Associate or Full Professor

Position Summary

The Department of Biology at Tennessee Tech University invites applications for a full‑time, 9‑month, tenure‑track appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level starting in August 2026. This is one of several positions in the general area of biomedical and molecular biotechnology to be filled in the next couple of years. This senior position offers a unique opportunity to help shape and grow biological/biomedical sciences and biotechnology in broader areas of health sciences, supporting education of students for careers in medicine, pharmaceutical industries, and biotechnology.

The area of research specialty should complement those of current faculty in microbiology, genomics, population genetics, evolutionary biology, and virology. Areas of particular interest include genetics and genomics, cell and developmental biology, biotechnology, cancer biology, neurobiology, or molecular biology related to biomedical and molecular biotechnology. Essential functions include developing an extramurally funded research program, advising undergraduate and graduate students, and directing thesis/dissertation research of M.S./Ph.D. students.

The preferred candidate should have a track record of extramural funding, demonstrated ability to teach advanced courses related to human health or biotechnology, have a strong record of research accomplishment, exhibit a commitment to excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education, and have prior administrative or leadership experience.

Tennessee Technological University (TN Tech), located in Cookeville, Tennessee, is a comprehensive public university serving approximately 11,000 students. Ranked as one of ‘America’s Top Colleges’ by Forbes, Tennessee Tech is currently classified as a Carnegie R2 research university, but its research enterprise is rapidly progressing. The university offers a strong balance of high‑quality STEM professional studies, and the arts. With a student‑to‑faculty ratio of 16.5:1, Tennessee Tech provides a close‑knit academic community while supporting nationally recognized research and outreach initiatives.

The University is committed to advancing knowledge, inspiring innovation, and serving the people of Tennessee, the nation, and the world through teaching, research, and service.

The College of Arts & Sciences offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs that foster critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and creative expression. Faculty in the College are dedicated teachers and scholars who engage students in experiential learning and research opportunities across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The College supports interdisciplinary collaboration, global perspectives, and the preparation of students for diverse professional and academic pathways.

The Department of Biology at Tennessee Tech is one of the largest departments on campus, offering B.S. and graduate‑level programs that emphasize both breadth and depth in the life sciences. The department has 20 full‑time faculty members with expertise spanning molecular biology, physiology, ecology, evolution, systematics, wildlife biology, conservation biology, and plant sciences. Biology faculty are committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, mentoring, and externally funded research.

Students benefit from access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, field research opportunities, and partnerships with national, state, and regional agencies and institutions. The department recently expanded its Health Sciences Concentration, preparing students for careers and advanced study in biomedical fields, biotechnology, and human health.

Cookeville, Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland hub, is an affordable college town with strong health care, education, and outdoor recreation. Situated along I‑40 between Nashville and Knoxville, it offers easy access to Nashville’s healthcare/biotech ecosystem, including Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, supporting potential collaborations and use of shared core facilities (e.g., genomics, single‑cell, flow cytometry, imaging). To the east, Oak Ridge National Laboratory…