Assistant Professor of Plant-Biotic Interactions

Texas Tech University; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Tech University in Lubbock invites applications for a full-time 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences to begin September 1, 2027. We seek a candidate with expertise in plant‑biotic interactions and a plan to develop an externally funded research program.

The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and mentor students. The successful candidate will benefit from collaboration across biology, genomics, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree in biology by start date.
• Record of peer‑reviewed research in plant‑biotic interactions.
• Potential to secure external funding and develop a competitive program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with expertise.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and other researchers.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at national/international meetings.
• Submit grant proposals to external agencies (e.g., NSF, USDA, NIH).
• Collaborate with other departments and centers on campus.

Education

Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree in biology

Job description

Position Number: 45795BR

Closing Date: September 21, 2026

Position Description

The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University (TTU) invites applications for a full-time 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin September 1, 2027. We seek a candidate with expertise in the study of plant-biotic interactions, broadly defined. The successful candidate will be provided a competitive start-up package to develop their research program and will be expected to attract external funding for research related to plant-biotic interactions. Potential areas of specialization include, but are not limited to:

• Plant-soil microbe (e.g., fungal, bacterial, virus) interactions
• Plant-pollinator interactions
• Plant-herbivore interactions

The candidate's research may span any area of biology, from cell biology and genetics to ecology and evolutionary biology. Preference will be given to applicants who employ integrative approaches that bridge multiple levels of biological organization and methodologies. A research focus that includes fundamental biological research will be considered an asset.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education by developing and teaching courses that align with their expertise and departmental needs, and by mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs.

The successful candidate will benefit from collaborative opportunities within Biology, complementing our expertise in the ecology, evolution, physiology, and genetics of plants as well as our expertise in genomics, entomology, and plant-microbial systems. Depending on the candidate's expertise, they could interface with several other departments and centres on campus, including Plant and Soil Science, Natural Resources Management, the E.L. Reed Herbarium, and the Museum at TTU.

All prospective employees are encouraged to visit Work at Texas Tech to learn more about becoming a part of our campus community.

About the University

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students. Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favourably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world‑class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

About the College

The College of Arts & Sciences is composed of 15 departments, offering a wide variety of courses and programs in the humanities, social and behavioural 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 1800 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 a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

As a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences, you will be expected to:

• Advance the University’s strategic priorities: (1) educate and empower a dynamic student body, (2) enable innovative research and creative activities, and (3) transform lives and communities through strategic outreach and engaged scholarship.
• 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, USDA, and/or NIH.
• Teach effectively to both large and small classes in a general biology department.
• Coordinate teaching with the department’s curriculum goals.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research by providing individual support, feedback, and advice.
• Serve on and direct graduate student thesis and dissertation committees.
• Perform professional service, for example by reviewing manuscripts, grants, serving on editorial boards, holding leadership roles in professional societies, etc.
• Perform service to the institution, for example by serving on departmental, college, and university‑level committees.

Faculty Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree in biology or a closely related field is required to be obtained by the first day of employment.
• A record of peer‑reviewed research relating to plant‑biotic interactions research.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• At least one year of postdoctoral research experience.
• Potential to secure competitive external funding, evidenced by a record of submitted or successful applications for funding.
• A clearly defined plan to develop a competitive research program in plant‑biotic interactions.
• Evidence of effective research mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Experience implementing effective teaching practices as teaching assistant or instructor of record in undergraduate biology classes.
• Preparation for teaching and dedication to continuous professional improvement, evidenced by a record of participating in teaching professional development programs, workshops, courses, activities, etc.
• Evidence of sustained involvement in institutional and/or professional service such as leadership positions or review service.

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Matthew Olson, Search Committee Chair [e-mail]. If you need assistance with the application process, contact Human Resources, Talent Acquisition at [e-mail] or 806-742-3851.