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Open Rank Faculty in Environmental Microbiomes and Human Health
Position Description The Department of Plant and Soil Science in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University invites applications for a 9-month, tenured or tenure-track, open-rank professor position in environmental microbiomes and human health (approximately 75%/20%/5% Research/Teaching/Service) to begin Fall 2026, although a later start date may be negotiated.
The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead a high impact, extramurally funded, and internationally recognized research program that investigates the mechanistic linkages between environmental and human microbiomes. Example areas of research include but are not limited to human and environmental microbiome linkages in urban or rural communities, soil-borne pathogens and human health, and the effects of land-use change and management in the built environment, contaminants and pollution, or climate change stressors on human-environment microbiome relationships and health impacts. Candidates with interest and expertise in soil-human health linkages in the built environment are highly encouraged to apply (e.g., heat effects on human health and soil ecosystem services as driven by microbiomes). Subject areas include but are not limited to soil & environmental microbiomes in urban ecosystems and their connections with human microbiome/health, epidemiology, pathogen ecology, pathogen population biology, host-microbe interactions, immunity and disease resistance, bioenvironmental sciences, and vector-borne disease.
A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biology, microbiology, soil science, ecology, or related area is required, including but not limited to pathology, genetics, genomics, entomology, crop science, computational biology, or quantitative ecology. Candidates with post-doctoral research experience are preferred. Evidence of the potential for developing an outstanding interdisciplinary research program and indications of strong mentorship and teaching skills are required. Applicants are expected to have a strong publication record, interpersonal and communication skills, and the desire to collaborate with others in a collegial team environment. We seek candidates who will use creative and collaborative approaches to elucidate host/microbial/environmental interactions at various geographic and trophic levels to understand their impacts on emergent ecosystem properties. Researchers with a focus on the impact of climate change are of particular interest. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty from additional departments within the Davis College such as Landscape Architecture, additional departments and centers across the TTU campus such as environmental engineering, TIEHH, and the Climate Center, and will be expected to work closely with researchers within TTU-HSC and the Institute for One Health Innovation.
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 Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. About the College The Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/) is home to the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences, along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College has over 156 tenure-track faculty, and it typically has over 2,500 undergraduate students and over 500 graduate students. For the most recent academic year, it generated approximately $20.1 million annually in extramural research funding. About the Department/School/Area The Department of Plant and Soil Science (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/pss/index.php) consists of 51 faculty members, 59 staff, 161 graduate students, and 174 undergraduate students. The department conducts fundamental and applied plant and soil research, offers competitive and inclusive undergraduate and graduate education and training, and engages with current and emerging plant and soil sciences issues to address environmental challenges. Our department is home to two institutes: the Institute of Genomics for Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST; https://www.depts.ttu.edu/igcast/) and the Fiber & Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI; https://www.depts.ttu.edu/fbri/index.php), as well as a renowned horticulture garden, research greenhouses on campus and research farms in Lubbock and New Deal, TX, and a satellite campus in Fredericksburg, TX. Major/Essential Functions In line with TTU'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 Plant and Soil Science 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
- Work collaboratively across One Health areas, integrating with TTU's 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 undergraduate and/or graduate classes within the department.
- Provide individual support, feedback, and advice to undergraduate and graduate students
- Perform service activities from local to professional levels, consistent with expectations at rank
Organization Texas Tech University Faculty Qualifications
- A PhD or comparable terminal degree in biology, microbiology, soil science, ecology, or a field related to these (e.g., pathology, genetics, genomics, entomology, crop science, computational biology, quantitative biology) by start date.
- A record of peer-reviewed research in soils and environmental microbiomes, appropriate to rank.
- Commitment to teaching general or specialized courses within microbiomes and soil science.
This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews. 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
- Evidence of ability to collaborate across One Health or Microbiome-related fields
- Evidence of ability to secure external funding for research activities (especially for appointments above assistant professor rank)
- Evidence of effective mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students in research
- Knowledge and evidence of effective teaching experiences and student learning
- Ability to effectively develop and teach general or specialized courses within their field
- Ability to engage individuals outside of academia in their work and contribute to departmental, university, and professional service initiatives
Duty Point TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Please include the following documents in your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter that summarizes how the application aligns with the job qualifications and the TTU Strategic Plan (not to exceed 3 pages)
- Statement of research interests (not to exceed 2 pages)
- Statement of teaching effectiveness/philosophy (not to exceed 2 pages)
- Contact information for 3 professional references (letters will be requested later)
Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Lindsey Slaughter, Search Committee Chair at lindsey.slaughter@ttu.edu. Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. Job Group Assistant Professor 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. Applications must be received by 03/01/2026 |
Texas Tech University
Jan 23, 2026