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Asst/Assoc Professor in Sustainable Biobased Products Manufacturing
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Position Number: 5182028
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Science - Chemistry

Asst/Assoc Professor in Sustainable Biobased Products Manufacturing

37249BR
Position DescriptionThe 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.

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 TTUs 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.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related field
At least two years of postdoctoral experience in Biopolymer Chemistry, Biopolymers processing, and bioproduct preparation.
Good communication and analytical skills.
Ability to identify and aggressively pursue competitive funding from national and international sources.
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:

Previous experiences with innovation and scaling up technologies related to biomass and biopolymers.
Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
Experience in writing grants for federal government agencies.
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.

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.