Major functions

The Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a 9-month, tenured or tenure-track, open-rank professor acting as a microbiologist for the Institute for One Health Innovation’s One Microbiome Initiative. The position will 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.

In line with Texas Tech’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

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

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