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Tenure-Track: Assistant Professor of Arthropod Neurobiology Entomology

Location College Station

Open Date 11/6/2025

Position ID 172341

Description

The Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, invites applicants for one full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position with a nine-month academic appointment specializing in Arthropod Neurobiology, located on the Texas A&M campus in College Station, TX. Candidates should have a strong record of scholarly achievement, including peer-reviewed journal publications, demonstrated success in securing grants, or a strong potential to secure extramural funding. This position has duties in Research, Teaching, and Service with approximately a 60%, 30%, and 10% distribution of effort, respectively. However, the appointment may change in accordance with Departmental needs. The anticipated start date is August 01, 2026.

The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University – renowned for its strength in arthropod behavior, chemical ecology, physiology and nutrition, genetics, immunity, insect resistance, and evolutionary biology – seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Neurobiology to fill a critical gap and synergize with these existing programs. This hire will expand our capacity to tackle modern challenges and position the department at the forefront of interdisciplinary discovery. The successful candidate will benefit from a vibrant and collaborative neuroscience community at Texas A&M University. Intellectual resources include the Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN) (https://tamin.tamu.edu) , the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and the Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program (https://genetics.tamu.edu) , each with strong groups of neuroscientists and shared core facilities that support cutting-edge neurobiology research.

Arthropod Neurobiology encompasses the study of neural mechanisms underlying sensory perception, information processing, and behavior in arthropods – including insects, ticks, mites, and related taxa. This field seeks to understand how environmental cues are detected by peripheral sensory structures, processed within central nervous system circuits, and translated into coordinated, adaptive behaviors. These behaviors span critical ecological and physiological functions, including foraging and feeding, locomotion, reproduction, communication within and between species, defense and avoidance responses, dormancy and migration, nest- and shelter-building, thermoregulation, and grooming. Contemporary research in this field employs high-resolution imaging, in vivo electrophysiology, genetic and genomic manipulation (e.g., CRISPR, RNAi), and computational/bioinformatic modeling to uncover how neural circuits are assembled, how they operate in real time, and how they have evolved across arthropod lineages. This integrative approach not only deepens our fundamental understanding of nervous-system function by also informs agriculture, ecology, and public health.

Key areas of cutting-edge inquiry might include: (1) Integrative Neuroanatomy – Mapping entire arthropod brains at cellular resolution to link classic regions—optic lobes, mushroom bodies, central complex—to specific behaviors across species. (2) Genetic & Molecular Toolkits – Leveraging CRISPR, transgenics, and RNAi for cell‑type‑specific manipulations in non‑model arthropods. (3) Neuroethology in Ecological Context – Investigating how neural circuits adapt to real‑world tasks such as navigation, learning, and social coordination. (4) Vector Sensory Systems & Public‑Health Applications – Dissecting the receptor neurons insect vectors use to locate hosts, with the aim of developing “smart” repellents or genetic interventions that block pathogen transmission. (5) Connectomics & Computational Modeling – Generating high‑throughput electron‑microscopy connectomes and in silico circuit models to understand how networks of thousands of neurons produce robust behaviors – with implications for bio‑inspired robotics and neuromorphic computing.

General Duties and Responsibilities: The incumbent faculty member will have primary responsibility for developing an internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program in arthropod neurobiology. They will employ cutting-edge methodologies (e.g., electrophysiology, neurogenetics, genomics, single-cell multi-omics, imaging) to investigate neural mechanisms underlying behavior and sensory biology in insects or related arthropods. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with departmental, college, and university colleagues to leverage interdisciplinary expertise in arthropod behavior, chemical ecology, physiology and nutrition, genetics, immunity, insect resistance, and evolutionary biology. Finally, they will disseminate research findings via peer-reviewed publications, presentations at professional conferences, and outreach to scientific and stakeholder communities.

