Job Details

Department Chairperson of Plant and Soil Sciences

Position Number: 6493993
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science

Department Chairperson of Plant and Soil Sciences

42025BR
Position DescriptionAdministers affairs of a clinical, basic science, or college department.The Department of Plant and Soil Science invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, tenured appointment at the rank of Professor, beginning June 2026, or soon thereafter. The successful candidate will be an innovative, dynamic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial Chair of the Department of Plant and Soil Science, providing intellectual and strategic leadership for teaching, research, service, outreach and engagement endeavors. Applicants should have academic credentials commensurate with a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure and a Ph.D. in a related field of agronomy, agricultural sciences, soil science, horticulture, or a related discipline. The candidate will serve as an exemplary faculty colleague and mentor and effectively represent the Department within the College, University, and broader community.Among key responsibilities, the Chair will manage departmental personnel; administer the academic programs; develop and sustain connections with related professional and industry entities to promote teaching, research, development, and outreach; effectively represent the Department to internal and external entities; effectively manage the units budget to sustain a culture of fiscal responsibility and health; and promote the success of the faculty, staff, and students in the department. The Chair will also serve as a departmental faculty member with the following expectations related to teaching and research: (1) Maintain a research program as commensurate with the position and participate in graduate advising through thesis and dissertation committees, and (2) Teach courses as appropriate to serve the needs of the Department.

Position Description
Administers affairs of a clinical, basic science, or college department.
The Department of Plant and Soil Science invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, tenured appointment at the rank of Professor, beginning June 2026, or soon thereafter. The successful candidate will be an innovative, dynamic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial Chair of the Department of Plant and Soil Science, providing intellectual and strategic leadership for teaching, research, service, outreach and engagement endeavors. Applicants should have academic credentials commensurate with a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure and a Ph.D. in a related field of agronomy, agricultural sciences, soil science, horticulture, or a related discipline. The candidate will serve as an exemplary faculty colleague and mentor and effectively represent the Department within the College, University, and broader community.

Among key responsibilities, the Chair will manage departmental personnel; administer the academic programs; develop and sustain connections with related professional and industry entities to promote teaching, research, development, and outreach; effectively represent the Department to internal and external entities; effectively manage the unit's budget to sustain a culture of fiscal responsibility and health; and promote the success of the faculty, staff, and students in the department. The Chair will also serve as a departmental faculty member with the following expectations related to teaching and research: (1) Maintain a research program as commensurate with the position and participate in graduate advising through thesis and dissertation committees, and (2) Teach courses as appropriate to serve the needs of the Department.

Major/Essential Functions
In line with TTU'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 demonstrate experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels. This experience may span teaching, research, creative activity, and service.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. degree or foreign equivalent in agricultural sciences, soil science, horticulture, or related disciplines.
A strong record of academic accomplishments that will allow a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of full professor in a field relevant to the Department.
Demonstrated experience in leading complex, multi- or trans-disciplinary teams in high-impact and successful research.
An outstanding record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, outstanding extramural funding, and university and professional service.
Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement and communication.
Experience with complex academic budgeting and record of successful personnel and budget management.
Experience in external fundraising or development activities.
Highly refined verbal and written communication skills and a commitment to sharing departmental accomplishments and its vision for the future with prospective students, alumni, and stakeholders.
Distinguished record of success in research and teaching.

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

Exemplary and visionary leadership skills, as evidenced by prior experience as a chair, director or other faculty leadership position.
Demonstrated leadership in shaping and adapting an academic department's missions to the ever-changing teaching and funding environment.
Support and leverage an academic Department's multidisciplinary strengths and actively engage all faculty, engaged in diverse fields, towards a shared goal.
A demonstrated and ongoing commitment to serving all people.
Previous experience or other evidence of administrative ability to direct the activities of a large academic department, ability to provide a clear vision and to plan strategically to achieve departmental goals and objectives, a track record of making timely decisions and responding promptly to administrative deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to create a shared vision and align resources to achieve strategic outcomes.
Exceptional skills in interpersonal communication and relations.

Special Instructions to Applicant
Please include the following documents in your application:

Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Statement of Administrative, Research, and Teaching Philosophy
List of at least six professional references

The application deadline is November 1, 2025.

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Chance Brooks (chance.brooks@ttu.edu) and Dr. Noureddine Abidi (noureddine.abidi@ttu.edu) Search Committee Co-Chairs.

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

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.