Job Description

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.

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

The Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences, along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College houses eight major research centers and institutes: the Center for Agriscience Communications, Davis College Water Center, Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, Institute for Genomics of Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness, International Center for Food Industry Excellence, Texas Cooperative Research Unit, and the Thornton Agricultural Finance Institute.



Davis College enrolls more than 2,700 undergraduate students and more than 500 graduate students. The College sustains approximately 110 tenure-track faculty, 40 non-tenure-track faculty, and more than 165 support staff. Faculty across Davis College generated approximately $17.3 million in federal and private funding to support the research, teaching, and outreach and engagement missions.



Davis College is currently engaged in The Pursuit of PRIME campaign, which is dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture, natural resources, and managed landscapes. The College prepares the next generation of leaders to address major challenges and build a brighter future through investments in advanced facilities, innovative research, and hands-on education. Rooted in Texas Tech’s spirit of resilience and excellence, this commitment extends beyond the classroom to strengthen communities and inspire prosperity for generations to come.