Assistant/Associate Professor in Sustainable Biobased Products Manufacturing, Texas

Position Description

The Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University seeks an ambitious candidate (at the assistant or associate professor level) with a strong focus on sustainable biopolymers, bioproducts discovery, and development to advance a research program in sustainable bioproducts and strengthen our current research team. The vision for this position is to create opportunities to “translate” the technology from academia (benchtop experiment) to industry, crossing the line between early innovation and commercial readiness of new sustainable biopolymer-based technologies. Strategic research focus areas include, but not limited to, the transformation of biopolymers to materials for various advanced applications and advancing basic laboratory research efforts to produce a technology that has a fully functional prototype. This is a 9-month, tenure-track position beginning on September 1st, 2024.

Major/Essential Functions

In line with Texas Tech’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.

The vision for this position is to create opportunities to “translate” the technology from academia (benchtop experiment) to industry, crossing the line between early innovation and commercial readiness of new sustainable biopolymer-based technologies. Strategic research focus areas include, but not limited to, the transformation of biopolymers to materials for various advanced applications and advancing basic laboratory research efforts to produce a technology that has a fully functional prototype.

This is a 9-month, tenure-track position (at the assistant or associate professor level) with expectations to perform world‐class research, teach (one or two classes/academic year), participate in national and international scientific community activities, and exhibit professional excellence. Service duties include program-building, as well as commitment to extra-curricular activities. Service to the department, college, and university is expected. Additional summer salary could be supported through teaching and/or research. Teaching responsibilities include graduate courses, direction of graduate student’s research, students’ advising, and otherwise advancing education.

The position offers multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation opportunities across several disciplines, such as engineering, science, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, at Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Generation of extramural grant support is expected, particularly from nationally competitive funds. Candidates who have very strong records of scholarship supported by extramural funding and who have proven capacity or clear potential to bring externally sponsored research to Texas Tech University are highly encouraged to apply.

Faculty Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related field
2. At least two years of postdoctoral experience in Biopolymer Chemistry, Biopolymers processing, and bioproduct preparation.
3. Good communication and analytical skills.
4. Ability to identify and aggressively pursue competitive funding from national and international sources.
5. Proven record of peer-reviewed publications related to that field.

Preferred Qualifications

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

1. Previous experiences with innovation and scaling up technologies related to biomass and biopolymers.
2. Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
3. Experience in writing grants for federal government agencies.
4. The ability and motivation to network with stakeholders, such as experts in the field, large companies, and start-ups, to establish public-private collaborations is a plus.

Please include the following documents in your application:

Please include the following documents in your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. A cover letter including reason to join FBRI/TTU, and research, teaching, and outreach philosophy statements.
3. A summary of the research program to be established if hired by TTU.
4. PDFs of four selected publications
5. List of at least four references

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Noureddine Abidi, Search Committee Chair at noureddine.abidi@ttu.edu.

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 the Center

The Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute is an international leader in: (1) research and technology transfer in fibers and textiles; (2) academic and professional education; (3) testing, evaluation, and consultation related to fiber and textile product properties; (4) development of textile testing methods and instrumentation; (5) determination of physical, chemical, and structural properties of natural polymers, (5) textile manufacturing, and (6) development of a new generation of bioproducts from non-food biomass. FBRI has 5 full-time faculty, 4 postdocs, 15 full-time technicians, 2 support staff, and 12 graduate students (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) involved in various research projects. Teaching is done through the Department of Plant and Soil Science.

About the Department/School/Area

The PSS Department is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 36 full-time faculty members and a student body of approximately 180 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.