Job Details

Associate Professor, Food Safety & Molecular Microbiology

Position Number: 6800080
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Agriculture - Food Science

Associate Professor, Food Safety & Molecular Microbiology

43272BR
Position DescriptionThe Department of Animal and Food Sciences in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources 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 and expectation for this position is 70% research and 30% teaching.Texas Tech University is a comprehensive public research institution with more than 40,000 students. The Department of Animal and Food Sciences (AFS) and the International Center for Food Industry Excellence (ICFIE) are internationally recognized for excellence in food safety, food microbiology, and meat science. This position represents a strategic investment in molecular food safety research and teaching that supports TTUs leadership in sustainable food systems, One Health, and industry collaboration.The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized, externally funded program in molecular food safety focused on the detection, characterization, and control of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. 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.The Department of Animal and Food Sciences is home to more than 1,400 students and 30 faculty engaged in teaching, research, and outreach across animal and food systems. ICFIE integrates research, education, and industry partnerships to advance food safety, sustainability, and public health through applied science and workforce development.

Position Description
The Department of Animal and Food Sciences in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources 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 and expectation for this position is 70% research and 30% teaching.

Texas Tech University is a comprehensive public research institution with more than 40,000 students. The Department of Animal and Food Sciences (AFS) and the International Center for Food Industry Excellence (ICFIE) are internationally recognized for excellence in food safety, food microbiology, and meat science. This position represents a strategic investment in molecular food safety research and teaching that supports TTU's leadership in sustainable food systems, One Health, and industry collaboration.

The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized, externally funded program in molecular food safety focused on the detection, characterization, and control of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. 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.

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences is home to more than 1,400 students and 30 faculty engaged in teaching, research, and outreach across animal and food systems. ICFIE integrates research, education, and industry partnerships to advance food safety, sustainability, and public health through applied science and workforce development.

Major/Essential Functions
Research and Scholarship

Lead an externally funded, nationally recognized research program in molecular food safety, emphasizing pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STECs).
Apply advanced molecular and genomic techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, serotyping) to detect, characterize, and quantify foodborne pathogens in food and food-animal systems.
Investigate pathogen adaptation, persistence, and evolution within food production environments to inform prevention and control strategies.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams addressing microbial risks across the food system and publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
Secure competitive extramural funding from federal (USDA, NIH, NSF, DoD), state, and industry sources.

Teaching and Mentorship

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in food safety, microbiology, or molecular methods within the core curriculum.
Develop innovative instructional materials and experiential learning opportunities integrating current molecular and genomic approaches.
Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, serve as a major advisor, and supervise postdoctoral researchers as appropriate.

Outreach and Service

Engage with the food industry, government agencies (USDA, FDA, FSIS), and professional organizations to translate research findings into applied solutions.
Provide technical expertise and training to industry and regulatory partners in molecular food safety applications.
Contribute to departmental, college, and university committees and professional societies to enhance TTU's national and international visibility.

Required Qualifications

Education: Ph.D. in Animal Science, Food Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.
Research Leadership: A nationally recognized research program in molecular food safety, supported by sustained extramural funding.
Research Productivity: Demonstrated record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications and measurable research impact.
Teaching Experience: Documented success in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in food microbiology, food safety, or related disciplines.
Industry Engagement: Proven experience collaborating with the food industry on applied or translational research addressing microbial food safety.
Service and Mentorship: Evidence of mentoring graduate students and providing service to the university, profession, and food safety community.

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

Demonstrated success leading large, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Expertise in microbiome analysis, metagenomics, or bioinformatics relevant to pathogen ecology in food systems.
Evidence of securing federal research grants (e.g., USDA-NIFA, NIH, NSF) and sustained funding partnerships with industry.
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.

Special Instructions to Applicant
Please include the following documents in your application:

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

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Alejandro Echeverry, Search Committee Chair, at alejandro.echeverry@ttu.edu.

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

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.