funding for research activities

4) evidence of ability to participate in successful collaborative research efforts 

5) knowledge of evidence-based teaching practices

6) ability to foster accessible and inclusive learning environments

7) ability to effectively develop and teach general and specialized courses within their field

8) ability to engage individuals outside of academia in their work

9) ability to contribute to departmental, university, and professional service initiatives

10) at least one-year postdoctoral research experience

Safety Information:

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

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include the following documents in your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter that summarizes how the application aligns with the job qualifications and the TTU Strategic Plan (not to exceed 2 pages)
3. Statement of teaching philosophy, not to exceed 2 pages
4. Statement of research interests, not to exceed 2 pages
5. Contact information for 3 professional references (letters will be requested later)

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Caleb Phillips, Search Committee Chair at caleb.phillips@ttu.edu. If you need assistance with the application process, contact Human Resources, Talent Acquisition at hrs.recruiting@ttu.edu or 806-742-3851.

Application Process

The deadline to submit applications is on August 12, 2024.

To ensure full consideration, please complete an online application here: Assistant Professor in Microbial Genetics 37697BR.