Department Chairperson

Position Title Department Chairperson – 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 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 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. Functional Areas 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. 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. This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA‑48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews. 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. Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Working in a Research Laboratory Yes Special Instructions to Applicants 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. Application Process Applications received before January 15, 2026 will be given full consideration. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Questions about the position and/or the application process can be directed to: Dr. Randy McBee, Search Committee ChairCollege of Arts and SciencesTexas Tech UniversityE‑mail: Randy.McBee@ttu.edu Job Details 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr