Research Assistant Professor - Epidemiology, Genomics & Applied Sciences

Research Assistant Professor
- Epidemiology, Genomics & Applied Sciences

The College of Science, Engineering & Technology (COSET) and the Division of Research and Innovation at Texas Southern University (TSU) invite applicants for a 10% joint Research Assistant Professor appointment in Epidemiology, Genomics, and Applied Science. This non-tenure track position is housed in COSET and designed to support an active, externally funded research portfolio at the intersection of infectious disease epidemiology, genomic science, and population health.

The appointment advances COSET's capacity to compete for federal research funding through NSF, NIH, CDC, HRSA, and DoD, and contributes to the College's interdisciplinary research mission in the biological and environmental sciences. The successful candidate will serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-Investigator on federal, state, and private foundation grants and contribute to the scholarly output of the College. This appointment is non-tenure track and subject to annual review.

At 10% effort, the primary expectation is research productivity and external funding rather than a full teaching or service load.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
This position is uniquely situated at the intersection of genomic epidemiology, molecular biology, and population-level public health science. The successful appointee will demonstrate expertise in pathogen genomics, variant surveillance, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying infectious and chronic disease interactions including endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and immune dysregulation. The role reflects COSET's commitment to rigorous, interdisciplinary science and TSU's mission to advance research of national and defense relevance.

The appointee will also bring expertise in program evaluation and research analytics, supporting funder accountability and evidence-based decision-making across complex federal awards.

Essential Duties Summary
- Research and Scholarship:
Design, lead, and execute epidemiological and genomic research studies examining infectious disease dynamics, pathogen evolution, and the bidirectional interactions between infectious exposures and chronic disease development. Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on external grant applications to federal agencies (NSF, NIH, CDC, HRSA, DoD) and private foundations. Lead genomic epidemiology and pathogen surveillance research including whole genome sequencing, variant analysis, and biosurveillance program development.

Design and execute rigorous program evaluations for federally funded initiatives, including process, outcome, and impact evaluation frameworks with peer-reviewed publication intent. Lead evaluation activities for STEM workforce development programs, including mixed methods evaluation design, instrument development, and longitudinal outcome tracking. Integrate community-based participatory research (CBPR) frameworks into study design, data collection, and dissemination of findings. Author and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and policy briefs.

Present research findings at local, national, and international scientific conferences and symposia. Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty engaged in epidemiology, genomics, and public health research. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across COSET, the Division of Research and Innovation, affiliate institutions, and community and defense stakeholders. Contribute to curriculum development and guest teaching in biology, environmental science, public health, or data science courses as appropriate for 10% appointment.

Perform other scholarly duties as assigned consistent with the scope of a joint research appointment.

% FTE - 1.0

Hiring Range - $58,162.20-$75,610.27

Education

- Required:

Doctorate in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field (Ph.D., DrPH, or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Terminal degree in a biomedical, environmental, or computational science field with demonstrated expertise in population health or genomic research will also be considered.

Required Licensing/Certification - N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of:
Epidemiological study design, biostatistics, and population health surveillance methods. Genomic epidemiology methods include whole genome sequencing, phylogenomics, and variant analysis. Federal grant mechanisms, review processes, and compliance requirements (NSF, NIH, CDC, HRSA, DoD). Molecular laboratory methods, genomic sequencing platforms, and biosurveillance infrastructure. Program evaluation frameworks including logic models, process and impact evaluation, and mixed-methods design. Statistical and analytical software (e.g., SAS, R, STATA, Python).

Policies, procedures, and ethical practices in human subject's research (IRB, HIPAA). Skill in:
Grant writing, scientific writing, and dissemination of research findings. Program evaluation…