Associate Professor, Food Safety & Molecular Microbiology

Position Description

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full‑time, 9‑month, tenure‑track or tenured Associate Professor of Molecular Food Safety beginning September 1, 2026. Effort allocation is % research and 30% teaching. The department and the International Center for Food Industry Excellence (ICFIE) are internationally recognized for excellence in food safety, food microbiology, and meat science.

The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized, externally funded program in molecular food safety focused on detecting, characterizing, and controlling foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin‑producing Escherichia coli (STECs). Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in food microbiology, food safety, and molecular methods; mentoring students; and collaborating with industry, government, and academic partners to translate research into practical solutions that enhance food safety and workforce readiness.

• Lead an externally funded, nationally recognized research program in molecular food safety.
• Apply advanced molecular and genomic techniques to detect, characterize, and quantify foodborne pathogens.
• Investigate pathogen adaptation, persistence, and evolution within food production environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and publish results in high‑impact, peer‑reviewed journals.
• Secure competitive extramural funding from federal, state, and industry sources.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in food safety, microbiology, or molecular methods.
• Develop innovative instructional materials and experiential learning opportunities.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, serve as a major advisor, and supervise postdoc researchers.

• Engage with the food industry, government agencies, and professional organizations to translate research findings.
• Provide technical expertise and training to industry and regulatory partners.
• Contribute to departmental, college, and university committees and professional societies.

• Ph.D. in Animal Science, Food Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Nationally recognized research program in molecular food safety with sustained extramural funding.
• Demonstrated record of high‑quality peer‑reviewed publications and measurable research impact.
• Teaching experience in undergraduate and/or graduate courses in food microbiology, food safety, or related disciplines.
• Proven experience collaborating with the food industry on applied or translational research.
• Evidence of mentoring graduate students and providing service to the university, profession, and food safety community.

• Success leading large, collaborative, interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Expertise in microbiome analysis, metagenomics, or bioinformatics for pathogen ecology in food systems.
• Experience securing federal research grants and sustained industry funding partnerships.
• Experience developing new curricula or experiential learning programs in molecular food safety or applied microbiology.
• Established record of mentoring postdoctoral scholars and graduate students to professional and academic placement.
• Commitment to fostering robust interdisciplinary collaboration in research and teaching.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research and Teaching Statements
• Copy of post‑baccalaureate degree transcripts
• List of references

Applications must be received by 01/23/2026.

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.