The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s teaching mission by offering courses relevant to arthropod neurobiology. The incumbent will teach at least one 3-credit undergraduate course annually and one or more graduate-level courses on an alternating basis (e.g., Insect Behavior; ENTO 627). They may propose and develop new undergraduate or graduate courses in insect neurobiology or molecular physiology as needs and interests arise. There is an expectation to integrate contemporary neurobiology research findings into coursework to enrich the academic experience of students. Assignment of courses is done by the Department Head in consultation with the Associate Department Head for Academic Programs. Finally, the incumbent will advise and supervise graduate and undergraduate students and provide guidance and professional development support to postdoctoral researchers.

With respect to service, the incumbent will provide service to the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. They will also participate in departmental committees, professional societies, and other activities that support and promote the department’s mission. Finally, they are expected to engage in outreach activities to inform the public, stakeholders, and potential donors about arthropod neurobiology’s relevance to agriculture, public health, and basic science.

Resources: The Department of Entomology will provide dedicated laboratory and office space within our on-campus entomology facilities. The successful candidate will work with the Department Head to determine specific laboratory requirements, including suitable space for sensitive equipment (e.g., confocal microscopes, electrophysiology rigs) and potential specialized insect or arthropod rearing rooms. Core facilities on campus, including the AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service and various microscopy centers, offer additional support for advanced molecular and imaging techniques.

Funding Outlook/Sources: Arthropod neurobiology aligns closely with the priorities of major federal agencies and foundations supporting neuroscience and behavior research. Strong funding opportunities exist through the NIH for studies on neural mechanisms, sensory processing, and behavior, and through the NSF for integrative and comparative work in invertebrate systems. Additional support is available from the Brain Research Foundation and Dana Foundation for innovative or early-stage neuroscience research. Applied avenues for funding are also available through the DoD and DARPA for projects in bioinspired robotics and sensory technologies, and through the USDA/NIFA for research linking neuroethology to pest and beneficial arthropod management.

Salary and benefits: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous funding will be provided to launch a cutting-edge neurobiology research program, including resources for specialized equipment, laboratory supplies, and personnel. Texas A&M University offers a robust benefits package covering health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits (see: https://employees.tamu.edu).

Administrative Relationship: Supervision will be provided by the Department Head of Entomology and the Vice Chancellor and Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The incumbent faculty member shall exhibit collegiality to all faculty, staff, students, clientele groups, and local administrators. Additionally, the candidate is expected to cooperate and collaborate with faculty (independent of affiliation) as appropriate to the successful execution of their general duties and responsibilities and in support of the Department of Entomology mission and goals.

Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent in Neuroscience, Biology, Entomology, or a closely related discipline required, or candidates who have completed all Ph.D. requirements except the dissertation will be considered, provided they demonstrate clear progress toward completion of the Ph.D.

Preferred qualifications: Demonstrated record of high-impact, peer-reviewed research articles. Evidence of ability (or strong potential) to secure external research funding. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience or clear potential for effective teaching and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. Candidates should have hands-on research experience in arthropod neurobiology (e.g., electrophysiology, imaging, neurogenetics) and an interest in applying neurobiological approaches to agricultural, ecological, or public health problems. Postdoctoral experience in a subdiscipline of neurobiology is highly preferred. The successful candidate will demonstrate both technical expertise and creativity in developing an independent, externally funded research program.

Application Instructions

Applicants will only be accepted through Interfolio apply.interfolio.com/176536.

Applicants must submit: (1) a cover letter of interest, (2) a Curriculum Vitae, (3) a personal statement to include philosophy and plans for research, teaching, and service (up to six pages total), and (4) contact information for three professional references (to be contacted at a later stage). Please provide a complete mailing address, email, and phone number, and a brief statement of how each referee knows the candidate.

Applications should be submitted by December 15, 2025.

Review of applications will begin after this date and continue until the position is filled. For questions regarding this position, email inquiries to the attention of Dr. Spencer T. Behmer, Search Committee Chair, Department of Entomology via Teresa Gold ( [email protected] ).