Assistant Professor, Environmental Science/Organismal Biology

Louisiana Tech University is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Environmental Science/Organismal Biology. The role involves teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, developing a research program, mentoring students, and participating in departmental service activities. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and a strong research background. The position is located in Ruston, LA, with a start date of September 1, 2025.
Thank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University.

Louisiana Tech University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the School of Biological Sciences. We seek a dynamic and innovative individual to join our faculty in delivering excellence in teaching, research, and service. The School of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in Biology, Environmental Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as an undergraduate certificate in Environmental Sustainability, graduate certificates in Health Sciences and Dietetics, MS degrees in Biology, Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology (MSNT), and Nutrition and Dietetics, and a PhD degree in MSNT.

We seek a broadly trained candidate with expertise in environmental science, organismal biology, ecology, conservation, or sustainability. The expected teaching responsibility for this position is the equivalent of four courses per academic year including Introduction to Environmental Science, a foundational course in our Environmental Science curriculum. The successful candidate will also develop courses based on their background and expertise that align with departmental needs. Additionally, the candidate is expected to support the graduate program by developing a research program involving both graduate and undergraduate students. This position includes participation in service activities, including recruitment and retention efforts.

Position: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Location: Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana

Department: School of Biological Sciences

Start Date: September 1, 2025

Responsibilities:

Teach undergraduate courses, including Introduction to Environmental Science, and upper-level and graduate courses related to organismal biology, sustainability, conservation, ecology, or toxicology.

Establish and maintain an active research program in an area such as organismal biology, sustainability, conservation biology, environmental toxicology, or related fields, with a commitment to securing external funding and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in their academic and professional development, including research projects and career opportunities.

Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across disciplines to foster a dynamic and inclusive academic environment.

Contribute to the department's service mission through active involvement in recruiting activities, programmatic support, and committee work.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field

Established record of research productivity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals and a strong potential for securing external funding

Experience or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a diverse academic community

Willingness to contribute to the department's service mission through participation in recruiting efforts, programmatic support, and committee work

Preferred qualifications:

Demonstrated expertise in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Environmental Science or related disciplines

Experience in advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students

Postdoctoral experience in a relevant field is highly desirable

The School of Biological Sciences is a dynamic, collegial unit with 30 members of the faculty and approximately 600 undergraduate and 20 graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.).

Louisiana Tech University is a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to excellence in education, research, and service. Located in Ruston, Louisiana, our campus is at the heart of this growing college town. Our university fosters a collaborative learning environment, promoting academic excellence for students and professional growth for faculty.

Application Procedure:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research interests, and contact information for three professional references, in a single pdf file. Review of applications will begin in January 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Terri Maness

Chair, Search Committee

School of Biological Sciences

Louisiana Tech University

Email: tmaness@latech.edu

Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and places a high priority on the creation of an environment supportive of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Posting Close Date: This position will remain open until filled.

Please Note: Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration.

Note to Applicant:

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the Louisiana Tech University may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.