Assistant or Associate Professor in Microbial Forensics and Biosecurity

The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University invites applicants for a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor. This is a 9-month, tenured or tenure-track position with research (60%), teaching (30%), and service (10%) responsibilities with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2025. The position is located on the main campus in College Station. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive salary, startup package, and laboratory space in the state-of-the-art Plant Pathology and Microbiology building.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead an independent, high-impact, extramurally funded, and internationally recognized research program relevant to the anticipation, identification, mitigation, description, and/or management of threats to agricultural biosecurity. Candidates with background in any discipline applicable to the development of such a program, including but not limited to disease and pest management, computational biology, risk assessment, epidemiological modeling, diagnostics, actuarial sciences, or microbiology are encouraged to apply. Potential research emphases for the position include origins and movement of microbial pathogens, robust microbial forensics methods and technologies, disease dynamics and epidemiology of emergent and novel pathogens, and computational applications such as surveillance and modeling, digital twin systems, and threat detection. Additional responsibilities will include teaching graduate and undergraduate level courses, chairing and serving on graduate committees, and service to the department, university, and the profession. The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology (PLPM) hosts undergraduate programs in Bioenvironmental Sciences and Environmental Studies and a graduate program in Plant Pathology. The department also includes faculty in the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Centers located across Texas. Collaboration opportunities at Texas A&M include College- and University-level developments such as faculty specialization in Agricultural Forensics (Department of Entomology), a Microbiomes faculty cluster (multiple departments, including PLPM, in the College of Agriculture and Life Science), and a new Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center within the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Ph.D. in an area including but not limited to genetics, genomics, biology, ecology, entomology, microbiology, plant pathology, soil science, crop science, or computational biology. Candidates with post-doctoral research experience are preferred. Evidence of the potential for developing an outstanding research program and indications of strong mentorship and teaching skills are required. Applicants are expected to have a strong publication record, interpersonal and communication skills, and the desire to collaborate with others in a collegial team environment.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications will only be accepted at https://apply.interfolio.com/160193 . Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter with a statement of the applicant’s interest and suitability for the position, 2) a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, 3) a three-page personal statement to include philosophy and plans for research, teaching and service, 4) a listing of contact information for three expert individuals who can provide a critical evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications for the position.

Questions may be addressed to the search committee chair, Dr. Thomas Chappell

(thomas.chappell@ag.tamu.edu).