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.

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.