Endowed Chair in Water Research

Texas State University; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas State University in San Marcos invites applications for an endowed chair at the rank of Professor to conduct research on water across policy, resources, and sustainability. The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment anchors our water research ecosystem on campus.

We seek scholars with a strong external funding record, collaboration across departments, and a commitment to mentoring students and building a visible, interdisciplinary program that enhances our water scholarship.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or terminal degree required.
• Evidence of scholarly focus and sustained research excellence on water.
• Evidence of sustained record of teaching and mentoring students.
• Evidence of sustained record of obtaining external funding.

Responsibilities

• Seek external funding and coordinate interdisciplinary grants with internal and external collaborators.
• Conduct and publish original research on water.
• Lead interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty across the university.
• Develop and maintain an active research agenda.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses on water and related subjects.
• Mentor and advise students.
• Contribute to the development of the water curriculum.
• Participate in service activities at the department, college, and university levels.

Skills

External funding

Teaching & mentoring

Education

Ph.D. or terminal degree

Job description

Position Title:

Endowed Chair in Water Research

Job Posting Number:

2026072TTL

Job Location:

San Marcos

Department:

Office of the Provost and EVPAA

Position Description:

Texas State University seeks applications for an endowed chair at the rank of Professor to conduct research on any aspect of water. Texas State University is a leader in water research with strengths in policy, resource management, conservation, and sustainability. Texas State is also home to the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, located on Spring Lake and the San Marco River runs right through campus.

Texas State University hosted a town hall on October 7 to discuss areas of impact for hiring in water research and to bring together the dynamic water research community, which includes more than seventy-five researchers in a range of departments and schools including Physics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Human Performance, English, History, and Philosophy and Religion.

Texas State University receives a full share of the Texas University Fund (TUF) and plans to invest funds in recruitment and substantial start-up support for strategic hires with established research programs and active external funding in historic and emerging areas of research strength, including water.

We seek to hire dynamic and innovative scholars with an exceptionally strong research record supported by external funding. An applicant’s scholarly focus should complement and enhance the water scholarship and teaching strengths of Texas State, such as:

• Conservation and Sustainable Water Use: Using scientific, technological, and/or policy-based methods to steward water resources.
• Civil Engineering and Water Infrastructure: Building, upgrading and maintaining drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and other water infrastructure.
• Water Purification and Treatment: Examining contaminants, treating pollution, and creating reusable water from wastewater through a variety of methods.
• Aquatic Ecosystem Research: Addressing threatened or endangered species, ecological health, and sustainability within aquatic habitats.
• Data Science: Representing, analyzing, and combining complex data sets in a variety of formats in relation to water research.
• Policy, Society, and Public Engagement: Addressing the political, economic, and social dimensions of water resources and cultivating an understanding of water’s role in society, history and governance.
• Archaeology and Environmental History: Examining histories of water use and the relationship between people and aquatic environments across time.
• Art and Storytelling: Creating and analyzing art that is inspired by and speaks to water and aquatic life.

Responsibilities:

• Seek external funding and coordinate interdisciplinary grants with both internal and external collaborators.
• Conduct and publish original research on water.
• Lead interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty across the university.
• Develop and maintain an active research agenda.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses on water and related subjects.
• Mentor and advise students.
• Contribute to the development of the water curriculum.
• Participate in service activities at the department, college, and university levels.

The successful candidate will join the department(s) appropriate to their area of scholarly focus. The successful candidate will be expected to bring a research group supported by existing external grants and have the opportunity to negotiate additional hires in related areas to support their research.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or terminal degree.
• Evidence of a scholarly focus and sustained record of research excellence on water.
• Evidence of sustained record of excellence in teaching and mentoring students.
• Evidence of a sustained record of obtaining external funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of activity in organizing conferences and sessions on water.
• Experience in teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience supporting experiential learning for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Evidence of community engagement for scholarship and teaching.

Proposed Start Date:

Fall 2026 (negotiable)

Posting Date:

01/16/2026

Review Date:

10/30/2026

Open Until Filled?:

Yes

Legal Notices:

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

This position may conduct research on critical infrastructure depending on the research focus of a hire. Consistent with the requirements of the State of Texas, individuals conducting research on critical infrastructure will be subject to pre-employment, and then subsequent routine background checks/cybersecurity screenings. Employment will at all times be contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings in accordance with State and University requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you experience accessibility issues or require alternative formatting during the application process due to a disability or underlying condition, we request that you contact Talent Acquisition for assistance. A representative from Talent Acquisition will respond to you as soon as possible.

Record Checks and Verifications:

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

Eligibility for Employment:

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.

Why Work at Texas State?

Texas State University is a large, student-centered public research institution serving more than 40,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in San Marcos and Round Rock. Classified as a Carnegie Doctoral University with High Research Activity (R2), TXST is actively advancing its ambitious Run to R1 strategy, demonstrating sustained growth in research activity, doctoral education, and scholarly impact.

Faculty at TXST join a vibrant academic community of over 5,000 faculty and staff committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The university offers a collaborative, supportive environment, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Outstanding faculty are drawn to TXST for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact - advancing research, mentoring a growing student body, and helping shape the future of a rapidly growing research university.

Quick Link:

https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/55782