Job Details

Assistant Professor, Animal Health & Welfare

Position Number: 6800087
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Agriculture - Animal Science

Assistant Professor, Animal Health & Welfare

43271BR
Position DescriptionContributes to the universitys mission through teaching, research and service, some variation by academic unit.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 Assistant Professor position in Animal Health and Welfare, with an expected start date of September 1, 2026. The anticipated effort allocation for this position is 60% research and 40% teaching.The successful candidate will join a dynamic department whose core strengths include livestock physiology, companion animal welfare, behavior and training, as well as detection animal training. Texas Tech hosts the nations only undergraduate program in Companion Animal Science, offering a distinctive platform for cross-disciplinary teaching, experiential learning, and workforce preparation. Strategically, this position strengthens departmental efforts to integrate animal health, behavior, and welfare, advancing TTUs leadership in sustainable animal systems and the broader One Health framework.

Position Description
Contributes to the university's mission through teaching, research and service, some variation by academic unit.

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 Assistant Professor position in Animal Health and Welfare, with an expected start date of September 1, 2026. The anticipated effort allocation for this position is 60% research and 40% teaching.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic department whose core strengths include livestock physiology, companion animal welfare, behavior and training, as well as detection animal training. Texas Tech hosts the nation's only undergraduate program in Companion Animal Science, offering a distinctive platform for cross-disciplinary teaching, experiential learning, and workforce preparation. Strategically, this position strengthens departmental efforts to integrate animal health, behavior, and welfare, advancing TTU's leadership in sustainable animal systems and the broader One Health framework.

Major/Essential Functions
In alignment with Texas Tech University'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, the successful candidate will contribute to the teaching, research, and service missions of the department.

Teaching and Mentorship

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to animal health, behavior, and welfare as assigned by the department chair.
Develop and deliver innovative instructional materials and experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and skill development.
Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students, supporting their academic, professional, and research goals.
Contribute to student recruitment, retention, and career placement activities that strengthen the animal and companion animal science programs.
Research and Scholarly Activity
Develop an independent, externally funded research program in animal health and welfare, emphasizing behavioral and physiological indicators of animal welfare using livestock, companion, or other species as models.
Build collaborative research partnerships within TTU and externally to advance research in animal health, behavior, and welfare.
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific and professional meetings.
Align research objectives with departmental priorities and the Davis College PRIME initiatives.

Service and Outreach

Provide service to the department, college, and university through committee participation and faculty governance.
Engage with stakeholders through outreach programs, workshops, and professional organizations to translate research into practice.
Support industry and community partnerships related to animal welfare, detection animal science, and the human-animal bond.
Foster a collegial, inclusive environment that values collaboration, diversity, and student success.

Required Qualifications

Education: Ph.D. in Animal Science or a closely related field, conferred by the first day of employment.
Teaching Experience: Demonstrated experience in teaching or assisting with animal science-related courses (e.g., animal welfare, behavior, or health). Evidence may include course evaluations, teaching assistantships, or instructor-of-record assignments.
Research Productivity: Documented record of research related to animal health and welfare as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, presentations, or equivalent scholarly outputs.
Funding Potential: Demonstrated potential to secure extramural funding from federal, industry, or foundation sources.
Service and Engagement: Evidence of or clear potential for meaningful participation in departmental, university, professional, or community service.

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

Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience that enhances the candidate's ability to develop a competitive, externally funded research program.
Evidence of effective interdisciplinary collaboration and/or engagement with industry and stakeholder partners.
Commitment to inclusive excellence in teaching, research, and outreach.

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

Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Research statement
Teaching philosophy
Contact information for three references

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Anastasia Stellato, Search Committee Chair, at anastasia.stellato@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.