Professor, University Professor, Academic

Overview

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% Research / 20% Teaching / 5% 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.

• Develop and lead an extramurally funded research program with international impact.
• Establish collaborations within TTU and with external partners, including TTU-HSC and the Institute for One Health Innovation.
• Contribute to teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Engage in service activities consistent with rank and participate in department, college, and university initiatives.

• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biology, microbiology, soil science, ecology, or related area by start date.
• Evidence of potential to develop an outstanding interdisciplinary research program with a strong publication record.
• Desire to collaborate in a collegial team environment; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to teaching general or specialized courses within microbiomes and soil science.

• Postdoctoral experience or relevant training.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstration of ability to secure external funding (especially at higher ranks).
• Experience collaborating across One Health or microbiome-related fields.
• Evidence of effective mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Knowledge and experience in teaching and student learning outcomes.
• Ability to develop and teach general or specialized courses within the field.
• Ability to engage non-academics and contribute to departmental, university, and professional service initiatives.

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter describing alignment with job qualifications and 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 the TTU email provided in the notice. For application process assistance, contact Human Resources, Talent Acquisition ruiting or . The deadline to submit applications is March 01, 2026.

To ensure full consideration, please complete an online application at: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Requisition # 43311

• University: Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, TX, the university enrolls over 40,000 students. It comprises multiple colleges and centers and is committed to student success and community impact.
• Institute: The Institute for One Health Innovation (IOHI) supports transdisciplinary research to address One Health problems, emphasizing rural healthcare access and communities.
• College: The Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources houses several departments and research centers, with extensive research funding and activity.
• Department: The Department of Plant and Soil Science consists of 51 faculty, 59 staff, 161 graduate students, and 174 undergraduate students, and includes institutes such as IGCAST and the Fiber & Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI).

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. All qualified applicants will receive…