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Assistant Professor, Animal Health & Welfare
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. 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. 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 robust 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 with livestock and canine/feline units. Together, these resources support a vibrant and expanding community dedicated to discovery, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of West Texas.
Texas Tech University, a comprehensive public research institution with more than 40,000 students, is nationally recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, and outreach. The Department of Animal and Food Sciences leads in animal, food, and companion animal sciences and contributes centrally to the Davis College PRIME initiatives in Sustainable Food, Fiber, and Thriving Communities and One Health, emphasizing Integrated Livestock and Cropping Systems, Animal Stress and Disease, and Human-Animal Bonds, Behavior, and Welfare.
The department maintains robust, well-equipped companion animal, equine, and livestock facilities, including detection dog training programs and laboratories supporting behavioral and physiological research. Extensive partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations provide opportunities for high-impact scholarship, student engagement, and translational outcomes that benefit animals and society.
Texas Tech University and Davis College are committed to expanding leadership in sustainable food systems and animal health, fostering an environment that supports innovative faculty and promotes the integration of teaching, research, and outreach for global impact. 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.
Organization Texas Tech University Faculty 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.
Duty Point TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. 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
- 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.
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. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan. Job Group Assistant Professor 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. Applications must be received by 01/23/2026 |
Texas Tech University
Dec 17, 2025