Assistant Professor - Public Health

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans + supplemental coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Mother-friendly workplace

Job summary

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Population & Public Health invites applications for an Assistant Professor. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate public health courses, mentor students, and develop an active program of scholarship aligned with program goals.

The role emphasizes teaching excellence, community engagement, and contributions to service, research, and practice to advance population health across diverse communities.

Qualifications

• PhD/DrPH/ScD/MD or equivalent in public health or related field.
• ABD candidates considered if degree expected by December 31, 2026.
• Experience teaching and mentoring at undergraduate/graduate level.
• Evidence of scholarly activity (publications, presentations).

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate public health courses and develop curricula.
• Establish and sustain an independent or collaborative program of scholarship.
• Contribute to applied public health practice through community partnerships.
• Participate in department, school, and university governance and service activities.

Skills

Teaching experience

Student mentorship

Scholarly activity

Education

Doctoral degree in public health or related field

ABD candidates considered with degree expected by 2026-12-31

Doctoral training in public health-related disciplines or business/commerce with public health experience

Job description

Position Description

The Assistant Professor serves as a faculty member within the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Population & Public Health and contributes to the school's mission through excellence in teaching, scholarship, public health practice, and service. The faculty member is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction, developing and maintaining an active program of scholarly activity, engaging in applied public health practice, mentoring students, and participating in institutional and professional service activities. The position supports the preparation of future public health professionals while advancing the health and well‑being of diverse populations through education, research, and community engagement.

Position Description

The Assistant Professor serves as a faculty member within the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Population & Public Health and contributes to the school's mission through excellence in teaching, scholarship, public health practice, and service. The faculty member is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction, developing and maintaining an active program of scholarly activity, engaging in applied public health practice, mentoring students, and participating in institutional and professional service activities. The position supports the preparation of future public health professionals while advancing the health and well‑being of diverse populations through education, research, and community engagement.

The ideal candidate is an emerging public health scholar and educator who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, community engagement, and service. The successful candidate will be passionate about preparing the next generation of public health professionals while contributing meaningful research and practice‑based solutions to improve population health.

Major/Essential Functions

Teaching and Curriculum Development

• Teach undergraduate and graduate-level public health courses aligned with programmatic, institutional, and accreditation requirements.
• Design, deliver, and continuously improve course content using evidence-based pedagogical practices appropriate for in‑person, hybrid, and online learning environments.
• Develop and revise course syllabi, learning outcomes, assessments, and instructional materials consistent with university policies and curricular standards.
• Participate in curriculum development, review, program evaluation, and assessment activities at the department, program, and school levels.
• Mentor and advise students in applied practice experiences, integrative learning experiences, independent studies, capstone projects, and thesis research, as appropriate.
• Contribute to student success through academic advising, professional development, and career mentoring activities.
• Maintain instructional effectiveness and foster an inclusive learning environment that supports student engagement and achievement.

Scholarship and Research

• Establish and sustain an independent and/or collaborative program of scholarship appropriate to faculty rank, discipline, and area of expertise.
• Produce peer‑reviewed scholarly products, including journal articles, applied research reports, technical reports, policy analyses, and other discipline‑appropriate outputs.
• Seek and secure internal and external funding to support research, scholarship, and related activities, commensurate with career stage and area of specialization.
• Disseminate scholarly work through presentations at professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and other academic venues.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, community partners, and interdisciplinary teams on research and scholarly initiatives.
• Integrate scholarly activities with teaching and, when applicable, public health practice to advance knowledge translation and impact.

Public Health Practice

• Contribute to applied public health practice through partnerships and collaborations with community-based organizations, governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, and other public health stakeholders.
• Support and facilitate practice‑based learning opportunities for students through community‑engaged projects, field experiences, internships, and applied public health activities.
• Translate research findings and academic expertise into practical solutions that improve population health outcomes and inform public health policy and practice.
• Participate in initiatives that address local, regional, state, national, or global public health challenges consistent with the faculty member's expertise.
• Promote community engagement and collaboration that advance the mission of the School of Public Health.

Service

• Participate actively in departmental, school, university, and shared governance activities, including committee assignments and faculty meetings.
• Contribute to professional service through involvement in public health organizations, academic associations, accreditation activities, peer review, and leadership roles as appropriate.
• Engage in community, institutional, and professional activities that support the strategic priorities and mission of TTUHSC and the School of Public Health.
• Support recruitment, retention, student affairs, accreditation, assessment, and other institutional initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate (PhD, DrPH, ScD, MD, or equivalent) in public health or a closely related field.
• Applicants who are ABD (All But Dissertation) or in the final stages of doctoral completion are encouraged to apply, provided degree completion is expected by December 31, 2026.
• Doctoral training in public health, population health, epidemiology, health promotion and disease prevention, health education, health psychology, biomedical sciences, community health, interdisciplinary studies, or a closely related discipline. Will also consider doctoral training in a business/commerce field with significant experience in the public health or nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and student mentorship at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Evidence of scholarly activity appropriate to career stage (e.g., publications, manuscripts under review, professional presentations).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, including online, hybrid, or face‑to‑face instruction.
• Professional and/or leadership experience in industry, public health practice, healthcare, nonprofit, or community‑based settings.
• Experience in public health with a focus on one or more of the following areas:
  • implementation sciences,
  • evaluation research,
  • rural health,
  • business of public health,
  • policy analysis,
  • one health,
  • public/nonprofit human resource management, and
  • the integration of AI into public health practice, teaching, and scholarship.
• Evidence of grant writing activity or funding success for research, training, or service‑related projects.
• Demonstrated record of, or clear potential for, collaborative and applied research, including co‑authored publications, professional reports, or conference presentations.

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Benefits

• Health Plans + Supplemental Coverage Options - Individual health insurance provided at no cost for full‑time team members
• Paid Time Off - Including holidays, vacation, sick leave and more
• Retirement Plans
• Wellness Programs
• Certified Mother‑Friendly Workplace

Additionally, TTUHSC invests in the success of our team members by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, including lifelong learning programs, recognition programs, and health and wellness initiatives. Team members also enjoy a variety of other perks, such as special membership rates at local gyms and golf courses, access to state‑of‑the‑art software and facilities, and discounts on travel, technology, entertainment and more.

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.