"Alerted.org

43448BR

Extended Job Title:

Assistant Professor, Meat Science

Organization:

Texas Tech University

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 Assistant Professor in Meat Science, beginning September 1, 2026. The expected allocation of effort for this position is 50% teaching and 50% research.

The successful candidate will join a nationally recognized Meat Science program and complement existing faculty strengths in meat quality, muscle biology, food safety, and animal protein systems sustainability. This position represents a strategic investment in the Davis College PRIME Initiative in Sustainable Food, Fiber, and Thriving Communities, particularly within the themes of Sustainable Food Systems and One Health, and aligns with departmental excellence areas in Meat Science, Food Safety, and Meat Animal Production Systems.

This position offers an opportunity for an emerging scholar to build a nationally recognized, externally funded, and collaborative research and teaching program that enhances the sustainability and resilience of the beef and livestock supply chain—from production and processing to packaging, retail, and consumer engagement. The faculty member will contribute to multidisciplinary efforts linking meat science, animal production, food systems, and sustainability. Responsibilities include research, teaching, and service: developing a research program in meat science and muscle biology with an emphasis on Animal Protein System Sustainability; teaching undergraduate and graduate courses; mentoring M.S. and Ph.D. students; and engaging in professional and public service to advance the missions of the department, college, and university.

Requisition ID:

43448BR

Travel Required:

Up to 25%

Major/Essential Functions:

In line with TTU’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, applicants should have experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

As a faculty member in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, you will be expected to:

+ Develop an independent, externally funded research program in meat science and muscle biology focused on animal sourced protein system sustainability.

+ Collaborate across disciplines to enhance the efficiency, quality, and value of animal protein systems.

+ Teach courses, including a principle of meat science course (ANSC 3403) with opportunities to develop curriculum on related topics that align with departmental needs.

+ Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research, experiential learning, and professional development.

+ Engage with industry and commodity partners, contributing to applied research and outreach that supports workforce development and industry innovation.

+ Provide service to the department, college, university, and professional organizations to advance the mission of Texas Tech University and the meat science discipline.

Grant Funded?:

No

Pay Basis:

Monthly

Preferred Qualifications:

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

+ Experience in applied, industry-relevant research, such as carcass evaluation, meat quality, muscle biology, processing, or packaging.

+ Evidence of collaborative or interdisciplinary research linking production, processing, or sustainability in animal protein systems.

+ Demonstrated engagement in experiential learning environments, such as laboratory instruction, product development, or judging team coaching.

+ Record of participation in professional organizations (e.g., AMSA, ASAS, IFT) or service to commodity groups and youth programs.

+ Interest or experience in data analytics, experimental design, or process improvement in meat science.

+ Evidence of commitment to student mentoring, diversity, and inclusion in academic or research settings.

Department:

Animal and Food Sciences

Job Type:

Full Time

Job Group:

Assistant Professor

Salary Grade:

800

Does this position work in a research laboratory?:

No

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include the following documents in your application:

+ Cover Letter

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Teaching and Research Statements

+ Copy of post-baccalaureate transcripts

+ List of references

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Brad Johnson, Search Committee Chair at [email protected].

Safety Information:

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

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.

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.

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.

About the Department/School/Area:

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University prepares ethical leaders and advances innovation in animal agriculture, food systems, equine, and companion animal science. Guided by our values of accountability, community, excellence, grit, and integrity, we pursue impactful teaching, research, and outreach that improve animal lives, strengthen resilient food systems, and enhance human–animal connections.

The department is home to approximately 30 faculty, many of whom are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their fields and serve more than 1,450 undergraduate and graduate students. Student growth has crested at historic levels, while research productivity and external engagement continue to expand at an unprecedented pace. Areas of research strength include meat science and muscle biology, food science and safety, animal nutrition, health and welfare, and companion animal studies. Faculty and students benefit from modern teaching and research facilities as well as specialized units such as the Equestrian Center, Equine Therapeutic Riding Center, Grantham Companion Animal Research Facility, and the New Deal Agricultural Field Laboratory. Together, these resources support a vibrant and expanding community dedicated to discovery, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of West Texas.

The Meat Science and Muscle Biology Program in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences is one of the nation’s premier programs in meat science education, research, and outreach. The program is led by a team of highly qualified, nationally recognized faculty with outstanding records of achievement across teaching, research, and industry engagement. Facilities supporting the program include the Animal and Food Sciences Building, Experimental Sciences Building, Agricultural Field Laboratory with Animal Units, and the Gordon W. Davis Meat Science Laboratory, which is fully equipped for meat processing and evaluation. A dedicated pathogen processing and microbiology laboratory provides additional capacity for collaborative research with industry and food microbiologists. The program attracts exceptional students at all levels, enrolling approximately 40 M.S. and Ph.D. students annually and employing more than 100 undergraduates each year through Raider Red Meats, research laboratories, and student leadership roles in meat science.

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.

Applications must be received by:

02/13/2026

Faculty Qualifications:

+ Ph.D. in Animal Science, Food Science, or a closely related field, with an emphasis in meat science, muscle foods, and/or muscle biology (degree completed by the start date).

+ Demonstrated research experience in meat science or muscle biology, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or research contributions to multidisciplinary projects.

+ Evidence of teaching effectiveness or instructional potential, such as experience as a teaching assistant, laboratory instructor, guest lecturer, or curriculum developer in animal or meat science courses.

+ Demonstrated communication and leadership skills, reflected through activities such as leading or coordinating research teams, mentoring undergraduate or graduate students, organizing workshops or outreach events, presenting research to academic or industry audiences, or contributing to collaborative, multi-institutional projects.

+ Ability to secure extramural funding, demonstrated by participation in proposal development, industry partnerships, or contribution to funded research projects.

Duty Point:

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities