Assistant Professor in Mammalogy

The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, Assistant Professor position of collections-based mammalogy to begin Fall 2026. This position also includes a 1-month appointment as an Assistant Curator of Mammals at the Natural Science Research Laboratory at the Museum of TTU. Applicants from a wide range of mammalogy specializations that utilize natural history collections are invited to apply. Research areas of interest should be able to attract external competitive funding and can include, but are not limited to, evolutionary developmental biology, functional ecology, zoonotic disease evolution and transmission, functional and genome evolution, phylogenomics, and phylogeography. The successful applicant will be provided a competitive start-up package to develop their research program. Expectations include a teaching rotation that will include Mammalogy, Natural History of the Vertebrates, and the development of an upper-level course of their choosing. The position also includes the option to teach Field Methods in summer sessions, supported by the Museum.

Major/Essential Functions:

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

As a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences, you will be expected to:  

·         Advance the University’s strategic priorities: (1) educate and empower a diverse student body, (2) enable innovative research and creative activities, and (3) transform lives and communities through strategic outreach and engaged scholarship.

·         Engage in the advancement of scientific knowledge through research and scholarship.

·         Publish in good quality, peer-reviewed journals.

·         Present research at national and international meetings.

·         Submit grant proposals to external competitive funding agencies such as NSF, NIH.

·         Teach classes in mammalogy and other areas of expertise using evidence-based practices.

·         Coordinate teaching with the department’s curriculum goals.

·         Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research by providing individual support, feedback, and advice.

·         Serve on and direct graduate student thesis and dissertation committees.

·         Perform professional service, for example by reviewing manuscripts, grants, serving on editorial boards, holding leadership roles in professional societies, etc.

·         Perform service to the institution, for example by serving on departmental, college, and university-level committee.

Required Qualifications:

1.      A Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree in biology or a closely related field is required to be obtained by the first day of employment.

2.      Knowledge of evidence-based teaching practices as evidenced by proposed plans in teaching statement and/or participation in teaching professional development.

3.      A record of peer-reviewed research relating to mammalian collections-based research.

4.      A plan for managing the mammalogy collection at the NSRL and using it as a key component of the proposed research program.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

1. A strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

2. At least one year of postdoctoral research experience.

3. Potential to secure competitive external funding, evidenced by a record of submitted or successful applications for funding.

4. A clearly defined plan to develop a competitive research program that utilizes the mammal collection as outlined in the Statement of Research Interests.

5. Evidence of effective research mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students.

6. Experience implementing evidence-based teaching practices as teaching assistant or instructor of record in undergraduate biology classes.

7. Experience using or knowledge of evidence-based practices that support TTU’s strategic priority: “to educate and empower a diverse student body”.

8. Preparation for teaching and dedication to continuous professional improvement, evidenced by a record of participating in teaching professional development programs, workshops, courses, activities, etc.

9. Evidence of sustained involvement in institutional and/or professional service such as leadership positions or review service.

10. Experience working with natural history collections, for example as a curator, collections manager, or contributing to collections through field work.

Safety Information:

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include the following documents in your application. In these documents, be sure to explain how you will be able to advance TTU’s 3 strategic priorities (https://www.ttu.edu/stratplan/): 

1.     Curriculum Vitae

2.     Cover Letter that summarizes how the application aligns with the job qualifications and the TTU Strategic Plan (not to exceed 2 pages)

3.     Statement of teaching philosophy, not to exceed 2 pages addressing TTU’s first strategic priority and the required and preferred qualifications.

4.     Statement of research interests, not to exceed 2 pages addressing TTU’s second strategic priority and the required and preferred qualifications.

5.     Statement of collections philosophy, not to exceed 2 pages describing the applicant’s approach to the acquisition, stewardship, and research of collections.

6.     Contact information for 3 professional references (letters will be requested later).

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Caleb Phillips, Search Committee Chair at caleb.phillips@ttu.edu. If you need assistance with the application process, contact Human Resources, Talent Acquisition at  or 806-742-3851.hrs.recruiting@ttu.edu or 806-742-3851.

Application Process

The deadline to submit applications is on Sep 12, 2025.