Tenure-Track: Assistant Professor in Tourism

Texas A&M; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University–Galveston invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Tourism in the Department of Maritime Studies, beginning Fall 2027.

We seek a scholar with a Ph.D. in tourism or a related maritime field who can develop an independent research program, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to undergraduate programs through teaching and mentoring. We value interdisciplinary collaborations and external funding.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in tourism or related maritime field; degree in hand by appointment date.
• Evidence-based pedagogical background and strong communication in teaching.
• Proven research agenda with meaningful impact on the field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an independent research program with publications.
• Teach in area of expertise and mentor students.
• Pursue interdisciplinary collaborations and provide service.

Skills

Pedagogical background

Effective communication

Research agenda

Education

Ph.D. in tourism or related maritime field

Job description

Tenure-Track: Assistant Professor in Tourism

Location

Galveston, Texas

Open Date

10/27/2026

Position ID

193770

Description

The Department of Maritime Studies (MAST) in the College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies at Texas A&M University located at the Galveston campus invites applications for one full-time, tenure-track faculty position with a 9-month academic appointment beginning Fall 2027. Applicants will be considered for the faculty title of Assistant Professor.

We seek a highly qualified and motivated individual to complement our robust research on the blue economy with expertise in coastal or maritime tourism who is willing to work with an interdisciplinary team of faculty to further develop the department’s undergraduate degree programs. The search is broad. Areas of interest are open and may include, but are not limited to, sustainable, nature-based, or eco-tourism, regenerative tourism, natural or cultural resources, adventure tourism, community-based tourism and equity, and smart tourism and data analytics. While specialization is open, preference will be given to candidates whose interests align with blue economy research.

The successful candidate will be expected to 1) develop and maintain an independent research program with recognition through publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and 2) contribute to the department’s undergraduate degree programs through teaching in their area of expertise and mentoring of students. Appointees will also be expected to pursue, where mutually beneficial, interdisciplinary and externally funded collaborations with researchers across the university and to provide professional service to the department, college, and university. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, and competitive start-up packages will be available to develop extramurally funded and independent research programs.

The Department of Maritime Studies offers two degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Maritime Studies and Bachelor of Science in University Studies with a concertation in Tourism and Coastal Community Development. Our faculty instruct in numerous academic disciplines, and we offer several minors that enhance any degree plan. With an overarching focus on the relationship between humans and the sea, our unique educational experiences help build the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. For more information about the Maritime Studies programs, refer to the website at marine.tamu.edu/academics/maritime-studies .

Texas A&M University at Galveston is the dedicated marine and maritime branch campus of Texas A&M University. The campus houses several institutions that are critical contributors to Texas A&M’s land-, sea-, and space-grant mission and drive the development of the blue economy on the Gulf Coast through education, innovation, scholarship and research.

Home to the Texas A&M College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies ( marine.tamu.edu ), students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in marine sciences, business, blue humanities, marine engineering and maritime transportation. Students may also pursue select Galveston-specific Texas A&M College of Engineering degrees, including computer science, ocean engineering and interdisciplinary engineering.

Texas A&M-Galveston is also home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, one of six state maritime academies in the U.S. and the only one embedded within a Tier I research institution. Offering hands-on training to over 400 cadets annually, the academy prepares students to earn a U.S. Coast Guard License and serve as maritime professionals, afloat and ashore, or enter military service upon graduation.

Ideally situated in Galveston Bay, the island campus is surrounded by marine life, estuarine and ocean ecosystems, and one of the largest maritime industrial hubs in the world, allowing Galveston Aggies to live, learn and work in the heart of the industries they will soon serve. Whether their careers take them shoreside or on the water, Aggies are ready for anything above, on and below the waves.

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environments for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff, which is vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. in tourism or a related maritime field. Current Ph.D. candidates must have a degree in hand by their date of appointment.
• The successful candidate will have an evidence-based pedagogical background and demonstrated effective communication skills through instructional activities.
• The successful candidate will have started a research agenda that has meaningful impact on the field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates with success or clear promise in the pursuit of competitive, external research funding and working in interdisciplinary research teams are especially welcomed to apply.
• Substantive engagement with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community or private-sector partners is desired but not required.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

The University is aware that attracting and retaining exceptional faculty often depends on meeting the needs of two careers and therefore has a Dual Career Program.