Assistant Professor of Comparative Genomics

Department of Animal Science

Texas A&M University

 Description: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (COALS) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) invites applicants for a fully budgeted, 9-month full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in comparative genomics in the Department of Animal Science. This recruitment is part of a cluster hire for the new Center for Comparative Genomics (CCGEN) in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. We seek energetic individuals applying innovative vertebrate genomics and comparative genomic approaches that leverage long-read sequencing technologies and pangenomic concepts to better understand the genomic architecture of complex traits, disease conditions, and adaptation in managed and natural populations of livestock. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027. Salary and start-up packages will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

We are particularly seeking individuals with research experience in livestock genomics, or with complimentary research backgrounds who are interested in extending their work to livestock genomic systems in one or more of the following four thematic areas:

Vertebrate genomics. Whole genome comparisons to connect genetic variation to phenotypes relevant to disease susceptibility/resistance, resistance to parasites and pests (e.g., flies, worms, ticks), morphology, reproduction, meat animal product characteristics, feed or water utilization, other characterizations of adaptation, and environmental impact.

Developmental and Reproductive genomics. Leveraging comparisons between distantly related organisms with complete genome assemblies aimed at identifying the fundamental units of gene regulation that dictate reproduction, development, and organismal health and applying this knowledge in a translational framework within livestock.

Biodiversity & Conservation genomics. Applying cutting-edge comparative genomic methods at the population and species levels to assess the genetic health of threatened and endangered livestock breeds and other species (beneficials) to improve population management/control.

Structure and function of complex genomic regions. Individuals studying the function and diversity of genomic “dark matter” in complex eukaryotic genomes, including retroelement and satellite variation in normal physiology and disease.

The successful applicant will join a vibrant group of highly collaborative and productive scientists working in the field of comparative genomics across numerous animal species. Faculty members working in this area are distributed primarily across multiple departments in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. These faculty members are integral to the broader TAMU Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics (GGEN), a collaborative and nationally and internationally influential group of faculty and their trainees from twenty departments in six colleges. The faculty is supported by state-of-the-art next-generation genomics facilities and computational infrastructure housed in the High-Performance Research Computing center. Beyond the genetics and genomics community, broad collaborative opportunities are available across campus, including the potential to work with clinical veterinarians within the VMBS, and members of interdisciplinary faculties in reproductive biology, toxicology, ecology & evolutionary biology, environmental health, and neuroscience.

The successful candidates will be expected to develop and sustain a vigorous extramurally funded research program. In addition, candidates will be expected to contribute to recruiting and training graduate students in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics and/or the graduate program in  the Department of Animal Science . They will also be expected to teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate-level, conditional on the candidate’s interests and departmental/programmatic needs. The successful candidates will also contribute to departmental and university-wide service efforts. 

Resources: Texas A&M University is one of only 24 institutions in the nation to hold the triple designation as a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university with several high-quality academic units conducting research, teaching, and service activities in animal science. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive salary, startup package, laboratory space with shared equipment, and access to facilities and core laboratories operated by the Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Qualifications

• Candidates must possess a PhD in genetics and genomics or a closely related discipline.
• Evidence of research excellence.
• Experience in livestock genetics and genomics or a willingness to transition into livestock genetics and genomics.
• Candidates must have a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrate potential to obtain competitive extramural funding to support their research.
• Evidence of potential for quality teaching and mentorship.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant postdoctoral experience

 Application Instructions: All qualified candidates are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted through Interfolio.

INTERFOLIO LINK - https://apply.interfolio.com/185680

Applicants must submit the following:

1. A cover letter.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A personal statement that includes the applicant’s philosophy and plans for research, teaching, and service.
4. Contact information for five individuals who can provide a critical evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications for the position.

For questions, email inquiries to Dr. David Riley, Search Committee Chair, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77873-2471, via Ms. Amy Carwile, email: (amy.carwile@ag.tamu.edu), or Dr. William Murphy (wmurphy@cvm.tamu.edu), CCGEN Director.

The review of applications is anticipated to begin on July 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Equal opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer