Biological Sciences - Department Chairperson

42751BR

Biological Sciences

Position Description

The Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 12 month, tenured position as Professor and Department Chair, to begin September 1, 2026. We seek a distinguished scientist with a proven record of creative scientific achievement and energetic administrative leadership, who will provide a compelling vision for the future of the department in line with Texas Tech's aspiration to reach AAU status. The department currently has 48 full-time faculty members and over 150 graduate students. The department covers a diverse array of specialties, including research groups in (1) Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, (2) Cellular and Molecular Biology, including Genomics, (3) Microbiology, and (4) Discipline-based Biology Education Research, and runs additional research and teaching facilities including a greenhouse, a microscopy facility, and the E.L. Reed Herbarium. Several faculty are also associated with the Museum at Texas Tech University's (MaTT) Natural Science Research Laboratory, the TTU Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Four degrees are offered (B.S., M.S., PSM, Ph.D.) in a variety of specialty areas including Ecology and Environmental Sustainability, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Microbiology, among others. For further information regarding the Department of Biological Sciences, please refer to the department's website: www.depts.ttu.edu/biology.

The successful applicant will possess a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and educational activities, be a collegial motivator and advocate for faculty, inspire support and cooperation from diverse constituencies, and foster excellence in teaching and research. The candidate must have a clear vision for achieving strategic goals within the department, college, and university. The successful candidate is expected to work with faculty to maintain departmental strengths while developing the department under a strategic plan that emphasizes growth in basic life sciences, areas broadly related to human health, and other aspects of biological sciences. The successful candidate will be expected to promote the research, teaching, and outreach missions of the department and college.

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

Founded in 1925 as one of the university's four original colleges, the College of Arts & Sciences is comprised of 15 departments and one program, offering a wide variety of courses and programs in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and natural sciences. The College has approximately 10,000 students enrolled representing more than a quarter of the overall Texas Tech University student population while maintaining a 22:1 student to faculty ratio.

About the Department/School/Area

The Department of Biological Sciences (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/biology/) is a community of faculty, students, and staff committed to teaching and training students, producing innovative research that advances basic and applied sciences, and engaging with the public. As one of the largest programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, we offer three undergraduate degrees to more than 1800 students, and three MS degrees and a doctoral degree to approximately 125 graduate student trainees. Our 46 faculty conduct cutting-edge research across all levels of biology, spanning from how we as individuals learn and teach about biology to the cells, systems, and organisms that make up our global biosphere. We serve students through online and face-to-face learning and research opportunities.

Major/Essential Functions

In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

Organization

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree in biology or a closely related field is required at the time of application.
• Academic leadership experience, as evidenced by leadership roles, which may include but are not limited to chair/associate chair service.
• A strong record of peer-reviewed research and external, particularly federally funded, research in any life sciences field commensurate with appointment at the rank of Full Professor.
• Knowledge of evidence-based teaching practices as demonstrated by proposed plans in a teaching statement and/or participation in teaching professional development.
• A plan for department leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preparation for leadership and dedication to continuous professional development, evidenced by a record of engagement in leadership and/or mentorship professional development.
• Evidence of effective mentorship of junior faculty.
• Evidence of effective research mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Experience implementing evidence-based teaching practices in undergraduate biology classes.
• Evidence of sustained involvement in institutional and/or professional service such as committee and/or review service.

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

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A detailed cover letter (up to 2 pages).
• A current CV.
• Leadership philosophy and plan statement (up to 2 pages).
• Statement of research interests (up to 2 pages).
• Teaching and mentoring statement (up to 2 pages).
• Names and contact information for three references.

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

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.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Faculty Administration

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.

Salary Grade

800

Applications must be received by

01/15/2026