Job Details

Open-Rank Professor - Biological Sciences

Position Number: 6666933
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Science - Biology

Open-Rank Professor - Biological Sciences

42623BR
Position DescriptionThe 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 candidates 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.

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.

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

Required 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 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 dynamic student body
evidence of engagement of individuals outside of academia and commitment to institutional and professional service

Special Instructions to Applicant
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 January 5, 2026.

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Amanda M. V. Brown, Search Committee Chair at amanda.mv.brown@ttu.edu.

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

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.