Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Usual Duties: The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science and Engineering Technology at Sam Houston State University seeks an individual broadly trained in the field of Parasitology and/or Parasite Ecology for a tenure track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor. Teaching responsibilities may include but are not limited to Parasitology, Invertebrate Zoology, Evolution introductory biology courses, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.

Degree Requirements: The successful candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Life Sciences or a closely related field.

Experience Requirements: Candidates should have research experience beyond graduate study, preferably including one or more years of post-doctoral research.

Other Requirements: Candidates with expertise in basic and/or applied research in parasitology and/or parasite ecology are strongly encouraged to apply. Relevant research areas include, but are not limited to, taxonomy and systematics, host-parasite interactions, parasite biodiversity, disease ecology, wildlife health, and the direct and indirect effects of parasites on individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program that engages undergraduates and masters-level graduate students, while also fostering collaborative research within the Department of Biological Sciences.

Special Instructions Summary: Sam Houston State University is classified as an R2 research institution. It is located in East Texas, approximately 65 miles north of Houston. Current enrollment is approximately 22,000. Degrees conferred by the Department of Biological Sciences include a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, and both a Master of Science and Master of Arts in Biology. There are currently 25 full-time faculty members, 5 full-time instructional staff, and 4 full-time support staff. The Department of Biological Sciences is in the newly constructed, state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building, which is well equipped to support research in parasitology. Facilities include a dedicated microscopy suite featuring transmission electron (TEM), scanning electron (SEM), laser-scanning, Keyence, and confocal microscopes, supported by a full-time master’s-level staff scientist. Additional resources include a molecular core facility with sequencing and imaging capabilities, as well as shared-use areas equipped with autoclaves, purified water systems, centrifuges, and other research infrastructure. In addition, the university maintains a small-animal (e.g., rodent) housing facility that meets all current USDA standards and has received OLAW Assurance from the NIH. The department also maintains the Piney Woods Environmental Research Laboratory, a 250-acre field station dedicated to research and teaching and equipped with laboratory and classroom facilities. The Texas Invasive Species Institute is housed on campus and offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration for the successful candidate.